Appraising Debt Honestly
If you want to change a destructive habit, the first step is admitting there’s a problem. Fiscal accountability is no exception. The debt that brought you to this point may or may not have been avoidable – that’s not the issue. In order to get out of debt and stay out of it, you need to honestly look at where you are. This is the most difficult step in the process, but don’t shy away from it out of shame or embarrassment. Remember, you are working to better your situation. The best way to track your debt is to log it. This helps you see how much money is going out every month. Once it’s logged, rank it from your highest expense to your lowest. If your list looks anything like mine, the first item is those high-interest credit cards. Believe it or not, that’s the perfect starting point if you want to invest in freedom from debt.Stacking, Cutting, & Managing: The Truth about Financial Freedom
This may seem like a no-brainer. Yes, in the ideal world, if you could start a debt program by eliminating your high-interest credit cards, you would. I’m not only telling you you can; I’m telling you, you should. I know what you’re thinking, but hear me out. We’ve all heard about starting small and cutting as many expenses as possible until financial stability is achieved. The problem with both of those ideas is that they rarely work. Too many businesses “fall off the wagon” and start accruing debt again. Debt is like gaining weight. If you backslide on the program you’re using, you’ll not only end up back where you started, you’ll add more to the original tab. By investing your merchant cash advance in paying off your largest expense first, you’re creating debt eliminating cash flow that will help you stabilize professionally and recover financially.Trickle it Down or Stack it up: The Economically-Savvy Debt Solution
With the high-interest credit cards out of the picture, it’s time to put your money to work. The first step – don’t change how much you spend on bills every month – change what you put the money toward. Take the payment you would send in for your credit card and add it to the next highest payment on your list. Pay the rest of your bills as you normally would. Once the second bill is paid off, put everything toward the third expense listed and so on. This model even works for paying off the merchant cash advance. It is a tried and true way to receive cash and remain debt-free.Frequently Asked Questions
What is a merchant cash advance, and how can it help my business stay debt-free?
A merchant cash advance (MCA) provides businesses with upfront capital in exchange for a percentage of future sales. Unlike traditional loans, MCAs don’t require fixed monthly payments or collateral, allowing businesses to access funds without incurring additional debt. This flexibility helps maintain cash flow and supports financial stability.
How can I effectively use a merchant cash advance to eliminate existing high-interest debts?
Utilizing an MCA to pay off high-interest debts can be a strategic move. By allocating the advance towards settling these obligations, businesses can reduce their overall interest expenses. This approach streamlines finances and promotes a healthier financial position.
What strategies can help prevent accumulating additional debt after obtaining a merchant cash advance?
To avoid accruing additional debt post-MCA, it’s essential to implement sound financial practices. This includes creating a detailed budget, monitoring expenses closely, and prioritizing the payment of existing obligations. Establishing an emergency fund can also provide a cushion for unexpected expenses, reducing the reliance on additional borrowing.
Are there any potential drawbacks to using a merchant cash advance for debt management?
While MCAs offer quick access to capital, they often come with higher costs compared to traditional financing options. The repayment structure, tied to a percentage of daily sales, can impact cash flow, especially during slower periods. It’s crucial to assess your business’s financial health and ensure that the benefits outweigh the costs before proceeding with an MCA.