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Debt is an inevitable part of running a business. From financing growth to managing cash flow during tough times, borrowing can be a strategic move. However, if not managed effectively, debt can quickly spiral out of control, threatening the very stability of your business. Understanding how to balance debt with financial stability is crucial for long-term success. This article from OMBA provides a roadmap for managing business debt to ensure your company remains on solid financial footing.

1. Assess Your Current Debt Situation

The first step in managing business debt is to take stock of your current obligations. Create a comprehensive list of all outstanding debts, including loans, credit lines, and supplier balances. For each, note key details such as the outstanding balance, interest rates, monthly payments, and repayment terms. This will give you a clear understanding of your current financial commitments and help you prioritise which debts to address first.

2. Distinguish Between Good and Bad Debt

Not all debt is bad. In fact, debt can be a valuable tool for growth if used wisely. Good debt typically refers to borrowing that is used to finance business investments that generate income or increase value, such as purchasing new equipment, expanding operations, or funding research and development. Bad debt, on the other hand, involves borrowing for non-productive purposes, such as covering routine operating expenses or funding unsustainable expansion.

Understanding the difference between good and bad debt can help you make informed decisions about how to manage and reduce your debt load. Prioritise paying off bad debt, as it tends to be more harmful to your financial health in the long run.

3. Refinance or Consolidate Debt

If your business is struggling with high-interest debt, refinancing or consolidating it may provide relief. Refinancing involves renegotiating the terms of your debt, often with the goal of securing a lower interest rate or extending the repayment period to reduce monthly payments. Debt consolidation combines multiple debts into a single loan, often with a lower interest rate, making repayment more manageable.

These strategies can be especially useful if you have multiple high-interest loans or credit lines. By simplifying repayment and lowering interest costs, your business can free up cash flow for more productive uses.

4. Create a Repayment Strategy

A structured repayment plan is essential to managing business debt effectively. Consider adopting one of the following repayment strategies:

• The Avalanche Method: Focus on paying off the debt with the highest interest rate first while making minimum payments on other debts. Once the highest-interest debt is repaid, move on to the next one. This approach minimises the overall interest paid over time.

• The Snowball Method: Focus on paying off the smallest debt first, then move on to the next smallest debt once that is cleared. While this may not save as much in interest as the avalanche method, it can provide psychological motivation by allowing you to see quicker progress.

Choose the strategy that best aligns with your financial goals and cash flow, and commit to making regular payments to reduce your debt load over time.

5. Improve Cash Flow Management

Effective cash flow management is key to avoiding excessive reliance on debt. By improving your business’s cash flow, you can reduce the need to borrow and free up resources for debt repayment. Start by conducting a thorough review of your business’s cash flow cycle to identify areas where improvements can be made.

Some strategies to improve cash flow include:

• Shortening payment terms for customers and clients

• Negotiating longer payment terms with suppliers

• Offering discounts for early payments to incentivise faster collections

• Improving inventory management to avoid overstocking and excess capital tied up in inventory

Strong cash flow will not only help you manage existing debt but also provide a buffer to avoid taking on unnecessary debt in the future.

6. Cut Unnecessary Expenses

A critical aspect of debt management is controlling costs. Review your business expenses and identify any areas where you can cut costs without negatively impacting operations. Focus on eliminating non-essential spending, streamlining processes, and negotiating better deals with suppliers or service providers.

Cutting unnecessary expenses will free up more cash to allocate towards debt repayment, helping you achieve financial stability more quickly.

7. Monitor and Maintain Your Credit Score

Your business credit score plays an important role in your ability to borrow money on favourable terms. A high credit score can help you secure lower interest rates and better repayment terms, while a poor score may lead to higher costs and less favourable terms.

To improve and maintain a healthy credit score:

• Make all debt payments on time

• Keep credit utilisation low by using only a portion of your available credit

• Avoid opening unnecessary lines of credit

Regularly monitoring your business credit score will allow you to address any issues early and maintain access to affordable financing options if needed.

8. Seek Professional Help When Needed

If managing business debt becomes overwhelming, seeking professional assistance can be a wise decision. Accountants and financial advisors can help you assess your financial situation, develop a debt management plan, and provide insights into potential tax benefits related to debt repayment.

Additionally, if your business is facing severe financial difficulties, consider consulting a debt restructuring specialist. These professionals can negotiate with creditors on your behalf to develop a repayment plan that fits within your financial constraints.

9. Plan for the Future

Debt management isn’t just about dealing with current obligations; it’s also about preventing future problems. As your business grows, plan for future financing needs carefully. Avoid taking on debt without a clear repayment plan or without understanding the potential impact on your cash flow and financial health.

Instead, focus on building a financial reserve to cover unexpected expenses, so you’re not forced to rely on debt. Creating a budget and financial forecast will also help you anticipate potential cash flow gaps and avoid excessive borrowing.

Conclusion

Managing business debt effectively requires a strategic approach that balances debt repayment with maintaining the financial health of your business. By understanding your debt, developing a repayment plan, improving cash flow, and seeking professional advice when needed, you can put your business on the path to financial stability.

Debt, when managed correctly, can be a powerful tool for growth, but uncontrolled debt can quickly become a burden. By following this roadmap, your business can avoid common pitfalls and achieve long-term financial success.

If you would like to discuss your business needs. Call O’Mahoney Business Advisors on 058 42383 or email dm@omf.ie

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