If you're like most successful business owners and investors, you've got a list. Tax strategies to implement. That estate plan update. The portfolio review that keeps getting bumped.
August offers something rare: space to think strategically. Four months of runway until year-end. Kids heading back to school, bringing predictable routines. Your advisors available before their busy season kicks in.
This is your window to execute, not just plan.
The August Reset
August sits at a unique intersection. Q2 is behind you. The holiday rush hasn't started. You can actually think.
Behavioral economists call this a "temporal landmark"—a natural reset point. While January gets all the attention, August gets things done.
For business owners: It's like working ON the business instead of IN it—but for your personal wealth.
For investors: You can analyze without the market noise of earnings season or year-end positioning.
Three Moves for August
Move 1: The Complete Picture
Gather every account statement. The forgotten 401(k). The old savings account. The brokerage account from 2020. Everything in one place.
Most business owners know their company's cash to the penny but estimate their personal net worth. This gap creates missed opportunities. Investors and executives often track their main portfolio daily but overlook RSUs, deferred comp, and old employer plans.
Action: Build a simple spreadsheet with Account, Balance, Purpose, and Last Review Date
Insight: Those neglected accounts often hold opportunities
Move 2: Your Q4 Cash Map
Strategic liquidity planning prevents year-end scrambles. If you own a business, you need clarity on your September estimated tax payment, planned distributions before year-end, and the timing of equipment purchases or bonuses. Most importantly—where's your true emergency fund? Personal accounts or trapped in the business?
For investors and executives, map out tax payments through January, potential capital calls, and any major purchases you're considering. Don't forget option exercise timing if that's in play.
Build: Cash flow by month through March 2026
Define: Your comfort number for taking calculated risks
Move 3: Strategic Conversations
Your professional team is most effective when deployed strategically, not reactively. Start with your CPA. Ask them to run your tax projection with current numbers. Find out what moves to consider before September 30 and what tax changes affect you this year.
With your wealth advisor, dig deeper:
- "Where's my concentration risk, including my business?"
- "What three moves would make the biggest difference this year?"
- "Are we coordinating with my CPA on gain/loss timing?"
- "What strategies are working for others in my situation?"
If you have an estate attorney, now's the time to review what life changes affect your documents and ensure your business and estate plans actually align.
The Back-to-School Reset. If you have kids, the return to school routine creates natural structure. Use it strategically. The week kids return, schedule all professional meetings. The following week, complete your financial review. By Labor Day, have your Q4 priorities locked down.
Your August Scorecard
By Labor Day, aim for progress over perfection.
Essential items: Get all accounts documented, schedule that tax projection, and map your Q4 cash needs.
Important additions: Identify one key tax strategy, complete your portfolio review, and review estate documents for needed updates.
Ideal scenario: Book your 2026 planning session, review insurance coverage, and update your investment policy statement.
Why Timing Matters.
Waiting until December limits your options. Tax strategies often need 90 days to implement effectively. Year-end rebalancing means you're fighting crowded trades. Business valuations for gifting require 8-12 weeks. Good strategies need time to work properly.
Your August Action Plan
- Week 1: Gather all statements and documents
- Week 2: Review with your advisor (I'm here!) to identify priorities
- Week 3: Connect your team—make sure your CPA and advisor are coordinating
- Week 4: Commit to three specific Q4 moves
Moving Forward
August offers what December doesn't: time to be thoughtful rather than reactive. While I'm available throughout Q4 (our estate planning partners too), strategies implemented now have room to develop. December strategies are limited to what's still possible. You have 120+ days to position yourself for a strong finish to 2025 and an even stronger 2026.