So many founders hit the end of the year with a knot in their stomach. Numbers feel foggy, the tax reminders pile up, and suddenly every notification becomes existential. But the panic isn't because you've failed. It's because you're flying blind without the systems that keep your money working for you instead of quietly slipping away.

On this episode of Become Sensible, I break down the seven most common (and costly) year-end financial mistakes founders make—and how to fix them before December 31st. From ignoring margins to guessing your tax bill to scaling on a shaky foundation, we’ll go over why these issues show up, how they compound, and the exact steps to regain control. This is a practical, no-drama reset for anyone who wants to enter 2026 with clarity, confidence, and cleaner books than ever.

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• Follow me, Fiona Nguyen, on LinkedIn. Learn more about Balannx.

Timestamps

• 0:00 - Intro
• 1:50 - Mistake #1: Waiting until tax season to look at your numbers
• 6:22 - Mistake #2: Guessing your tax bill
• 9:18 - Mistake #3: Ignoring contractor payments (1099 prep)
• 10:38 - Mistake #4: Not reviewing margins before 2026 pricing
• 12:38 - Mistake #5: Silent spending that drains profit
• 14:45 - Mistake #6: Assuming growth - financial health
• 16:56 - Mistake #7: Skipping a proper year-end close
• 19:30 - Why clarity beats avoidance every time

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