10/01/2026
Happy International Coffee Day!
Over the last two days we celebrated, then we prepared. Today is the day to put it to work.
It’s also October 1, the start of the final quarter of fiscal 2026.
For many coffee shops, Q4 is one of the strongest cash flow quarters of the year. Cold weather, seasonal menus, holiday gifting, and more people looking for a warm place to meet all bring customers through your door.
A strong quarter doesn’t automatically mean a profitable one.
More sales also means more COGS, more payroll, and more tax to set aside. The owners who finish the year strong are the ones who plan the quarter before it starts.
Here’s how to build your Q4 with Profit First:
• Appreciate your cash. Look at the balance in your bank accounts today. That’s the starting line for the quarter.
• Check your allocations. Are your percentages still right for your business today? If COGS and payroll will grow with Q4 volume, make sure those accounts are set up to keep up.
• Get ahead of taxes. More revenue means a bigger sales tax bill.
Keep funding your Tax account every time, so Q4 doesn’t surprise you in January 2027.
• Plan your seasonal spend. Holiday staffing, extra inventory, and promotions are best decided now, with your numbers in front of you, not in the middle of the rush.
• Mark your profit distribution. Put your quarterly Profit First distribution on the calendar, 1/15/2027! You earned it, so celebrate it.
Keep making your weekly Profit First transfers all quarter long, especially during your busiest weeks. The busier you are, the more important it is to pay your Profit account first.
Let’s finish 2026 strong, with cash in the bank and profit in your pocket.
Coffee owners, what’s the one thing you’re planning for Q4?
Share it below and let’s cheer each other on.