Laughing businesswoman in a gray suit, talking on the phone with her Gate City Bank business banker in downtown Fargo, ND

Navigating Business Debt: Finding the Right Balance.

How much debt is too much debt? Whether you’re managing a dental office, expanding a dealership or starting your own law firm, choosing the right kind of debt can be a smart move for your business – and your future.

Taking on debt can be intimidating. But with a strategic mindset, it can also be an essential tool for growth. Let’s break down how to differentiate between healthy vs. harmful debt and how to use it to move your business forward.

Understanding Good Debt vs. Bad Debt.

  • Good debt = investment-focused
    Not all debt is created equal. In fact, healthy debt can drive growth and ultimately take your business to the next level.

    Whether you’re considering expansion, purchasing new equipment or upgrading your technology, business loans can be a smart way to invest in the future of your business. With flexible terms and low-to-moderate interest rates, these types of loans are designed to deliver a return on your investment and ultimately increase your bottom line.  

  • Bad debt = consumption-focused
    In contrast, harmful debt is accumulated without a clear financial benefit and can burden your resources. High interest rates and a lack of return make it harder to repay.

    Unhealthy debt is typically used for non-essential expenses or other needs without any plan to increase revenue.

Pro Tip:

What’s the ideal debt-to-income (DTI) ratio? As a good rule of thumb, aim for a DTI ratio around 40%. This allows you to keep debt manageable, maintain operational flexibility and seize growth opportunities when they arise.

Red Flags: Do You Have Too Much Debt?

If you’re wondering if your debt may be getting out of hand, watch for these warning signs:

  • Cash flow issues: You’re regularly short on cash before month-end.
  • Overdraft notices: You’re frequently getting notifications of overdrafts.
  • Late payments: You’re delaying bill payments or struggling to pay suppliers on time.

4 Strategies to Manage Business Debt:

So what’s the best place to start?

  1. Prioritize your high-interest debtsSilver-haired business owner with black-rimmed glasses, considering ways to add services to his car dealership in Grand Forks, ND

    Organize your debts by interest rate and due date. Focus on paying off high-interest debt first to reduce the total interest you owe.

  2. Refinance for better rates

    Explore refinancing options to lower your interest rates, which can help decrease your monthly payments and improve your cash flow.

  3. Increase revenue streams

    Look for creative ways to bring in more business, such as adding new services or targeting untapped client markets.

  4. Avoid accumulating more bad debt

    Before taking on any new debt, ensure it aligns with your growth strategy and will improve your business’s long-term success.

Pro Tip:

Depending on your situation, a debt consolidation loan may also be a smart option for your business – allowing you to transfer account balances from credit cards, lines of credit or installment loans into a single loan with a single monthly payment. If you’re curious about running the numbers, try our quick business debt consolidation calculator!

How to Embrace Debt as a Strategic Tool.

In short, focus on debt that will help propel your business forward. Remember, understanding the difference between good vs. bad debt will be key to your business’s long-term success. Managing it effectively will be, too.

Oh, and if you need a hand, contact us anytime. Whatever’s on your mind, let us assist you with finding the right financial solutions to keep your business moving forward. We’d love to help!

Related to This Article:

man in a red t-shirt uses laptop to research how to get a business loan

Securing a Business Loan | 5 Easy Tips for Growth

Interested in growing your venture with financing? You’re in the right place! Learn some helpful tips on how you can go about securing the right business loan.

smiling young lady stands in front of her store after reading helpful article on business banking basics from gate city bank

9 Business Banking Basics You Need to Know

No matter what your business specialty is, there are a wide variety of resources and financing options available to help set you up for success. Learn more!

A happy male business owner gazes toward the camera after learning about common tax write-offs from Gate City Bank

7 Common Tax Write-offs for Your Business

Interested in maximizing the benefits of your business expenses? Learn more about common tax write-offs and how they can help you save during tax season!