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It may feel like a chore but creating a thorough and effective budget is one of the best ways to support your business’s growth. It helps you see the bigger picture and allows you to find the best ways to allocate resources and boost profits. Budgeting can help you understand and plan for many of the factors that affect your business. Follow these 10 budgeting best practices to make sure you’re on the right track.
 
1. Have a Set Structure
To give your expenses the proper context, support this data with related factors like timelines, business objectives, and any related nonfinancial resources. Note key performance indicators (KPIs) to help you track your progress and make changes when needed.
 
2. Set Smart Budget Goals
All effective budgets are designed around clear goals. Determine those goals by looking at your business’s past and current performance. Consider factors like this year’s sales pipeline and previous years’ revenues and profits.
 
3. Define the Scope of Your Budget
Avoid cluttering your budget with unnecessary details, but make sure to include information that can help with future budgeting decisions. Examining past budgets can help you identify wasteful spending so you can avoid making the same mistakes in the future.
 
4. Evaluate Your Expenses
When creating your budget, weigh the value of each expense – particularly recurring expenses you pay automatically. This can show you ways to eliminate unneeded or excessive spending and can help with your tax planning.
 
5. Use Budgeting Tools
You can create a budget from scratch, but budgeting tools will save you the trouble. Look for a program that integrates with your current bookkeeping software and consider a cloud-based option if your employees also work with the budget.
 
6. Look for Efficiencies
If your budget is easy to use, you’re more likely to use it. Have a clear and consistent structure from year to year. That structure will make it simpler to manage your finances and analyze data. Also, adopt techniques to automate certain processes if your budgeting software allows it.
 
7. Manage Your Budget
Make a habit of checking your budget often, especially when there’s a change in your company or market. Quickly evaluating and responding to changes in revenue or expenditures can help your business stay nimble.
 
8. Build in Flexibility
An effective budget allows room for unexpected events and expenses. Get a good understanding of your variable costs so you can accommodate a sudden increase in expense. Identify each budget item as essential or optional so you’ll know where to look for cost-cutting opportunities when needed.
 
9. Reassess Your Budget
Your budgeting should respond to changing needs and conditions. Reassess your budget throughout the year and check your progress. This can help you assess your performance, adjust your priorities, and fine-tune your strategy.
 
10. Rely on It
Your budget can be a valuable guide for future business decisions, but only if you take the time to consult it regularly.
 
 
The information contained herein is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or business advice.
 
Brought to you by Nu Direction Lending, a digital-first business lender that was formed and is funded by credit unions. To learn more about term loans for your business, visit nudirectionlending.com or contact us by email at info@nudirectionlending.com or by phone at 866-354-7151.
 
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