After reading a recent Behind the Markets newsletter breakdown on the latest inflation report, I had to share my take for small business owners.
Inflation just hit 3.8%. Real wages went negative for the first time in three years. The Fed isn’t cutting rates anytime soon.
When I talk to business owners right now, the first thing I ask is — what’s bothering you? What’s keeping you up at night? And lately the answer is almost always some version of: I don’t really know where my money is going.
Here’s what gets me though. Most of them already knew something was off. They just hadn’t looked yet.
I get it. Ignoring a problem feels easier than facing it. But waiting doesn’t make the books cleaner — it just means I have more to untangle when you finally do call me.
Here’s what I’d actually look at right now:
Your costs are creeping up. Energy, shipping, vendor pricing — it all trickles down. Pull your last three months and compare them to last year. Numbers moving in categories you haven’t touched? That’s inflation showing up in your business.
Your team is feeling it too. Even employees who got raises are effectively earning less right now. Know what your cash flow can actually support before those conversations come up.
Debt isn’t getting cheaper. Rate cuts aren’t happening. If you have a variable loan or line of credit, now is the time to know exactly what you owe and what it’s costing you.
The businesses that get through tough stretches aren’t the ones with perfect timing. They’re the ones who actually know their numbers.
If you’ve been putting it off — the books don’t get easier to clean up the longer you wait. Trust me on that one.
You built the business. Let me help you understand the finances behind it.
Candice | Clarity Advisory & Bookkeeping
Ph: 346-645-0794
Email: candice@clarityadvisorybookkeeping.com
