Morning Reader,

Most financial stress in private practice doesn’t come from one big mistake…
It comes from small things that don’t happen consistently.

Putting important things off until “later” because they’re not urgent.

The good news?
There are just a few habits that make a huge difference.

Here are 3 to focus on:

1. Keep your books up to date (monthly)​
This doesn’t have to be perfect.

But if your numbers are 2–3 months behind, it’s almost impossible to make confident decisions — or know what’s actually going on in your business.

Even a quick monthly review of your P&L and bank accounts can go a long way.

(QBO users: run your Profit & Loss report by month for the last 3 months. You’ll start to see trends this way.)

2. Set aside money for taxes as you go​
This is one of the biggest sources of stress I see.

A simple habit: set aside a percentage of your income each month into a separate account. Start with 2% and increase by 1% each month until you get to 10%. You won’t notice it as much if you increase in small increments.

Bonus if it’s in a high-yield savings account, where you’ll earn a little interest 😉

3. Check in on your numbers regularly​
Not just once a year.

Look at:
• Revenue trends
• Expenses creeping up
• How much you’re actually taking home

These small check-ins help you catch issues early — before they turn into bigger problems, and notice what’s going well so you know where to keep focusing your energy.

If you’re reading this and thinking…
“I’m a little behind right now” — you’re not alone.

This time of year can sneak up quickly.

If you still need help getting your taxes filed, we’ve partnered with a service that can help therapists get caught up quickly and handle filing.

​https://partners.taxfyle.com/bc8xmobe9zjd: use code FOCALPOINT10 for 10% off

You don’t need to do everything perfectly.

But having a few simple habits in place can make your finances feel a lot more manageable — not just during tax season, but all year.

The Update: News for Your Practice

1) 6 emerging trends shaping therapy in 2026​

SimplePractice outlines therapists’ predictions about the future of mental health treatment and the emerging therapy trends in 2026.

2) Tax Refund Delays Reported in Several States​

Taxpayers in Idaho, New York, Oregon, South Carolina and Washington, DC may face slower state tax refunds this year. Processing issues, software problems and disputes over new federal tax rules are causing delays.

3) Where to Find Talent When LinkedIn Isn't Enough​

Small businesses facing LinkedIn's rising costs are turning to alternatives like Built In, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter.

Best,

Emily

P.S. If your numbers aren’t clear right now, it’s hard to plan ahead. Reply “books” and my team will help you get everything up to date.