原始文本

Why All Small Business Owners Need a Personal Financial Statement

Running a small business is exhilarating, demanding and often a blur of financial uncertainty. While most entrepreneurs focus on their business’s bottom line and keep their financial statements current, they often neglect to document their personal finances. 这是错误的. Every small business owner needs to create a personal financial statement (PFS), 哪个可以作为个人资产负债表, 记录你的资产, 负债及净值. 

什么时候需要个人财务报表?

Many small business owners may need a loan or other outside financing as they grow their companies. That usually requires providing a lot of documentation to the lender. But lenders don’t only want to see your business finances. Most require a personal financial statement as well.

If you decide to pledge personal assets as collateral, lenders definitely want to know the details about those assets. Financial institutions may wish to conduct a fiscal health evaluation of your personal finances so they can assess how well you manage money. 例如, if you have few assets and a lot of outstanding debt, it can indicate you would have trouble repaying a loan.

Are you thinking of buying an existing business or a franchise? 企业主, broker and/or franchisor will ask for a PFS as evidence that you’re financially able to purchase the business or franchise.

如果你打算租一个商业办公室, 零售空间, 或其他类型的业务空间, the landlord will likely request a personal financial statement before approving your lease.

As you can see, there are numerous reasons you need a PFS. It’s smart to prepare yours now (and keep it updated) so it will be ready when needed.

Personal financial statements are financial snapshots offering numerous benefits.

不仅仅是跟踪你的资产和负债, a PFS offers several vital benefits for entrepreneurs. 创建PFS就像做体检一样, except the result is a fiscal health evaluation rather than a physical one.

Some of the benefits of preparing a personal financial statement (sometimes called a personal financial summary):

•  确保资金: 正如我们已经提到的, 为业务扩张寻求贷款时, 新设备或公司车辆, lenders rely on your PFS to assess your creditworthiness and ability to repay. A strong PFS significantly increases your chances of securing favorable loan terms and interest rates.
• 了解你的净资产: Your PFS provides a clear picture of your overall financial standing, 包括你的资产(现金), 投资, 财产)和负债(债务), 贷款, 抵押贷款). Seeing a comprehensive view helps you make informed decisions about 投资, 储蓄目标和风险管理.
• 审慎的财务决策: 清楚地了解你的收入, 费用及债务, 你可以做出明智的消费选择, 投资及财务规划. Your PFS empowers you to avoid impulsive decisions and build a solid financial foundation.
• 监测进展和适应: Regularly reviewing your PFS allows you to track your progress toward your financial goals and identify areas for improvement. 这个持续的审查过程使您能够进行调整, 适应, and adjust your strategies as your business and personal circumstances evolve.

个人财务报表中包含的内容?

A typical PFS is divided into two main sections—assets and liabilities.

资产清单

• 流动资产 包括现金, 支票及储蓄帐户, 存单, 短期投资及应收帐款.
• 投资资产 include stocks, bonds, mutual funds and retirement accounts (IRAs, 401(k)s).
• 固定资产 包括不动产和个人财产, 比如珠宝, cars and other items of significant value (art collection, 书籍的第一版, 等.)

负债清单

• 流动负债 include credit card debt, outstanding bills and short-term 贷款.
• 长期负债 include mortgages, car 贷款, student 贷款 and personal 贷款.

Do not include business assets or liabilities in your personal financial statement.

创建财务快照

You don’t need to be a financial wizard to create a PFS. 方法如下:

1. 收集你的文件: 收集银行对账单, 投资账目报表, 主要采购的贷款文件和收据.
2. 选择一个格式: You can use an online template, spreadsheet or pen and paper. Choose the best format for you and ensure consistency for future updates.
3. 列出你的资产: Identify and value all your assets using current market values for 投资 and real estate.
4. 列出你的负债: Include all your debts, noting the remaining balances and interest rates.
5. 计算你的净资产: Subtract your total liabilities from your assets to determine your net worth. While this is part of your overall personal balance sheet, you should keep this calculation as a separate net worth statement.
6. 定期检讨及更新: 你的PFS不是静态的. Update it regularly, ideally quarterly, to reflect changes in your financial situation.

When creating your personal financial statement, it’s critical to be honest and accurate. This wealth assessment is for your own benefit to help you (and lenders) make informed decisions. 没有人在评判你.

A PFS helps you take ownership of your personal finances and equips you with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the challenges and reap the rewards of entrepreneurship. A healthy business rests on a solid personal financial foundation.

If navigating financial statements feels overwhelming, 考虑咨询财务顾问, 会计或者 皇冠现金官网的导师.