As August winds down and the back-to-school buzz begins, many Alberta parents find themselves juggling more than just supply lists and lunch prep — especially those who also run a business. If you’re a parent and an entrepreneur, this transitional time of year is the perfect opportunity to realign your financial focus and prepare for a strong close to the year.
At Me Consulting Inc., we work with busy business owners who wear multiple hats — and we know that planning ahead in both personal and business finances is the key to staying in control. Here are three smart financial moves you can make this back-to-school season:
1. Revisit or Kickstart Your RESP Contributions
With education top of mind in September, now’s the perfect time to revisit your Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) contributions. Even small monthly contributions can add up, especially with the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) matching 20% of the first $2,500 annually.
Whether your child is heading to kindergarten or already planning their post-secondary path, contributing early — and consistently — can make a major difference down the line. If you’re a sole proprietor or incorporated business owner, we can help you structure your draws or dividends to make regular contributions easier.
2. Adjust Your Work Schedule and Admin Flow
Back-to-school often means shifting from summer’s flexible hours to a more structured daily routine. This is a great time to:
- Set up dedicated time blocks for financial admin, invoicing, or payroll.
- Automate recurring tasks (like GST/HST reminders or invoice follow-ups).
- Review your workday and availability, especially if your business hours are affected by school pick-ups or after-school programs.
Streamlining your time now will pay off when Q4 ramps up and year-end demands kick in.
3. Budget for Q4 Growth and Holiday Spending
The final quarter of the year tends to come fast — with seasonal promotions, inventory planning, year-end bonuses, and holiday events. Take time this month to:
- Review your year-to-date performance against your goals.
- Forecast your Q4 cash flow, especially if you expect seasonal sales changes.
- Set aside a holiday spending budget, both for your business and your household.
If you’ve had a strong summer, it might be time to reinvest in marketing or new tools. If things have slowed down, we can help you find opportunities to tighten up and prep for a stronger Q4.
You’re Not Just Running a Business — You’re Running a Household Too
Balancing entrepreneurship with parenting is no small feat — but with some intentional planning in August, you can set yourself up for success on both fronts.
Need help reviewing your finances, setting up better systems, or preparing for a productive Q4? Me Consulting Inc. is here to help. Book a free consultation today and let’s build a plan that works for your business and your family.
