Is It Time To Reduce Business Debt Where Possible?
When times become difficult many people often look at using their savings to pay off their debts and put their finances on a more even keel, but is this the same in business? Should you look to reduce debts where possible?
While there is nothing wrong in reducing your debt levels in times of trouble, reducing your interest charges and taking some pressure off company finances, it is not always the correct thing to do. Business and debt go hand in hand and without debt to finance expansion many of the business we know and love today would not be half the size they are now.
However, as with all finances there is a need to ensure that your business is able to cover interest charges comfortably and the business itself is in sound shape for the future. In times of economic slowdown, as we see today, too many businesses will suddenly change their whole outlook and rearrange their finances. The problem is that downscaling is easy and can be done overnight, but up scaling to take account of new custom when the economy pick ups will take a little longer.
It is tricky to find a balance between a sensible financial base for your business and the need to ensure you are ready for the future. The tap of investment turns off straight away, but when you try and turn it back on you will need to go through the 'reconnection' process all over again - which takes time and could let competitors into your markets.
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