Five Business Decisions Worth Making Now
Year-end moves quickly when you’re running a business. Between daily operations and holiday demands, it’s easy to put planning off until January. But a few thoughtful decisions now can help you avoid surprises later. You don’t need another long checklist. Start with these five questions to tie up loose ends and head into 2027 with a clearer sense of what’s next.
1. Are You Waiting on Money You’ve Already Earned?
Unpaid invoices can leave a gap between the work you’ve completed and the money available to run your business. Review outstanding balances, starting with overdue payments and larger amounts.
Look for anything holding up payment, such as a billing dispute, missing purchase order, or approval delay. Sometimes a direct conversation is the quickest way to resolve an issue and agree on a payment date.
If late payments are a recurring problem, take a fresh look at your billing process. Clearer due dates, earlier invoicing, and consistent follow-up may help you spend less time chasing payments in the new year.
2. What Upcoming Expenses Could Catch You Off Guard?
Regular monthly bills are only part of the picture. Look ahead at insurance renewals, software contracts, equipment maintenance, annual licenses, property expenses, and potential supplier price changes. Pay special attention to contracts that renew automatically. If you’re considering canceling or renegotiating, check the notice requirements before the deadline passes.
Knowing what’s coming gives you time to budget, compare options, or adjust your plans—rather than make a rushed decision when a bill arrives.
As you plan, consider setting money aside for future expenses. Explore CWCU’s Business Savings Accounts for options that fit your savings goals.
3. Are Your Business Relationships Still Working for You?
Your business evolves, and the relationships that support it should keep pace. Consider your key suppliers, service providers, and business partners. Are you getting the service and value you need? Does each arrangement still fit how you operate?
This doesn’t have to mean switching providers. A conversation about pricing, service levels, or payment terms may be all it takes to make an existing relationship work better.
Start with the relationships that have the biggest impact on your day-to-day operations, including your banking relationship. If your needs have changed, compare CWCU’s Business Checking Accounts as part of your review.
4. Do the Right People Have the Right Access?
When employees join, leave, or change roles, account access can be easy to overlook. Take time to review who can access business banking, approve payments, view sensitive information, and make changes to important accounts.
Remove access that’s no longer needed and adjust permissions to match current responsibilities. It’s also worth checking that essential financial tasks won’t stall if one person is unavailable. A designated backup should have the training and properly authorized access needed to step in—not someone else’s login credentials.
The goal is simple: give people the access they need to do their jobs while keeping your business information protected.
With CWCU’s Business Online & Mobile Services, business owners and administrators can create roles and add users with permissions to view transactions or transact on behalf of the business.
5. What Deserves Your Attention First in 2027?
You likely have more ideas than time to pursue them. Instead of carrying a long wish list into January, choose three priorities for the first quarter.
Maybe you want to improve a slow process, replace aging equipment, strengthen a customer relationship, or prepare for an expansion. Whatever you choose, make the next step clear:
- What needs to happen?
- Who will take responsibility?
- When should it be done?
A short plan with specific actions is easier to put into motion than a long list of goals.
If a priority requires financing, explore CWCU’s Business Loans, including vehicle and equipment loans, lines of credit, and commercial real estate financing, to start understanding your options.
Final Reminder
You don’t have to solve everything before January 1. The goal is to spot what needs attention, decide what matters most, and take a few practical steps while there’s still time.
Need help reviewing your business banking or financing options for the year ahead? At Central Willamette Credit Union, we work with local business owners all year long. If you need help with accounts, financing, or planning ahead, schedule a meeting with our team. We’re here for you.
The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any financial decisions. Federally insured by NCUA. Membership eligibility required. Business loans/lines of credit subject to credit approval. Rates/terms/fees may apply; ask for details.