I've sold my business. What should I do in the first 100 days?

Days 1–10: establish what is available

Compare actual receipts with the completion statement. Keep the sale agreement, bank evidence and adviser invoices together. Record any outstanding adjustments, retentions, warranties, earn-outs and expected later payments. An amount that is due in the future belongs on the schedule, but it cannot pay today's bills.

Ask the accountant to confirm the tax reserve, likely payment dates and who is responsible for reporting. Put a reminder ahead of each deadline. Keep enough accessible money for identified obligations rather than letting the full balance become the starting point for discretionary spending.

Reference: GOV.UK: Reporting and paying Capital Gains Tax

Check deposit protection without assuming special cover

As at 8 September 2026, standard FSCS deposit protection is £120,000 per eligible person, per UK-authorised firm. Different banking brands can share an authorisation. Check the underlying firm and add up eligible balances held under it, including money already there before the sale.

Temporary high balance protection can cover up to £1.4 million for six months for qualifying life events. FSCS lists events such as a main-home sale, inheritance and retirement benefits; an ordinary business sale is not listed. Do not assume that a large business-sale receipt automatically qualifies. Ask the provider about the account and check the FSCS guidance; eligibility is determined under the scheme's rules.

Reference: FSCS: Temporary high balances and standard deposit protection

Reference: FSCS: Deposit protection limit change

Days 11–30: rebuild the household picture

Map your spending now the business no longer pays salary or benefits. Include annual bills, replacement insurance, travel and support for dependants. Separate ordinary spending from celebratory purchases and family gifts. A temporary budget gives you room to decide what the next chapter should look like.

Review access and security too. Use secure banking arrangements, restrict who receives detailed financial information and independently verify unexpected payment requests. The FCA warns that fraudsters can impersonate authorised firms, so a familiar name or convincing document is not sufficient verification.

Reference: FCA: Protect yourself from scams

Days 31–100: agree the longer-term decisions

Create a written brief covering income, housing, family, future work and the level of uncertainty you can accept. Use it to assess advice proposals. Request costs in pounds, clarity about ongoing reviews and an explanation of how any recommended investments support each objective.

Allow space for decisions that are personal rather than financial: how you spend your week, what work you want to retain and who will help you think things through. There is no universal portfolio, cooling-off period or lifestyle that every former owner should adopt.

• Reconcile receipts and store the transaction records securely.
• Confirm tax reserves and a reporting calendar.
• Check deposit protection across underlying authorised firms.
• Replace the household budget and identify benefits that have ended.
• Write a long-term brief before approving major commitments.