Regardless of industry, every business aims to expand and attain financial success. In today’s competitive landscape, entrepreneurs often rely on loans for growth. But before securing a loan grant, for an SME loan, healthcare business loan, or others, you must plan and budget for business loan repayment—alongside other fixed and variable expenses.
As of April 2023, the average lending rate in the Philippines is 7.29%, reflecting substantial growth in the lending industry compared to the same period in 2022. The statistic highlights increased access to working capital for business expansion and innovation. However, you should exercise caution, as many borrowers face hurdles in effectively managing their loan repayments.
Suppose you’re among those looking for expert guidance on crafting a robust repayment plan, tracking your progress, and sidestepping common financial challenges. This article can provide practical tips to steer your financial ship to success. Let’s get started!
6 Business Loan Repayment Tips to Plan and Budget Your Finances Better
Planning and budgeting for offline or online loan repayment means plotting a course through choppy financial waters. Here are valuable tips that will empower you to manage your finances better.
1. Create a realistic repayment schedule
No one goes to war without a proper strategy. The same can be said about how you will repay the loan. Creating a realistic repayment schedule is your financial compass.
You can begin by calculating your monthly payments, considering the loan amount, interest rate, and repayment term. Utilize handy tools like loan calculators or spreadsheets for accuracy. Additionally, account for additional expenses and potential contingencies that might impact your cash flow.
A meticulous business plan prevents late fees, loan penalties, and excessive interest costs. Timely payments improve your credit score and enhance your credibility with lenders, potentially increasing future loan opportunities.
2. Track your progress and adjust accordingly
Being a responsible lendee means staying on top of your loan balance. A scheduled business loan payment bolsters your standing with creditors. Nothing says good payment habits like paying on time.
You can monitor your balance and payments through accessible tools like online banking or mobile apps, ensuring you’re always aware of your financial status.
Also, you can set reminders or alerts as a proactive approach to prevent missed payments and late fees. Periodically reviewing your repayment schedule lets you adapt to changing circumstances, such as an unexpected expense or a boost in revenue.
3. Consider loan refinancing options
Sometimes, you may need help paying for the working capital borrowed. Loan refinancing options encourage you to explore opportunities for optimizing your loan terms. Consolidating loans can lower interest, extend terms, and reduce payments to save time and money.
However, consider your credit score, market conditions, and associated fees. Strong credit and market awareness secure better terms.
4. Avoid common pitfalls
According to Forbes, most business owners took six months or less to spend their most recent loan funds.
Part of being a responsible lendee is knowing what to avoid for a smoother financial journey for you and your business. Avoiding common errors, such as depleting funds quickly, overborrowing, skipping payments, or not disclosing business loan use, safeguards your financial health.
Other best practices to avoid these pitfalls include conducting a thorough financial analysis before taking out a loan, creating and sticking to a budget, and understanding the terms and conditions.
5. Seek help if you have problems with repayment
Proactive communication helps find flexible solutions and maintain a positive lender rapport during repayment challenges.
Maintain open communication through various channels with your partner. There are some who has loan agents you can reach out to. You can request extensions, negotiate better terms, or seek advice, preserving a positive relationship and exploring alternative solutions to ease your financial burden.
6. Make extra payments when possible
By periodically contributing additional funds toward your borrowed business financing, you can significantly reduce the overall interest you pay and the time it takes to repay the entire loan.
This is a proactive approach that many creditors will appreciate. Moreover, it accelerates the journey to debt freedom and enhances financial stability by freeing up resources that would have otherwise been allocated to interest costs.
Master Business Loan Payment
In the ever-challenging business world, one thing is clear: success hinges on your ability to stay on top of your finances. Now that you know how to effectively plan and budget for your business loan repayment, it’s time to take action. You can also read on this corporation registration guide to open more opportunities for your business.
With the right strategies, you and your company can reap the benefits of streamlined financial health, minimized risks, and secure business renewal, with the freedom to focus on growing your enterprise right at your fingertips.
Zenith Capital specializes in providing business loans in the Philippines and helping business owners—like yourself—find the best business loan solutions, whether it be a short and long term loan, to support your brand’s growth. Our straightforward application process ensures you can access the capital you need without unnecessary delays.
Financial confidence starts now! Contact us today or take the first step by filling out our easy application form.
Rizza Templonuevo is not just an accomplished finance professional and business leader, but also a loving wife and a dedicated mother of two. With a passion for helping businesses grow and thrive, she brings her extensive knowledge and expertise as Vice President of Zenith Capital Credit Group Corporation to help countless SMEs and corporations across the Philippines access the financing they need to succeed.
When she’s not busy with work, Rizza enjoys immersing herself in the worlds of fashion and social events, as well as traveling to new and exciting places.
