Debt is a necessary part of running a business, allowing a company to purchase inventory, invest in equipment and finance growth. If not handled carefully, debt can cause serious problems. It’s important to develop methods for debt management so that a company’s credit rating may be preserved and operations sustained. The following are strategies and tactics for effectively managing business debt.
- Take inventory of your debt: List the money owed and to whom (business loans, lines of credit, business credit cards, outstanding amounts due to vendors). Include the total amount owed, interest rate and monthly payments. This information will help with the prioritization of payments.
- Create a plan: Develop a budget and a plan for repayment. Decide which debts to pay first and which pose less of an immediate threat. Decide whether you wish to use the avalanche strategy (paying off your debts, starting with the loan with the highest interest rate) or the debt snowball strategy (paying off the smallest of all your loans as quickly as possible) to settle your outstanding balances.
- Improve cash flow management: Improving cash flow requires measurement and forecasting, improving the management of payables and receivables and being prepared for shortfalls.
- Cut unnecessary spending: Review all costs (inventory, shipping, purchasing, rent, utilities, payroll, equipment, etc.). Look for costs that can be reduced or cut. Explore the possibility of alternative buying strategies. Negotiate with current suppliers in order to cut costs and/or find new suppliers with better pricing. Rewrite your budget.
- Increase your earnings: Fine-tune your invoice collection, using collection strategies for a more predictable cash flow. Promote your business (social media, community events, etc.) to increase income. Bundle products to reduce selling price and improve sales volume. Provide employee training to enhance sales performance. Find ways to retain customers and attract new ones.
- Renegotiate, refinance and/or consolidate debt: Reach out to your creditors to negotiate more favourable terms. Try refinancing as it often results in lower payment terms and interest rates. Consolidating multiple debts reduces the number of creditors to pay and payments you make, often allowing you management of debt through a single monthly payment.
- Plan for the long term: Establish an emergency business account. Put aside a portion of business profits each month as a reserve against the ups and downs of business.
- Get professional help: There’s no need to confront your small business debt alone. Consider working with your CPA. They are available to answer questions and have knowledge, experience and skill with debt management.
Managing debt is a necessary and important aspect of operating a business. It’s fundamental to business success. Debt management allows a business to manage cash flow and capital for growth. Tackling debt may seem tricky and stressful but, using these tips, you can make headway. Though these strategies aren’t solutions, they provide opportunities for relief of the risk that comes with debt. Remember that your accountant is on your side and is an essential source of help and support in debt management for your business.
Need help with debt management strategies? Contact Cook and Company Chartered Professional Accountants. Our expert staff will help you navigate the complex maze of debt management, with ease. Whether you operate a sole proprietorship or a sizable corporation with multiple subsidiaries, Cook and Company uses their experience and expertise to help your business. Contact us for a complimentary consultation.
