How to Fund Your Startup and Manage Money Like a Pro (Even If You Hate Numbers)
Estimated Reading Time: 5-6 Minutes
Starting a business? Learn how to handle money step-by-step—even if you’ve never done it before.
Starting a business is exciting.
You’ve got the idea. You’re ready to go.
Now comes the money part—and it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Start With Three Questions
Startup costs fall into three buckets: one-time, ongoing, and optional.
- How much money do you need?
- What money do you already have?
- Where can you get the rest?
One-time costs include things like registering your business, buying equipment, and getting licenses. For instance, if you're opening a storefront, you'll pay for things like signage and furniture, and a one-time business registration fee. Ongoing costs are the things you’ll pay regularly—rent, inventory, utilities, or paying contractors. Let’s say you're a freelancer—your ongoing costs might just be software subscriptions and marketing. Optional costs, like marketing or signage, depend on your goals and budget. If you’re planning a big launch event, you’ll need to budget for that too.
Don’t guess. Use real numbers. Overestimating is better than falling short.
Should You Use Personal Money?
Many business owners use personal savings or credit cards to get started. It’s common—but risky if you’re stretching your budget too thin.
Look at your income, expenses, and credit score. For example, if you have $5,000 in savings but expect your business to need $10,000 to get started, it may be time to seek a small loan or line of credit. If using personal money creates stress or instability, explore outside funding instead.
Understand the Basics
You don’t need to be an accountant to manage business money. But you do need to understand a few key things:
- Cash flow tells you how much money is coming in and going out. For example, if you’re running an online store, you need to track how much money you make from sales and how much you spend on inventory and shipping.
- A break-even analysis shows when your business starts making a profit. If you're selling coffee, figure out how many cups you need to sell each month to cover rent, salaries, and other expenses. Once you reach that point, you’re in the green.
- Financial statements track your income, expenses, and assets. They’re also essential if you ever apply for a loan or bring in investors. For instance, if you want to apply for an SBA loan, you’ll need to show a solid balance sheet that proves your business is financially healthy.
- Hiring a bookkeeper or accountant early on can make this much easier—and help you avoid costly mistakes later.
Explore Funding Options
Once you know how much money you need, you can start looking for funding that fits. You might look into SBA loans, local banks, private investors, or even friends and family.
Every option has trade-offs. For example, a bank loan might be more affordable than venture capital but may require more time and paperwork. On the other hand, an investor might bring in more capital but could want a stake in your business. It helps to talk with someone who can guide you through the details before you commit to anything.
Your Trusted Advisor
Life insurance isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Your family, assets, and needs are unique. Before meeting with an insurance agent, speak with Elizabeth Joiner, your Personal Family Lawyer® at the Joiner Law Firm. Elizabeth will help you understand your options and choose the best policy for your situation.
Book a 15-minute discovery call with us today to get started on securing your family’s financial future. Together, we’ll create a tailored plan just for you.
