VWB Blog As of last year, more than 32 million small businesses were operating in the United States.
Unfortunately, many of these people will have to close their doors within 5 years because of financial issues. A lack of understanding and planning can result in poor financial management, putting a great concept at risk.
If you want to help your company develop and increase revenue, you need to manage finances first. Keep reading to discover the best financial tips to keep your business afloat!
1. Keep Finances Separate
When it comes to running a business, many owners find their assets and finances to be intertwined.
Mixing personal and business finances is never good. You need to keep the two separate so that audits, taxes, and payments don’t become a headache. When business partners and vendors impact your revenue, you want to have a clear view of where your money is going.
Buying coffee and groceries with your business cards can lead to confusion and you’ll have to keep the receipts for tax audits. Another reason you need to keep your personal and business money separate is in the event you need to apply for a loan.
2. Take Smart Risks
Opening a business is a large risk, you invest in something that you hope will become successful.
Often, business owners stop taking risks after the business opens, which can damage sales. Taking smart risks by investing in your company can lead you to greater success. Since you still have to maintain your finances, you don’t want to invest more than you can afford.
Cutting costs can help you invest money into better technology or products for your business. This could momentarily set you back financially, but if you plan it well, you’ll quickly earn your money back.
Thinking about the future is what sets apart a failing business and one that is thriving.
3. Don’t Forget About Yourself
Some people put their minds, bodies, and money into their businesses, and don’t even think about themselves.
It might be tempting to cut back on your pay so your business can hold onto the cash, but you still need a home and food. When you do payroll, make sure you don’t forget to take care of yourself and invest in your savings account.
Your business might feel like your only option for success, but if it fails, you could be left with nothing. Pay for yourself and monitor your finances so you can see the warning signs of financial failure. If you have a savings account to fall back onto, you can look for a new job and still afford your house.
4. Consider Financial Help
There are a few ways you can increase your company finances as you start your company.
Working with a financial investor and letting them be a partner can help you quickly implement your business plan. You can also apply for small business loans, which have reasonable interest rates and deals.
When you start your business, you’ll need funding for equipment, property, payroll, and marketing. Unless you’re sitting on a large sum of cash, you’ll need help covering these purchases.
Increasing your cash flow with a loan can prevent your projects from getting delayed or only offering subpar services.
If you want the best support, take the time to find a business loan and services marketplace.
5. Designate Money
If you want to improve financial management, you need to organize your revenue.
Assessing your financial situation, assets, and balances will help you identify where the money needs to go. Blindly spending money without creating a budget will lead to increased debts or confusion. You need to identify how much money you can afford to put towards marketing, rent, and payroll.
Although finances can fluctuate, designating money will help you be more prepared for the unexpected. Try to set aside a portion of your revenue for emergency funds in case any setbacks happen.
6. Distribute Tax Payments
There’s nothing worse than owing the IRS a large sum of cash all at once.
If you’re worried about making large tax payments, you should distribute them. Instead of making quarterly tax payments, you can make smaller ones each month. Spreading out these payments can help you during slower periods and it prevents your account from getting low.
Talk with your accountant or financial advisor about payment options so you can better manage your money. Making more frequent payments can also help you identify where money is getting wasted.
7. Create an Invoice System
Many business owners struggle to manage finances when they’ve got a lot of incoming and outgoing invoices.
Creating a system to accept, pay, and process invoices is essential. Without tracking invoices, you could go into debt with a vendor you’re trying to create positive relationships with.
Not only will you need a plan for accepting and paying invoices, but also for distributing them. Businesses often write invoices while working with clients and vendors. Make sure invoices are handled by select individuals.
Find Success with These Financial Tips
No matter how amazing your products or services are, you won’t succeed without stable finances.
The financial tips mentioned above can help you balance your books and distribute money. Since you can’t run a business while running your personal life into the ground, don’t forget to pay yourself. Investing in yourself and the future will increase your odds of success and help you prioritize money.
Don’t be afraid to apply for a loan, especially if you don’t want a partner.
Be sure to scroll through our blog to find more content on money management and running a business!