Give your cash flow a little breathing room.

Map money in and money out

List when customers usually pay and when stock, wages, rent and other bills fall due. Timing matters as much as the monthly total.

Allow for slower periods

Test your budget against a quieter month. Include existing loan payments and essential operating expenses. Avoid relying on your best sales month to judge affordability.

Give borrowing a clear purpose

Write down what the money will fund, when you expect it to help and how you will meet repayments if the benefit takes longer than planned.

Keep a reserve

Where possible, leave a buffer for unexpected costs. Speak with your lender early if you anticipate a repayment problem.