Managing small business cash flow and income in 2022

It’s been a lean time for small businesses, and especially the families supporting them.

Xero’s small business trends report shows that 60% of small business owners are worried about their household finances running low.

So while 2022 will hopefully be a year of rebounding sales and revenue, business owners really need that to carry through to the bottom line.

• Related: Watch more on building a cash flow forecast for your business here »

What the experts say

While there will be a temptation to withdraw any spare cash from the business as ‘owner’s drawings’, experts say it’s important to be mindful of upcoming and potentially unknown expenses.

Owners often overlook upcoming business expenses when taking drawings, which creates cash flow issues later. These cash flow issues create further disruption to the household budget because money has to be put back into the business.

Rather than clearing out the business bank account, owners are better off paying themselves a modest amount at regular intervals.

Takeaways for small businesses

Here are four steps small businesses can take to help support their recovery:

1. Analyse your business margins and focus on products that generate the most profit
2. Create a ‘rainy day fund’ within the business so you’re not constantly loaning it money from your personal savings
3. Schedule regular, sustainable drawings to ease home budgeting
4. Keep your regular drawings modest, as you can always give yourself a bonus payment at the end of a good year

For more tips, advice and bookkeeping essentials for your business, visit How We Help You and get started today with Notch Above Bookkeeping, Australia-wide or call our Xero bookkeeping specialists on 1300 015 130.

Source: Xero