Smart Tips For Small Business Owners To Manage Finances In Right Way

Small business owners need a diverse set of skills to operate a business. The most crucial is knowing how to manage finances. It is a challenge for many small businesses, with more than 30% failing due to cash flow problems. This is the reality of many small companies as they struggle to get a firm financial footing in the market. Performing a financial overhaul goes a long way in improving a company’s financial state and helping a business grow. Here are ways to help you do it:


1. Create Separate Accounts for Personal and Business Expenses

Mixing business and personal expenses also make it difficult to file taxes and calculate the value of the company. Separating the accounts provides a clear outlook on the incomes, revenues, and general performance of the business. It also eliminates the likelihood of developing a cash crunch caused by making numerous withdrawals for personal expenses.

As such, every business owner should open a business checking account and credit card for business expenses. Categorizing the expenses consistently not only improves the business credit score but also removes any personal liability in the event of an emergency. Before signing up for the loan contract, calculate the actual monthly loan repayments required. Loan calculating software like the Nova scotia auto finance calculator should come in handy.


2.   Apply for Debt Strategically

Applying for a loan or for venture capital is not all that bad, especially if you are using it to grow the business. For example, if you have a restaurant and want to open another, a small business loan should help you achieve both ends.

The secret is to plan for the debt, i.e., how you want to use the funding, how the business will pay it back, they of debt (credit card or line of credit). However, be wary of the interest rate as it can reduce your profit margin significantly. Apply for a mortgage that keeps your interest expenses low to help the business attain profitability.


3.  Track Your Expenditure

Track your spending accurately. You can invest in bookkeeping software to help you monitor all your expenses. Alternatively, engage an accountant every month to review your business expenses. If you want to manage the accounts yourself, examine trends such as expenses that have increased or reduced. Identify areas where you can reduce particular expenses and develop a tracking system for your business expenses.


4.  Negotiate with Suppliers

When purchasing products from vendors, negotiate for better deals. If the supplier only provides discounts to customers who can pay within ten days, find out if he can give you a discount after paying within 20 or 30 days. If your vendor does not offer cash discounts and his terms are net-30, pay them in net-45. These small savings that help you manage your finances adequately.


5.   Avoid Paying Bills Using Credit Cards

Unless you are paying the credit card debt in full when payment is due, you want to avoid it. Credit card interest rates are outrageous and being a small business; you need to eliminate costs that result in high-interest expenses.

If you are cash-strapped, you don’t want to make it more expensive by adding interest expense to the price. For example, if you purchase an item for $1000 using a credit card whose interest rate is 18%, you end up paying $175 in interest and owe $946.

What’s more, interest rates are bound to increase on the unpaid balance. The appealing annual percentage rate charged on credit card debt may include an introductory rate, which is bound to increase if the balance is not paid in full. It explains why a 7% APR can skyrocket to 20% within a short period.

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