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Katie Conroy
KATIE CONROY
Guest article provided by Katie a contributing author and is not affiliated with Desert Financial & Tax Services.
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in business for years, it’s always a good idea to have a safety net in place. A safety net can help you weather the storms of running a small business and keep your head above water when things get tough. Here are some tips from Desert Financial and Tax Services to help you coordinate your approach.
Build Up Your Cash
Every small business should build up a cash reserve. This way, if unexpected expenses come up or revenue slows down, you’ll have money set aside to cover your costs. Aim to save enough money to cover three to six months’ worth of expenses. This will give you a cushion to fall back on in lean times.
Apply for a Line of Credit
This can provide you with emergency funds if you need them. Just be sure to only use the line of credit when absolutely necessary, and make sure you have a plan in place to pay it back. Carrying too much debt can be a hole in your safety net.
Revisit Your Insurance
Another important element is being properly insured. This includes things like liability insurance and property insurance. Make sure you’re covered in case of an accident or natural disaster. This will help protect your assets and keep your business afloat if something goes wrong.
Switch Your Business Designation
There are many benefits to converting your business to an LLC. First and foremost, LLCs offer limited liability protection for their owners. This means that if the business is sued or incurs debt, the owner’s personal assets will not be at risk. Additionally, LLCs provide flexibility in how the business is taxed. Unlike other business structures, LLCs can choose to be taxed as either a corporation or a partnership. This provides greater flexibility in terms of tax planning. LLCs are also relatively easy to set up and maintain.
Adopt a Recurring Revenue Model
Another way to help ensure financial stability for your small business is to invest in a recurring revenue model. This means finding ways to bring in money on a regular basis, such as through subscriptions or membership fees. This can provide some stability during difficult times and help keep your business running smoothly.
Get a Home Warranty
If you run a home-based business, you may want to consider getting a home warranty, which can help offset the cost of unexpected repairs and damages. A home warranty is an insurance policy that covers the repair or replacement of major systems and appliances in your home. In many cases, home warranties offer coverage for items that are not covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. And an Arizona home warranty can give you peace of mind if you run a small business, knowing that your investment is protected.
These are just some of the ways you can create a safety net for your small business. By taking some of these steps, you’ll be better prepared for anything that comes your way and more likely to weather any storms that come along with running a small business. Even if you focus on building up cash reserves, converting your business to an LLC, and getting a home warranty, those few steps can help shore up your foundation in the event that a recession occurs or your business endures a slow period.
For help in getting your finances in order, turn to Desert Financial and Tax Services.