You may be aware of some of the causes of personal debt, but do you know how to stop the signs that lead to business debt?
If this happens, you need to act immediately, as it won’t go away on its own.
Many companies who have ignored any warning signs end up regretting it later down the line – click here for debt solutions.
Good money management is vital for both personal and business financial security.
Some debt is normal, such as when taking out an initial loan to get your company up and running. Other forms should not occur in the first place.
Mixing Business Finances With Personal Finances
One of the causes of business debt can be where business and personal finances aren’t kept separate.
Ideally, you should have separate bank accounts for each.
This can show you exactly how much money you have at your disposal for both, and avoid the temptation of dipping into one to support the other.
You should not use money from your business account for home improvements, for example.
Likewise, you should be avoiding using your personal account to cover a business expense.
Unpaid Bills
Ensure that your bills are paid on time every month.
You might find it easier to have everything automated with direct debits being taken from your business bank account.
If you don’t have a physical office, or rarely visit it, it can also be a good idea to ask for digital statements and information via email.
Unpaid bills can cause late fees at best, and the loss of services in the worst-case scenario.
Multiple missed payments can quickly accrue into some serious business debt.
Cash Flow Dilemmas
It is essential that, to keep your business up and running, you always have enough money aside in your business account.
Just because you’ve had a few good months doesn’t mean you can blow it all on bonuses and redecorating your office.
This money is vital to the upkeep of your business.
All it can take is a couple of dodgy months until you are having to dip into overdrafts and loans simply to pay the bills.
Put money aside and leave it there, the same way you would with a personal rainy day fund.
Not Paying Investors
You can end up with debts that grow to astronomical proportions, and quickly, if you fail to pay your investors.
Remember, these are the people who made your business a possibility.
Not only will you potentially face problems from interest, you could also end up being taken to court for the money and having to pay an excess in lawyers and other fees.
This could, in turn, damage the reputation of your business, which can cause further financial distress.
Business Debt In Conclusion
Keeping your business running healthily will take some knowledge of finances, as well as ensuring that you are not too frivolous with your cash.
By making smart choices with your money, you should be able to keep your business afloat and growing while making all your necessary payments.
