The Oklahoma Bar Journal January 2026

JANUARY IS YOUR RESET BUTTON You do not need to become an accountant or enjoy working with spreadsheets, but you do need a clear understanding of your firm’s finances and a few intentional adjustments to help the year run smoothly. And if you find yourself unsure about what the numbers are telling you, this is the perfect time to consult with your CPA. They can explain the financial picture, answer questions you may not know how to ask and help you avoid unpleasant surprises at tax time. Set aside an hour, pour a cup of coffee and look back at last year’s numbers. A few thoughtful deci sions now can make the months ahead more predictable and profit able. Here’s to a stable, productive and successful 2026! Ms. Bays is the OBA Management Assistance Program director. "Need a quick answer to a tech problem or help solving a management dilemma? Contact her at 405-416-7031, 800-522-8060 or julieb@okbar.org. It’s a free member benefit.

dramatically improve decision-making. You can refine it over time. Bill on the same day every month. Lawyers often underestimate how pow erful a consistent billing cycle can be. Clients appre ciate it, receivables improve and revenue becomes more predictable. Reduce aging receivables. Maybe your goal is to bring all outstanding invoices in under 60 days, set up automated reminders or reach out personally once a quarter. Pick a method that feels doable. Review software subscrip tions quarterly. So many firms quietly bleed money on unused tools. A brief review every few months can save hundreds of dol lars per year. monthly salary. This may feel counterintuitive for solo practitioners, but it creates stability. Even a modest, pre dictable amount helps both your personal finances and your business planning. Build a “rainy day” fund for the firm. Even setting aside a small amount each month can protect you from the inevitable slow period, unexpected repair or equip ment crash. Lawyers tend to be high achievers, which means we also tend to create long lists of ambi tious goals. Focusing on one goal removes the pressure. It builds confidence and creates a sense of progress that carries into the rest of your financial habits. Pay yourself a steady

unpredictably, proactively plan for them. Setting aside a small amount each month prevents the “budget earthquake” that happens when a major item appears unexpectedly. It also allows you to time purchases for revenue-heavy months. PLAN FOR PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND TECHNOLOGY CLEs, conferences and technol ogy upgrades are not “extras.” You should plan these to improve your competence and directly benefit clients. January is the perfect time to map out which skills you want to sharpen and what tools you want to upgrade. Even a simple annual plan helps ensure that investment in your practice hap pens intentionally, not reactively. To maximize the benefits, consider creating a professional development calendar at the start of each year. Identify specific CLE courses, conferences or webinars you want to attend, and set aside funds for registration and travel. If the idea of budgeting still feels overwhelming, here is some good news: You do not need to transform your entire financial system to make meaningful prog ress. In fact, the most successful small-firm lawyers I work with usually focus on one financial habit at a time. Just one. When that habit becomes routine, everything else gets easier. Choose a goal that feels realistic – something you can stick with on a busy week, not just when you’re feeling motivated in January. Here are some options to consider: SET ONE SIMPLE GOAL FOR 2026

Start a simple written budget. Nothing fancy.

Even a one-page document listing expected revenue and monthly expenses can

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THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL