Your 90-Day Profit Planning Checklist

tamanisha
Sep 8
2 min read

Most businesses focus on profit once a year, typically at tax time. But here’s the truth: if you only plan for profit annually, you’re leaving money on the table every quarter.

Smart CEOs treat profit planning like a rolling 90-day strategy. Why? Because markets shift, expenses creep, and opportunities pop up faster than you think. A quarterly rhythm keeps your finances agile and your business growth intentional.

Here’s your 90-day profit planning checklist to stay ahead:

1. Review Revenue Streams

Which products or services brought in the most revenue last quarter?
Which ones underperformed?
Where can you double down—or cut back—to maximize profit?

Tip: Rank your revenue sources by profitability, not just sales. High sales volume doesn’t always mean high margin.

2. Audit Expenses

Review recurring subscriptions, software, and vendor costs.
Eliminate tools or services you no longer use.
Negotiate rates with suppliers if possible.

Tip: Small leaks sink ships. Even trimming 5–10% of unnecessary expenses can boost margins quickly.

3. Forecast Cash Flow

Project income vs. expenses for the next 90 days.
Account for tax payments, seasonal dips, or big contracts.
Plan for a cash cushion; ideally 2–3 months of operating expenses.

Tip: A cash flow forecast isn’t about perfection, it’s about preparation.

4. Optimize Taxes

Are there deductions or credits you can accelerate this quarter?
Should you adjust payroll or estimated tax payments?
Are you documenting everything for audit-proof records?

Tip: Tax planning isn’t a once-a-year move—it’s a quarterly strategy that protects profits.

5. Set a Quarterly Profit Goal

Decide how much profit you want to keep, not just revenue you want to earn.
Build expenses and growth investments around that target.
Review progress monthly to stay on track.

Tip: What gets measured gets managed. Profit goals should be as visible as sales targets.

The Bottom Line

Profit doesn’t happen by accident; it’s planned. With this 90-day checklist, you’ll know exactly where your money is coming from, where it’s going, and how much you’re keeping.

We help entrepreneurs, service providers, and government contractors build quarterly profit strategies that lead to long-term wealth; not just survival.