Whether you’re heading into a holiday period, or just planning to take a break (and congratulations, because a healthy business means work-life balance), it’s important to keep your cashflow and business expenses under control. This means pre-planning and being proactive.
When you’re not in the office, there are still overheads and salaries that need to be sorted. If taking time off means less cash will be coming in, it’s essential to plan for this period to ensure that these costs can be comfortably covered. Make sure you have a clear picture of your payroll, and any other planned expenses that will need to be accounted for.
If there’s even a possibility that there could be a shortfall, it’s essential to meet this head-on. Whether this means talking to your supplier or creditors to figure out an arrangement, or compromising on other business outgoings, you must make a plan to ensure that the business, or your staff, won’t suffer.
Tips to minimise the stress of cash-flow over the holiday period
Invoice early
Send any invoices that you can, and in advance if possible. Perhaps consider whether you have any regular clients or customers that you could offer a retainer or similar deal to if they book services or make a purchase from you in advance.
Chase payments
Use this opportunity to chase up any outstanding payments. Strong communication and relationships matter – talk to clients and chase invoices. Let us know if you would like help setting up automatic payment reminders in Xero.
Talk to your suppliers
A little honesty can go a long way. Perhaps they can extend a line of credit for your payments to them. In most cases, a good supplier would rather offer a little flexibility to keep an ongoing business relationship.
Review your costs
it’s also a good idea to do a general review of your expenses. Business costs can creep up, and it’s a great idea to make time to check on your expenses regularly, no matter what your financial situation. Review all of your regular payments and subscriptions as well as upcoming costs. There may be travel, functions or purchases to which you can decide on an alternative approach.
Talk to the bank or tax department
If cashflow is tight, make sure you have conversations early so you have everything in place to see you through.
We can help you break things down
As mentioned by Business Advisor Geoff Hamilton in our recent article: “savings will give you the resources to weather some poor months of trading…”. But, you don’t have to do it alone. So, if you are a NZ Business owner needing help identifying unnecessary costs or setting up a realistic financial strategy for the future, reach out to us today.
Together we can achieve more!
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