Managing money properly is one of the most important skills for any entrepreneur. Many small businesses fail not because of poor sales, but because of poor money management. This guide explains simple and practical ways to manage business money correctly.
Step 1: Separate Business Money from Personal Money
Never mix business money with personal money.
- Do not use business cash for family expenses
- Do not use personal money without recording
- Mixing money creates confusion and loss
What to do:
- Keep separate cash box or wallet
- Open a separate bank account if possible
- Pay yourself a fixed amount monthly
Step 2: Keep Record of All Income and Expenses
Record keeping helps you understand your business.
- Daily sales amount
- Daily expenses (rent, electricity, transport, raw materials)
- Loan or advance payments
What to do:
- Use a notebook, Excel, or mobile app
- Write records every day
- Check records weekly and monthly
Step 3: Understand Profit and Loss
Many entrepreneurs do not calculate profit correctly.
- Sales ≠Profit
- Profit = Sales – All Costs
What to do:
- Calculate total monthly expenses
- Compare with total sales
- Check if business is making profit or loss
Step 4: Control Business Expenses
Unnecessary expenses reduce profit.
- Buying unnecessary items
- High mobile or electricity cost
- Extra staff or wastage
What to do:
- Spend only when necessary
- Compare prices before buying
- Reduce waste and extra costs
Step 5: Manage Cash Flow Carefully
Cash flow means money coming in and going out.
- Cash shortage can stop business
- Late customer payment causes problems
What to do:
- Keep some emergency cash
- Ask customers for advance payment if possible
- Follow up on due payments
Step 6: Set Proper Product or Service Price
Wrong pricing can destroy business.
- Price too low = loss
- Price too high = fewer customers
What to do:
- Calculate product cost properly
- Add reasonable profit
- Check competitor prices
Step 7: Save Money for Business Growth
Saving helps business expansion.
- Buying new equipment
- Increasing stock
- Handling emergencies
What to do:
- Save a portion of monthly profit
- Keep savings in bank or secure place
- Use savings only for business needs
Step 8: Use Loans Carefully
Loans can help or harm business.
- High interest loans increase pressure
- Loan without planning causes loss
What to do:
- Take loan only if necessary
- Check interest rate and repayment plan
- Use loan strictly for business
Step 9: Pay Taxes and Fees on Time
Legal compliance protects your business.
- Trade license renewal
- Tax payment (if applicable)
- VAT or BIN for some businesses
What to do:
- Keep track of renewal dates
- Ask accountant or SME help desk
- Keep payment receipts safely
Step 10: Review Business Money Regularly
Regular review improves decision-making.
- Monthly profit review
- Expense analysis
- Future planning
What to do:
- Review accounts monthly
- Identify problems early
- Adjust business strategy
Final Tips for Entrepreneurs
- Always know where your money goes
- Spend less than you earn
- Keep simple but clear records
- Plan before spending
- Take advice from SME Foundation or experts
Good money management keeps your business safe, stable, and growing.