The Top Financial Mistakes Startups Make and How to Avoid Them
Any entrepreneur will tell you that starting a business is no easy task. There are so many things to think about – from developing a product or service to marketing and sales to finances and accounting.
Making mistakes in any of these areas can be costly. Not just in terms of money but also in terms of time and energy, often resulting in small business owners seeking professional debt help.
In this post, debt solutions experts Carrington Dean outline the top financial mistakes startups make, and how can you avoid them? Read on to find out.
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Not Having a Separate Business Bank Account
Starting a new business is exciting, but it also comes with a lot of financial responsibilities. One of the most common mistakes startups make is failing to open a separate business bank account. This can lead to serious problems down the road, including difficulty tracking business expenses and income, and issues with business taxes. Having a separate business bank account helps to keep your personal and business finances separate, which can save you a lot of time and headache in the long run.
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Not Staying on Top of Their Bookkeeping
Another common mistake startups make is not staying on top of their bookkeeping. This can lead to a number of problems, including difficulty tracking business expenses, income, and cash flow. Additionally, not keeping accurate records can make it difficult to prepare for tax time. Hiring a bookkeeper or accountant can help take some of the burdens off of you, and ensure that your financial records are accurate and up-to-date.
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Not Creating a Budget
Creating a budget is one of the most important things you can do for your business, yet many startups fail to do so. Without a budget, it can be difficult to track business expenses, income, and cash flow. Additionally, a budget can help you make informed decisions about where to allocate your resources. Creating a budget may seem like a daunting task, but there are many helpful tools and resources available to make the process easier.
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Not Tracking Their Cash Flow
Another common mistake startups make is not tracking their cash flow. This can lead to serious financial problems, as it can be difficult to assess whether or not your business is generating enough revenue to cover its expenses. Additionally, not tracking your cash flow can make it difficult to obtain funding from investors or lenders. There are many helpful tools and resources available to help you track your business’s cash flow.
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Over-spending on Advertising and Marketing
Many startups make the mistake of over-spending on advertising and marketing. While it is important to invest in marketing and advertising, it is also important to set a budget and stick to it. There are many cost-effective ways to market your business, so be sure to do your research before making any big decisions.
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Not Keeping Their Personal and Business Finances Separate
One of the most common mistakes startups make is failing to keep their personal and business finances separate. This can lead to serious problems, including difficulty tracking business expenses and income, and issues with business taxes. Additionally, not keeping accurate records can make it difficult to prepare for tax time. Having a separate business bank account and credit as stated earlier card can help you keep track of your business finances, and make it easier to file your taxes.
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Not Seeking Professional Help When Needed
Many startups try to go it alone, and avoid seeking professional help when needed. However, this can lead to serious financial problems down the road. If you are unsure about how to handle your business finances, it is important to seek professional help from an accountant or financial advisor. Additionally, there are many helpful resources available online and through the Small Business Administration (SBA).
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Not Planning for Taxes
Another common mistake startups make is not planning for taxes. This can lead to a number of problems, including difficulty paying taxes when they come due, and issues with business taxes. There are many helpful resources available to help you plan for your business taxes, including the Small Business Administration’s tax planning guide (PDF).
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Not Keeping Accurate Records
One of the most important things you can do for your business is to keep accurate financial records. This can help you track your business expenses, income, and cash flow. Additionally, not keeping accurate records can make it difficult to prepare for tax time. There are many helpful resources available to help you keep track of your business finances, including accounting software and online bookkeeping services.
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Not Reviewing Their Finances Regularly
Many startups make the mistake of not reviewing their business finances on a regular basis. This can lead to serious financial problems, as it can be difficult to spot issues early on. Additionally, not reviewing your finances regularly can make it difficult to make informed decisions about where to allocate your resources. There are many helpful resources available to help you review your business finances, including accounting software and online bookkeeping services.
Avoiding these 10 financial mistakes can help you set your business up for success. If you are unsure about how to handle your business finances, it is important to seek professional help from a financial advisor assistant, or accountant.