Got budget left to spend? Here's how to use it wisely (and avoid a last-minute panic buy)
The end of the financial year is creeping up, and if you’ve got a bit of budget left to spend, the temptation to panic-buy something (anything!) is real.
But before you bulk order 500 branded stress balls - or a load of photography equipment no-one in the team knows how to use - let’s talk about how to invest your leftover budget in ways that will actually make a difference.
1. Quick wins that pack a punch
If time’s running out but you want to make an impact, go for small but mighty investments:
Website tweaks – does your site load slower than a Monday morning? A few quick fixes could make all the difference.
Branded templates - social media posts, reports, presentations… Save yourself time and ensure your brand looks polished all year round.
Content refresh – got a blog from 2019 that still gets traffic? Get some fresh eyes in to give it a refresh and make it work harder for you.
2. Don’t let panic spending win
We really do get it - spending for the sake of it is tempting, but trust us, your future self will thank you for being strategic:
Focus on things that will help you next year, not just what looks good now.
If you’re not sure what’s worth prioritising, a quick chat with an expert (like me!) can point you in the right direction.
Please, for the love of all things good, avoid gimmicky, throwaway purchases (yes, I’m looking at you with your unnecessary merch).
3. Spend now, save later
A little investment now can make life easier down the line. Consider:
Pre-booking design or comms support – locking in time with an agency for future projects can help you stay ahead (though watch out: some finance teams aren’t big fans of this if the work isn’t done that same financial year!)
Audits and strategy work – a website, brand, or social media audit can highlight easy wins and long-term improvements.
Training for your team – upskilling in key areas now means fewer headaches (and fewer frantic Google searches) later.
A calmer way to close out the financial year
End-of-year budgets don’t have to mean rushed decisions or cupboards full of unused merch. With a bit of intention, that leftover spend can become something genuinely useful - the kind of investment that saves time, reduces stress, and sets you up well for the year ahead.
If you’re staring at a spreadsheet and wondering what’s actually worth it, take a breath. A thoughtful tweak, a bit of strategic thinking, or the right support now can make a far bigger impact than a last-minute splurge.
And if you want a sounding board to help you decide what will really make a difference, you know where to find me.
A version of this blog was originally published on the olio creative website.
