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Tiny Tweaks, Big Impact: Financial Tune-Ups for Your Practice in 2026


Managing your practice’s finances doesn’t require a major overhaul—just steady, thoughtful tweaks. The best results come from consistent habits and regular check-ins, not from overhauling your whole business in a weekend. Here’s how to set your practice up for even more profitability in 2026, one smart change at a time.


1. Audit Your Subscriptions and Recurring Expenses

Let’s start with the low-hanging fruit. Over time, it’s easy for monthly expenses to creep up—think software, directories, or “free trials” that quietly become paid. For established practices, even small charges can add up to thousands over a year.


What to do: Block off 20 minutes. Pull up your business bank and credit card statements. Highlight every recurring charge and ask yourself:

  • Is this tool or subscription truly making my practice more efficient or profitable?

  • Is there a more cost-effective option out there?

  • Is my team actually using it?

Cut what doesn’t serve you. Reallocate those dollars toward something that actually matters (like savings, team bonuses, or a well-deserved team lunch).



2. Schedule (and Actually Have) Monthly Money Dates

Financial clarity comes from regular check-ins—not from letting receipts pile up until tax time. A “money date” is your non-negotiable CEO time. Put it on your calendar and treat it like any other important meeting.


Each month, review:

  • Financial reports from your accountant

  • Revenue and expenses

  • Accounts Receivable in your EHR/EMR

  • Upcoming bills

  • Progress toward your profit and savings goals


This is also the perfect time to reflect, set goals, and make small adjustments before problems become big ones.


3. Automate and Optimize Your Savings

If you find yourself “planning” to set aside money for taxes or an emergency fund—but then life happens—you’re not alone. The easiest way to build financial security (and sanity) is to make savings a system, not a decision you have to make every month.


How to do it:

  • Open new, dedicated bank accounts for tax savings and your business emergency fund.

  • Use your monthly money date to transfer funds into each account.(Curious about a system that makes this even easier? Check out Profit First for Therapists.)

  • Starting small is good, but ideally you’ll base your transfers on your actual practice revenue, upcoming quarterly estimated tax payments and real goals. For most group and thriving solo practices, this will be a meaningful percentage or amount that reflects your true needs.


This isn’t just about “saving for a rainy day”—it’s about smoothing out the ups and downs, preparing for tax season, and sleeping better at night.



4. Review and Reinforce Your Cancellation & No-Show Policies

Cancellations and no-shows are part of practice life—but lost revenue doesn’t have to be. Many practices leave money on the table because their policies are unclear or not consistently enforced.


Quick wins:

  • Update your paperwork: Make sure your policy is clear, current, and included in all relevant documentation.

  • Talk about it with your team—regularly! Even if you reviewed policies at onboarding, make them a routine agenda item in team meetings. The goal is for every team member to feel comfortable enforcing them, every time.

  • Remind clients as needed: Gentle reminders, especially with new or returning clients, keep policies top-of-mind and respected.


A clear, consistently enforced policy protects your time, your clinicians, and your revenue.


5. Refresh Your Rates


Adjusting your rates is about keeping your practice healthy and sustainable as costs rise. For insurance-based practices, this may mean requesting a rate increase from panels (and yes, we know it’s rarely easy, but it’s always worth asking).


For cash pay practices, a modest, annual increase ($5-10/session, for example) is normal and expected.


Best practice:

  • Review your rates at least once a year.

  • For insurance: Request a raise when appropriate, understanding not every payer will grant it.

  • For cash pay: Plan for a small, consistent increase each year. Your clients are expecting it, and it helps you stay ahead of inflation and rising costs.


The key is consistency—make it a regular part of your financial rhythm, not a last-ditch effort.


Final Thoughts: Progress Over Perfection


You don’t have to implement every change at once. Pick one or two areas to focus on this month and make them part of your routine. Over time, these tiny tweaks can dramatically improve your practice’s profitability and peace of mind.


Need a partner for the journey? At GreenOak Accounting, we specialize in helping therapy practices thrive—not just survive. Whether you want support with the nitty-gritty, a game plan for growth, or just someone to walk you through your next big move, we’re here for you.


Ready to make 2026 your most profitable year yet? Let’s chat.



This article is designed to provide information only and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Because of the complexity of the law and the variables in your own personal tax situation, you can’t rely on our advice specifically related to your unique circumstances. In order to get the best tax savings and legal advice available to you, you should consult with your own accountant, attorney, or advisor regarding your particular facts and circumstances.


GreenOak Accounting specializes in working with private practice owners across the United States. For more information on our services, visit our website.

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