The 15-Minute Weekly Money Date (Don't let Taxes Ambush You in April)
If you fall into April every year, realizing all too late that you forgot to prepare your taxes . . . this year is different. Consider this your reminder to get on top of those finances before they jumpscare you!
We’re going to make a 15-minute weekly money date so you can get ready for April. The sooner you start, the better.
What Can You Do in 15 Minutes?
It might not seem like much time, but that’s why it’s so doable. Anyone can dig up 15 minutes every week. Here’s how you’re going to break it down:
Catch the Money Breadcrumbs: 3-Minute Inbox Sweep
Since this is a weekly thing, you only need a few minutes to check that you’re on track.
Start by looking at your bank and credit card transactions and flag anything you personally paid that falls under business expenses.
Next, check any sales channels you have to confirm all the deposits are what you expect. Don’t forget the hidden ones like Paypal, Etsy, or Amazon.
Finally, screenshot any important receipts and save to a folder labeled “Taxes-2026” in your email inbox.
Divide and Conquer: 5-Minute Categorizing
This step is actually simpler after the first time. You’ll need to decide on some categories. Some examples include:
Income
Supplies/subscriptions
Marketing
Travel/meals (only if they’re really business related)
Home office/utilities
Contractors
Employees
Don’t stress too much, you can always add more categories if you need them. It doesn’t need to be perfect the first time.
Once you’ve chosen your categories, dump your weekly transactions into them. This can be set up in a spreadsheet, notes, or a bookkeeping app. Wherever you put them, just make sure you can find the info again easily.
Flag the Important Stuff: Take 4 Minutes for Your Tax Pro
Your tax expert doesn’t like being surprised any more than you do, so take a few minutes to flag things that will matter in your taxes. What makes the cut? Anything that is a big change or a high cost item. For example:
Big purchases - computers, machinery, vehicles, etc.
New income streams - brand deals, consulting fees, courses, etc.
Hired help - contractors, VAs, editors, and anyone else you may hire
Cross-border payments - travel, foreign sales platforms, and foreign payouts
Crazy earning months - viral launches, big jump in royalties, or other times when you have a spike in income
Plan Ahead and Set Money Aside: The 3-Minute Lifesaver
Before anything else, if you are self-employed, contact your tax expert and ask if you need quarterly estimates. This lets you know exactly what you need to plan. Next, make a point of transferring a percentage of your money to a tax account. Even if it’s a small amount, this will help you stay afloat come tax season. Of course, it’s always best to set aside the amount you expect to pay in taxes, but your tax pro can help you figure out just how much needs to go to that account each week.
Ready to learn more tips and tricks to stay on top of your taxes this season? Contact Ask Anna Tax for more information.
