Using Information Technology to Optimize Supplier Relationships in an Organization

For manufacturing companies, efficient strategies are necessary for Supplier Chain Management. They have many significant aspects, and they unite with sourcing strategies. The key to success with suppliers is their long-term, transparent relationship. One believes that if the owner, suppliers, and operators are successful, success will come directly. Kroc has its system of philosophy, which is comprised of three legs. One leg is employees, another leg is operators and owners, and the third and last leg is suppliers. If one leg faces failure, the whole system suffers. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

A global firm will adopt Supplier Relationship Management (SRM), a strategy used for successful supplier management. SRM has a direct effect on the value of a supply contract. The firm has sufficient skill to produce their best, and they have the best tools to evaluate the result. Once the company gains trust with SRM strategy applications with IT suppliers, it decides to transfer to indirect materials suppliers.

Many technologies are used to create supplier relationships. As other expenses decrease, theory forecasts that firms ought to enhance the client business ideally. Due to the decrease in IT cost, there are many technologies used to develop supplier relationship, which are as follows:

  • Transaction Processing System (TPS)
  • Processing System
  • Decision support system (DSS)

An important element of any organization occurs when two people make an exchange called a transaction. The process of collecting, storing, modifying, and extracting an organization’s transaction is known as collecting. The transaction system is the name of daily feedback, business, payrolls, employees’ records, etc.

The decision support system defines the model data, and it makes a quality decision based on that data. A decision support system must make the right decision and is often dependent on the application of a computer with a human component. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Relationships with Suppliers are Essential

For any firm, it is necessary to maintain a relationship with their suppliers who are providing consistent raw material. It is of elemental importance that the same supplier is still in the chain if the material is still being provided.

Timing is Crucial

The timing of deliveries, shipping, and supply has a tremendous effect on supply chain management.

Information technology always plays a significant role in supply chain management. This department is accountable for storing data, protecting information, and processing that information. For speed quality, leading firms and retail outlets use many kinds of technology, and all these systems have worked sufficiently and effectively. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Management Information System (MIS)

Management information system delivers information to the organization. In this system, the company focuses on three elements: strategic plans, ratios, and marketing analysis. It is important that reputable firms practice this system to maintain the information profitable to their managers for future decisions.

Transaction Processing System (TPS)

The transaction processing system serves to store, modify, collect, and retrieve an organization’s transactions. This tool is essential for answering routine questions, basic payroll methods, keeping a record, and paying employees.

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) works as transportation for small and mid-sized suppliers in supply chain management. EDI plays many roles, such as maintaining addresses, managing multiple warehouses, packing, and shipping. Information technology methods are a path to deliver messages to the audience. It makes sure that they communicate with the right people, and their multi-communication system utilizes online and other kinds of technologies.

Technology is a vital element of an organization. Things like revenue, inventory, and production are aspects of a business that technology needs to access. That is why information technology is the backbone that often supports the entire business. The IT department, where they generate profits from sales, strategizes managing income for their employees. In this way, the IT department also takes care of employees.

Check out America's Best Bookkeepers About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

5 Common Mistakes Businesses Make Using Electronic Invoicing and Billing

Electronic invoicing is one of the most accurate ways to invoice for your small business. It can save lots of time and money as well as errors to use electronic invoicing and billing. However, some issues can arise that will cause errors when using electronic invoicing and billing. The efficiency of using an electronic billing system is ideal for a small business. However, implementing and being aware of issues during upgrades can save you time, money, and errors. Here are five mistakes that could be made using an electronic invoicing and billing system and how you can avoid them. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Not Including a Payment Due Date

While many things are included in most electronic billing systems, it is still important for the business owner or the person handling the electronic invoicing and billing system to ensure that all information is on the invoice before it is sent out. Sending a bill without the payment due date can lead to so many issues. If your client does not have an idea of a specific due date, the bill could essentially never get paid. When prioritizing their bills, most people are going to pay those bills that have hard due dates. Therefore, it is essential that whatever software you use for your electronic billing system has a built-in generation of the due date. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Lack of Communication

It would be best not to rely solely on your electronic billing system to inform your clients of the billing terms and conditions. Before you even begin the electronic billing process with your clients, you should verbalize the agreement and have it in writing with their signature. Every client must be very clear on your terms and conditions regarding your invoicing and billing system.

Neglecting Future Billing Needs

When choosing a billing system software for your business, you must have the future in mind. Your business may not need a lot of bells and whistles when it comes to the features provided by the software when you first purchase it. However, it would be best if you were thinking towards the future when your business grows and understanding that the software you purchase needs to grow with your business. Not thinking about the future business needs when it comes to invoicing and billing software can cost you down the line if you don’t have the software upgraded as your business grows. Don’t make this costly mistake. Be very thoughtful in the purchase of your invoicing and billing software. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Ignoring Security

As with any billing system, whether it be electronic or non-electronic, you must be acutely aware of your client’s security and your business. Be aware of minimizing the bill’s personal information due to identity thieves’ ability to use that information to steal your client’s identity and that of the business. Because these communications will be sent electronically, you must be aware of and safeguard against you and your client’s protection. Make sure that all personal information that could lead to identity theft is not included on the invoice. Only include the minimal personal information you need for the bill to be generated.

Duplicate Electronic Billing

Duplicate billing is another common billing system error whether the billing or invoicing is being generated electronically or not. You must ensure that the system is properly working and you are not double billing your client. This could lead to confusion and possibly overbilling your client. You must be aware that duplicate electronic billing can occur and ensure that you get software that will safeguard against this or at least have measures in place easily implemented to keep from double billing a client. A mistake like that can be the difference between keeping a client and losing them.

Check out America's Best Bookkeepers About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

6 Ways to Establish Business Credit Quickly

When starting a small business, you need to do one of the most important things as the business owner besides getting funding is to establish business credit. As we know, establishing credit isn’t something that happens overnight. It takes some time to get it to the level that would allow you to have enough credit to buy and borrow power. Though it is not something you can establish overnight, you can establish some things to establish business credit faster. Here are six ways to establish business credit quickly. LastPass – Family or Org Password Vault

Register Your Business Entity

Business credit history is not the same as personal credit history. Credit history for business is more heavily weighted and not easily dismissed when obtaining capital for your business. Though some small businesses do not need to be incorporated or made into a proprietorship, a business that needs to build business credit registering your business is a must. The bonus is that having your business registered separately from your personal affairs protects your assets and accounts.

Here are the structures you can register your business under:

  • C-Corporation: A C-Corporation separates you from your business, financially and legally. A C-Corporation is best for businesses that are planning to issue stock or go public as they grow.
  • S-Corporation: An S-Corporation separates you from your business, financially and legally. These are pass-through businesses in which the profits are taxed at the individual level.
  • Limited liability company (LLC) – An LLC is an incorporated business with liability protection that separates you financially and legally from your business. An LLC offers more tax protection than a corporation.
  • Limited liability partnership (LLP) – An LLP is a registered business that is generally used for businesses that will eventually become a partnership. This type of registration is used a lot among medical and law practices.

When building your business credit, you must choose a structure for your business. If you’re having difficulty figuring out how to structure your business, you can consult an accountant or business attorney. ADP. Payroll – HR – Benefits

Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

When establishing your business, it is important to obtain an employer identification number (EIN) for tax and business tracking purposes. It is similar to how a Social Security number works for you and your personal life.

Not every business needs an employer identification number, such as sole proprietorship or single-owner LLC. However, it is suggested that you obtain one for your business, regardless. The employer identification number helps you establish business credit and will be useful when doing your business taxes.

Open a Business Bank Account

Registering your business and obtaining an employer identification number are great ways to help you establish business credit and separate yourself from your personal affairs. However, if you need to continue the separation when it comes to your bank account, many small business owners use the same account for personal and business use, but this can be a mistake. It would be best to separate every aspect of the business to protect your assets and establish your business credit.

Opening a business or merchant account can be done at the same bank you hold your personal account or open at a new bank. Some banks that have personal accounts don’t specialize in business accounts, while others do. If you have any questions, you can consult an accountant. The most important thing is to do your research before opening your business or merchant account. Download A Free Financial Toolkit

Establish a Dedicated Business Address and Phone Number

Establishing a dedicated business address is simple if your business is a brick-and-mortar. However, if you will be operating your business out of your home, you will need to establish a virtual business address. This address will help your business stay separated from your home and avoid anyone coming to your home, thinking it’s a brick-and-mortar business. Your virtual business address can receive mail and help you keep your personal and business mail separated.

You should also establish a business phone number. You can do this in several ways. If you have a traditional brick-and-mortar business, you can have a phone installed in the business to use as your business phone number. However, suppose you’re going to be working out of your home. In that case, you can either get a separate cell phone number for your business or establish space a phone number online that will forward to your personal about without revealing your personal phone number. This is not only important for security but also to help you further establish business credit.

Get a Business Credit Card or Line of Credit

Obtaining a business credit card or a business line of credit can help you build your business credit quickly. However, it cannot be easy to get a credit card or line of credit for your business because you have not yet established any credit. If this is the case, you can use your personal credit if it is good to help you obtain either of business credit card or business line of credit. You can also obtain secured credit cards or loans and use them and pay them off immediately to establish credit. Once you build enough credit, you can get a larger limit of unsecured credit cards and loans.

Borrow from Lenders That Report to the Business Credit Bureaus

When you begin to get larger loans, make sure you always use lenders to report to a business credit bureau. Some loans and credit lines do not report, which will not help you establish your business credit. Though lenders that report often have higher interest rates, if you can quickly pay the balances, this won’t be as costly as you think. Most traditional lenders and banks who give business loans are associated with one or all credit reporting bureaus.

CorpNet. Start A New Business Now About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity. Complete Controller. America’s Bookkeeping Experts

Small Business Ideas With No Money

Top Small Business Ideas to Start With Little or No Money

Small business ideas with no money needed include dropshipping, home cleaning services, and consulting—all requiring minimal investment, leveraging skills you already have, and using free or low-cost online platforms. These ventures let you launch immediately with just a computer and internet connection, whether you’re offering tutoring services, starting an affiliate marketing blog, or flipping thrift store finds on resale platforms.

I’ve built Complete Controller from scratch for over 20 years, starting with minimal resources and watching countless clients transform side hustles into thriving enterprises. The freelance economy now includes 73 million Americans and is projected to reach 90 million by 2028, while the dropshipping market has grown to $460 billion in 2025—proving that low-cost business models are not just viable but booming. Throughout this article, you’ll discover specific business ideas with real income potential, learn exactly how to launch without capital, and gain actionable steps that turn your expertise into revenue. Cubicle to Cloud virtual business

What are the best small business ideas to start with little or no money?

  • Top options: dropshipping, consulting, cleaning, tutoring, affiliate marketing, reselling, freelance services
  • Most require only: a computer, an internet connection, and your existing skills or creativity
  • Service-based businesses: minimize startup expenses and maximize flexibility through direct client work
  • Success comes from: consistent execution, excellent customer service, and strategic marketing—not big investments
  • Launch strategy: start part-time while maintaining income, then scale as your client base and revenue grow

Low-Cost Service Businesses Anyone Can Start

Service businesses transform your time and expertise into profit without inventory or storefronts. Most new businesses take 18-24 months to become profitable, but service models often reach profitability faster due to minimal overhead costs.

Home and office cleaning services

The cleaning industry generates $415.93 billion globally and continues growing at 6.9% annually through 2030. You can start with supplies clients provide or invest under $100 in basic equipment.

Launch Steps:

  • Register on platforms like Angi, HomeAdvisor, and Care.com for immediate visibility
  • Price services at $25-50 per hour for residential or $30-75 for commercial spaces
  • Build trust through before-and-after photos and client testimonials
  • Scale by hiring help once you book 20+ hours weekly

Tutoring and online courses

Online tutoring has exploded to a $12.8 billion market in 2025, projected to double by 2030. Tutors typically charge $20-60 per hour, with specialized subjects commanding premium rates.

Getting Started:

  • Choose your expertise area: academics, music, languages, test prep, or professional skills
  • Create free profiles on Wyzant, Tutor.com, or Preply
  • Develop course materials using Canva or Google Slides
  • Package knowledge into digital courses on Teachable for passive income
  • Market through parent Facebook groups and local school networks

Online Business Ideas That Cost Almost Nothing

Digital businesses eliminate traditional barriers like rent and inventory. The dropshipping market alone reached $460 billion in 2025, growing over 20% annually.

Dropshipping and print-on-demand

Print-on-demand businesses maintain 25-50% profit margins with zero inventory risk. About 24% of POD businesses remain active long-term, generating meaningful income.

Action Plan:

  • Open a Shopify store using their free trial period
  • Connect with Printful or Printify for automatic fulfillment
  • Design unique products targeting specific niches
  • Focus on customer reviews and social proof
  • Reinvest early profits into Facebook and Instagram ads

Affiliate marketing

Businesses invest $11.99 billion in affiliate marketing, with successful affiliates earning $5,000-15,000 monthly in established niches. Software affiliates average $5,967 monthly while education-focused marketers can earn $15,551.

Building Your Affiliate Business:

  • Select a profitable niche matching your interests
  • Start a blog using WordPress.com’s free plan
  • Write detailed product reviews and comparison guides
  • Join Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or niche-specific programs
  • Drive traffic through SEO and Pinterest marketing

How to Build a Freelance or Consulting Practice with No Money

Full-time freelancers earn a median of $85,000 annually, with 78% reporting satisfaction with their compensation. The key is packaging your existing skills into marketable services.

Steps to launch

  • Build your portfolio: Create a free website on WordPress or showcase work on LinkedIn
  • Set competitive rates: Research industry standards on Glassdoor or Indeed
  • Find first clients: Tap your network and post in relevant Facebook groups
  • Deliver excellence: Over-deliver on early projects to generate referrals
  • Scale systematically: Raise rates every 3-6 months as demand increases

High-demand freelance services

Virtual assistants earn $45,000-70,000 annually, with certified VAs commanding 15% higher rates. Other profitable options include:

  • Social media management ($15-75 per hour)
  • Content writing ($25-150 per article)
  • Graphic design ($25-100 per hour)
  • Web development ($50-150 per hour)
  • Business consulting ($75-300 per hour) CorpNet. Start A New Business Now

Creative and Upcycling Businesses: Turn Passion into Profit

Etsy hosts 8.1 million sellers generating $12.5 billion in gross merchandise value. Handmade businesses contribute an average 12% to household income, with 21% of sellers earning $1,000-10,000 monthly.

Profitable Creative Ventures:

  • Furniture flipping (source free items from Craigslist)
  • Custom pet accessories (tap into the $261 billion pet industry)
  • Digital art and printables (infinite inventory with zero storage)
  • Upcycled clothing and accessories (thrift store sourcing under $5 per item)

Marketing Your Creations:

  • Post process videos on TikTok and Instagram Reels
  • Join craft fair vendor groups on Facebook
  • Cross-list products on Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, and Mercari
  • Build an email list offering 10% off first purchases

Real-World Success Stories: Starting Up With Nothing

Case study: Raven Gibson – Legendary Rootz

Raven Gibson launched Legendary Rootz from her college dorm using print-on-demand. Starting with zero inventory investment, she designed empowering apparel for Black women featuring messages like “I am Black history.” Using Shopify’s free trial and Printful for fulfillment, she focused on authentic storytelling and community engagement through social media. Her strategic approach to niche marketing and customer service excellence led to Target stores stocking her products—proving a no-money startup can scale to mainstream retail.

My Complete Controller journey

I started Complete Controller from my home office with basic QuickBooks knowledge and a determination to help small businesses succeed. By focusing on exceptional service and leveraging cloud technology before it was mainstream, we grew from a solo operation to serving thousands of clients nationwide. The lesson: start where you are, use what you have, and let excellence drive growth.

How to Move from Idea to First Sale Without Spending Money

Most side hustles generate under $100 monthly initially, but 35% of established side hustlers earn $1,000 or more monthly. The difference lies in execution.

  • Step 1: Define your service clearly—what problem do you solve?
  • Step 2: Create a simple online presence using free tools like Linktree or Google My Business
  • Step 3: Reach out to 10 potential clients daily through direct messages or emails
  • Step 4: Deliver exceptional work and immediately ask for testimonials
  • Step 5: Reinvest earnings into better tools and targeted marketing

Revenue Milestones:

  • Month 1-3: Focus on getting first 5 clients
  • Month 4-6: Streamline processes and raise prices 20%
  • Month 7-12: Add complementary services or products
  • Year 2: Consider hiring help or automating tasks

Legal, Compliance, and Trust Factors for Small Business Owners

Protecting your business costs less than fixing problems later. Business formation fees range from $50-500 depending on your state.

Essential Legal Steps:

  • Register a DBA (Doing Business As) with your county ($10-100)
  • Get an EIN from the IRS (free online application)
  • Open a separate business bank account
  • Use free contract templates from LawDepot or Rocket Lawyer
  • Consider general liability insurance once earning $1,000+ monthly

Building Customer Trust:

  • Display credentials and certifications prominently
  • Respond to inquiries within 4 hours
  • Offer satisfaction guarantees on services
  • Collect and showcase client testimonials
  • Maintain consistent branding across all platforms

Start Small, Build Smart

After two decades helping entrepreneurs navigate financial challenges, I’ve witnessed how determination paired with smart strategies creates lasting success. The businesses outlined here—from freelancing to dropshipping to service ventures—prove that capital isn’t the barrier it once was. Your skills, creativity, and willingness to serve others matter far more than your bank balance.

Take action today. Choose one idea that matches your skills and interests. Create that first social media profile, list that first service, or reach out to that first potential client. The path from zero to profitable isn’t always smooth, but it’s absolutely achievable with persistence and the right guidance.

Ready to build your business on a solid financial foundation? Get expert bookkeeping, accounting, and strategic advice at Complete Controller. ADP. Payroll – HR – Benefits

Frequently Asked Questions About Small Business Ideas No Money

What is the easiest business to start with no money?

Service businesses like consulting, cleaning, and tutoring require minimal investment beyond your time and expertise. Virtual assistance and freelance writing also offer immediate income potential with just a computer and internet connection.

Can I start an online business for free?

Yes, platforms like Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, and freelance sites let you begin with no upfront costs. Shopify and similar e-commerce platforms offer free trials, while print-on-demand eliminates inventory expenses entirely.

How do I get customers without a marketing budget?

Leverage your existing network through social media announcements, join relevant Facebook groups, offer referral incentives, post in community forums, and create valuable content that naturally attracts your target audience.

What legal steps do I need to take for a new small business?

Register your business name locally, obtain necessary permits for your industry, get an EIN from the IRS, use basic contracts for all client work, and consider affordable general liability insurance as revenue grows.

Are there ideas that work for people with no special skills?

Absolutely—cleaning services, pet sitting, delivery assistance, reselling thrift finds, and basic handyperson tasks all build on everyday abilities. Success comes from reliability and customer service rather than specialized expertise.

Sources

Complete Controller. America’s Bookkeeping Experts About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity. LastPass – Family or Org Password Vault
author avatar
Jennifer Brazer Founder/CEO
Jennifer is the author of From Cubicle to Cloud and Founder/CEO of Complete Controller, a pioneering financial services firm that helps entrepreneurs break free of traditional constraints and scale their businesses to new heights.
Reviewed By: reviewer avatar Brittany McMillen
reviewer avatar Brittany McMillen
Brittany McMillen is a seasoned Marketing Manager with a sharp eye for strategy and storytelling. With a background in digital marketing, brand development, and customer engagement, she brings a results-driven mindset to every project. Brittany specializes in crafting compelling content and optimizing user experiences that convert. When she’s not reviewing content, she’s exploring the latest marketing trends or championing small business success.

Reasons You May Have to Downsize Your Home

An economic downturn or a recessed economy can have an adverse impact on the disposable income and employability of the family’s income earners. The baseline standard of living is also vulnerable to the same economic turmoil.

The family’s earners can be caught up in the downsizing of the company that employs them at any time during an economic crisis, leaving them constantly vulnerable. When a company is defenseless against stock market crashes, hyperinflation, hike in interest rates, and other macroeconomic indicators, the company’s first step is to curb cost expenditures. Subsequently, companies often resort to downsizing by furloughing or laying off employees. Imagine being an employee in a company that will go through an economic crisis and how that can impact you as an employee. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

That trajectory could leave you unemployed and no longer able to provide for your family. The most important thing you can do if this happens is to maintain your household finances. Often this will mean you need to come up with a supplemental stream of income or find another job. You may also need to downsize your home by selling it and moving into an apartment or a condominium.

This downsizing will save you money during financial difficulties. Still, once you are gainfully employed, and the economy bounces back, you will be able to accumulate some savings by remaining in the less costly living space.

 Another scenario that could cause financial strain is closing on to the age of retirement. In this instance, downsizing also means cutting down on unnecessary costs and household expenses. Suppose you are an employee, having a family of two, and living in a well-maintained six-bedroom house with a yard, pool, patio, and porch. In that case, much of your disposable income will be directed towards the maintenance of your home. Also, suppose you and your family are regular travelers, for example, going on vacation, spending a couple of months in another continent or state. In that case, the cost of maintaining the house will also increase. It would be wise to opt for downsizing your permanent dwelling when retiring. It will help you boost your income and play a significant part in curtailing your daily expenses. You will always be in that comfort zone. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Unlike maintaining a house equipped with security peripherals and maintenance measures, an apartment will meet your living standards with many amenities built into the apartment. Downsizing to an apartment will help build up funds for your retirement and provide you with peace of mind whenever you feel like taking a vacation or spending more time with your family.

You must include a knowledgeable real estate agent with superior market expertise about what will work best for you in both scenarios. A good real estate agent will be able to navigate you through the entire process expertly. Whether it be selling a house or buying a place, a great real estate agent’s significance cannot be overlooked.

Finding a real estate agent with an abundance of market knowledge will help guide you through the process in a systematic way. Each step and every question will be navigated and answered with a concrete and reliable source of information.

Regardless of the circumstances that have changed your financial status, the notion of downsizing is a great option and a good choice. You will be able to accrue savings and reduce the cost of living. This amassment of funds will help you after retirement or when approaching the age of retirement.

In any case, when you need to make financial changes because of a job loss, retirement, or any other financial factor, downsizing where you live can be a great way to save money and accumulate savings for the future.

Check out America's Best Bookkeepers About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

7 Things You Need to Consider Before Filing for Bankruptcy

When individuals, couples, or businesses become financially devastated, they may have to file for bankruptcy as there may be no other alternative. When people think about bankruptcy, they think it is an adverse option or irreversible solution to their financial issues. Bankruptcy can indeed be a financial set back however it is generally a relief to those struggling with huge financial burdens or losses. Here are seven things you need to know about bankruptcy before filing. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Bankruptcy Is Not a Quick Process

Many are under the false impression that bankruptcy is easy to do once the decision is made to file. However, there is a long process. First, you must hire a lawyer and discuss your options financially. Once you get to court, the process does not move any more quickly. While small court usually claims only last a day, bankruptcy can take anywhere from six months to a year to complete. The length of time it takes depends on the type of bankruptcy you are filing; generally, individuals file Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Other common types of bankruptcy are Chapter 13 and Chapter 11, which can take anywhere from six months to five years depending on the issues’ complications. If you decide to file bankruptcy, be ready for a long and drawn-out process.

Bankruptcy Opens Your Finances to Public Scrutiny

Because bankruptcy is conducted in a public courtroom, this can open your financial situation to the public. This generally does not cause issues as most people are not under a microscope by public members. However, if a future employer or business partner were to launch a background check, they would see a meticulous accounting of your finances. This could cause issues in employment and future business endeavors as well as other financial investments or needs. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Complete Disclosure Is Required

Many people see bankruptcy as an embarrassment. It is also exceedingly difficult for someone to decide to do. However, despite this embarrassment, a person filing bankruptcy needs to give Full disclosure to their lawyer and those handling their case. This means you cannot leave out a single debt, I said, or creditor information. If later it is discovered that you held back important information to your case, you can lose your case, and in some cases, there could be an investigation by the FBI or other agencies. Bankruptcy fraud is a considerable crime that can involve possible jail time and fines.

Bankruptcy Forms Are Complicated

While most forms that the government requires are complicated to navigate, there is no exception for bankruptcy forms. There is a multitude of forms and other papers that are needed when filing bankruptcy. These forms and the required paperwork can be very difficult to navigate if you have no experience. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

The Bankruptcy Discharge Protects Only You

Bankruptcy is only for the person filing for it. If you had cosigners on any of your loans, they are still vulnerable and held responsible for the entire T of what is owed by creditors. Though they will have signed for your debt to fall to them if you go into default, they are not covered if you file and are successfully granted bankruptcy. It is suggested that you work out a plan with your cosigner before you file for bankruptcy.

Filing for Bankruptcy Is Expensive

Bankruptcy is not a cheap endeavor. It can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on the lawyer and the length of time it takes to settle your case. In some cases, lawyers will make contingency contracts in which they will not charge you if you were unsuccessful in obtaining bankruptcy. It can also be expensive in your financial situation as it will continue to grow into more debt as you are working your way through the system.

Declaring Bankruptcy Affects Your Credit for Years

It is a no-brainer that bankruptcy will cause you to have a poor credit score for years to come. This alone makes the decision very difficult because it takes longer for bankruptcy to fall off your credit score, unlike other creditor information. This will cause you difficulty in making purchases such as a car or a home.

You can work to build your credit just like you can when you don’t have bankruptcy. However, keep in mind this would require you to get more credit lines, which would lead to more debt to creditors. The point of filing bankruptcy is to get yourself on a clean slate and to stay there. So getting lines of credit to counteract the poor credit rating is not ideal.

Check out America's Best Bookkeepers About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

What is Activity-Based Costing?

Activity-based costing (ABC) can be best explained as a method used to assign costs to various products, tasks, or service projects mainly based on the activities involved in carrying them out properly.

ABC was first characterized by Kaplan and Bruns in the late 1980s. It tends to be considered the cutting-edge option compared to absorption costing, enabling managers to more readily comprehend item and client net productivity. This furnishes the business with better data and, subsequently, increasingly compelling choices. It includes asset utilization and costing last yields. Assets are appointed to activities and activities to cost objects. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

The Process Flow of Activity-Based Costing:

Activity-based costing is used for various purposes and, if we take a closer look into its different aspects, we can have a better understanding. For example, the entire ABC distribution of overhead expenses to those cost objects that have the right to be accused of overhead expenses. So that chiefs can see which activity drivers should be decreased so as to contract a comparing measure of overhead expense. For instance, if the expense of a solitary buy is $100, supervisors can concentrate on letting the creation framework naturally put in purchase requests or utilize obtainment cards as an approach to avoid purchase orders. Either arrangement results in fewer purchase orders and subsequently brings down obtaining division costs.

Identification of Primary and Secondary Costs:

The initial phase in ABC is to distinguish those costs that we need to designate. This is the most basic step in the process since we would prefer not to linger on an exceedingly expansive business scale. For instance, if we need to decide the full expense of a circulation channel, we will distinguish publicizing and warehousing costs identified with that channel, yet will overlook examining costs since they are identified with items, not channels. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Make cost pools for those expenses brought about to give administration to different parts of the organization instead of straightforwardly supporting an organization’s items or operations. The substance of optional cost pools normally incorporates PC administrations, authoritative compensations, and comparative expenses. These expenses are later dispersed to other cost pools that straightforwardly identify items and administrations. There might be a few of these auxiliary cost pools contingent on the idea of the expenses and how they will be designated.

Make a lot of cost pools for those costs all the more firmly lined up with the generation of merchandise or administrations. It is basic to have separate cost pools for every product since costs will, in general, occur together. Such expenses can incorporate innovative work, publicizing, acquirement, and dissemination. Also, you should consider making cost pools for every dissemination channel or for every office. If the chances are that generation clumps are of significantly shifting lengths, consider making cost pools at the bulk level, with the goal that you have enough costs dependent on group estimates.

Allocate Activity Drivers:

Utilize an information gathering framework to collect data about movement drivers that assign expenses in auxiliary cost pools to essential cost pools and designate the expenses in essential cost pools to cost objects. It tends to be costly to aggregate action driver data, so use action drivers for data that is being gathered. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Evaluate Items:

Utilize an action driver to assign the substance of every essential cost pool to cost objects. There will be a different action driver for each cost pool. To dispense the costs, partition the aggregate expense in each cost pool by the aggregate sum of action in the action driver to set up the expense per unit of action. At that point, dispense the expense per unit to the cost objects in light of their utilization of the movement driver.

Prepare a Report Based on the Information:

Convert the aftereffects of the ABC framework into reports for executive review. For instance, if the framework was initially intended to amass overhead data by geological deals areas, at that point, give an account of income earned in every locale, every single direct expense, and the overhead from the ABC framework. This gives management a full cost perspective of the production of every district. The most well-known administration response to an ABC report is to decrease the number of movement drivers utilized by each cost question. Doing so ought to lessen the measure of overhead expense being utilized.

Check out America's Best Bookkeepers About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Key Financial Ratios to Know

Key Financial Ratios to Evaluate Business Investment Value

Financial ratios are vital tools investors use to quickly and clearly assess whether a business investment is worth your money—they reveal profitability, risk, and growth potential in seconds by benchmarking performance across companies and industries. Understanding these metrics transforms complex financial statements into actionable investment intelligence that separates winning opportunities from costly mistakes.

As the founder of Complete Controller, I’ve spent over 20 years analyzing financial data for businesses across every industry imaginable—from Silicon Valley startups to Main Street retailers. Through thousands of client engagements, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the right ratios can predict a company’s trajectory months before it becomes obvious to the market. This guide breaks down the essential ratios smart investors use daily, complete with real-world examples and the hard-earned insights that only come from decades in the financial trenches. You’ll walk away knowing exactly which numbers matter most and how to spot both hidden gems and red flags before making your next investment decision. LastPass – Family or Org Password Vault

What are the key financial ratios, and how can you use them to value a business investment?

  • The key financial ratios for evaluating business investment value are profitability, liquidity, leverage, efficiency, and market valuation ratios
  • Profitability ratios show how effectively a business generates income from its resources
  • Liquidity ratios assess if a company can meet short-term financial obligations
  • Leverage ratios evaluate the company’s debt levels and financial risk
  • Efficiency ratios measure how well a business utilizes assets to produce revenue
  • Market valuation ratios compare a firm’s market value to financial metrics—critical for judging true investment worth

Essential Financial Ratios Every Investor Should Know

Investors rely on several core financial ratios to analyze companies, compare investment opportunities, and minimize risk. These mathematical relationships between key business metrics form the foundation of sound investment analysis, turning raw financial data into clear performance indicators.

Financial metrics serve as your investment compass, guiding decisions through objective data rather than gut feelings or market hype. The most successful investors master five ratio categories that together paint a complete picture of a company’s health and potential.

Profitability ratios: Measuring investment value

Profitability ratios gauge a firm’s ability to generate returns compared to sales, assets, or equity. These financial ratios explained in simple terms show whether a business creates value efficiently or burns through resources without adequate returns.

The importance of financial ratios becomes clear when comparing similar businesses—a company with a 15% net profit margin dramatically outperforms one earning just 5%, assuming comparable industries. Three profitability ratios stand above the rest for investment analysis:

  • ROI (Return on Investment): Shows net profit relative to total invested capital
  • ROE (Return on Equity): Measures net income as a percentage of shareholders’ equity
  • Net Profit Margin: Reveals how much profit is earned from total revenue

How to calculate financial ratios for profitability starts with these formulas:

  • Net Profit Margin = Net Income / Revenue × 100%
  • ROE = Earnings After Tax / Shareholders’ Equity × 100%

Industry benchmarks for ROE vary dramatically, ranging from negative returns in biotech (-66.5%) to strong positive returns in sectors like building materials (18.7%). This massive variation proves that raw numbers mean nothing without context—a 12% ROE signals excellence in retail but mediocrity in technology.

Liquidity ratios: Can the business pay its bills?

Liquidity ratios indicate whether a business can meet its immediate obligations, helping safeguard investors from companies on shaky ground. Financial ratios for beginners should always start here because liquidity problems kill businesses faster than profitability issues.

Silicon Valley Bank’s spectacular 2023 collapse demonstrates why liquidity trumps profitability. Despite strong earnings, SVB failed within 48 hours when depositors withdrew 85% of funds—the bank couldn’t convert long-term assets into cash quickly enough. This $16.1 billion disaster proves that profitable companies die from liquidity crises, not earnings shortfalls.

  • Current Ratio: Current Assets / Current Liabilities
  • Quick Ratio: (Current Assets – Inventories) / Current Liabilities

Financial analysis reveals that healthy businesses maintain current ratios above 1.5 and quick ratios above 1.0. Early in my career, I passed on investing in a promising retail venture after its liquidity ratios flagged hidden cash flow problems. That company filed bankruptcy eight months later despite reporting record sales. Download A Free Financial Toolkit

Leverage Ratios: Understanding Financial Risk

Examining how much a company relies on debt exposes investment risk and long-term viability. Leverage ratios separate conservative operators from overleveraged gamblers betting their company’s future on borrowed money.

The importance of financial ratios shines brightest when assessing debt levels across different industries. Debt-to-equity ratios vary wildly—biotechnology companies average just 0.16, while financial institutions operate comfortably between 0.2 and 4.5. A software startup with a D/E of 1.0 raises red flags, while the same ratio for a bank signals normal operations.

  • Debt-to-Equity Ratio (D/E): Total Debt / Shareholders’ Equity
  • Interest Coverage Ratio: EBIT / Interest Expense

Financial ratios explained through current data show troubling trends. In Q1 2024, median investment-grade companies covered interest payments 5.78 times, down from 6.08 times previously. Non-investment-grade firms barely scrape by with 2.62x coverage—any revenue decline could trigger defaults.

Efficiency ratios: Operational performance metrics

Efficiency ratios benchmark asset management, inventory control, and receivables to reveal operational excellence or waste. Best financial ratios for investment analysis always include efficiency metrics because they predict future profitability better than current earnings.

Costco demonstrates world-class efficiency with an inventory turnover of 12.6 times annually—selling and replacing all inventory every 29 days. More impressively, Costco maintains a negative cash conversion cycle, collecting customer payments before paying suppliers. This operational excellence creates an unbeatable competitive moat.

  • Inventory Turnover: Cost of Goods Sold / Average Inventory
  • Accounts Receivable Turnover: Net Credit Sales / Accounts Receivable

How to calculate financial ratios for efficiency starts with understanding your industry’s norms. In tech startups, stellar efficiency ratios often foreshadow outsized returns—I’ve seen founders double profits simply by improving receivables turnover from 6 to 10 times annually.

Market Valuation Ratios: Judging Investment True Worth

These financial ratios connect market price and underlying value—critical for avoiding overpayment. Market sentiment swings wildly, but valuation ratios anchor investment decisions in mathematical reality.

The S&P 500’s current P/E ratio of 37.1 sits 80.9% above the historical average of 20.5, signaling significant overvaluation. Investors today pay $37 for every $1 of annual earnings versus the normal $20.50—a clear warning that market euphoria has disconnected from fundamental value.

  • Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio: Share Price / Earnings per Share
  • Price-to-Book (P/B) Ratio: Market Price per Share / Book Value per Share
  • PEG (Price/Earnings-to-Growth) Ratio: P/E / Growth Rate
  • Dividend Yield: Annual Dividends / Price per Share

Financial metrics for valuation require both current snapshots and historical perspective. A P/E of 25 might signal overvaluation generally but represent a bargain for a company growing earnings at 30% annually.

How to compare financial ratios across industries

Financial ratios only mean something in context. Capital-intensive sectors like utilities naturally show lower returns on assets than asset-light software companies—comparing them directly misleads investors.

Cross-sectional analysis demands industry-specific benchmarks. Service businesses often boast higher margins and returns than manufacturers, while banks operate with leverage ratios that would bankrupt most other companies. Smart investors always compare ratios against direct competitors and industry medians before drawing conclusions.

Final Thoughts: Making Ratios Work for You

Financial ratios transform overwhelming data into clear investment signals, but no single metric tells the complete story. I’ve built Complete Controller on the principle that numbers reveal truth when interpreted correctly—combining profitability, liquidity, leverage, efficiency, and valuation ratios creates a comprehensive investment framework.

The most successful investors triangulate across multiple ratios, track trends over time, and always benchmark against relevant peers. Whether evaluating a startup or Fortune 500 company, these mathematical relationships expose strengths and weaknesses that marketing spin cannot hide. Master these tools, and you’ll make investment decisions with confidence backed by data, not hope.

Ready to put professional-grade financial analysis to work in your business? Contact the experts at Complete Controller for guidance that turns complex numbers into strategic advantages. ADP. Payroll – HR – Benefits

Frequently Asked Questions About Financial Ratios

What are the most important financial ratios for investors?

Profitability, liquidity, leverage, efficiency, and market valuation ratios provide the most critical insights for investment decisions. Focus on ROE, current ratio, debt-to-equity, inventory turnover, and P/E ratio as your starting foundation.

What does a good ROI or ROE indicate?

High returns suggest the business effectively generates profits from investments and shareholder equity. ROE above 15% typically signals strong performance, though industry context matters—some sectors naturally produce higher or lower returns.

How do market valuation ratios affect investment decisions?

They help determine if a company’s stock is overpriced or undervalued by comparing price against earnings, book value, and dividends. High P/E ratios often indicate overvaluation, while low ratios might signal buying opportunities.

How do I calculate financial ratios from financial statements?

Extract key metrics like net income, assets, and equity from balance sheets and income statements, then apply standard formulas. Start with basic ratios like current ratio (current assets/current liabilities) before advancing to complex calculations.

Can financial ratios predict future business success?

Ratios analyze historical performance to spotlight strengths and risks but cannot guarantee future outcomes. Combine ratio analysis with strategy evaluation, market trends, and competitive positioning for more accurate forecasts.

Sources

CorpNet. Start A New Business Now About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity. Complete Controller. America’s Bookkeeping Experts
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Jennifer Brazer Founder/CEO
Jennifer is the author of From Cubicle to Cloud and Founder/CEO of Complete Controller, a pioneering financial services firm that helps entrepreneurs break free of traditional constraints and scale their businesses to new heights.
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Brittany McMillen is a seasoned Marketing Manager with a sharp eye for strategy and storytelling. With a background in digital marketing, brand development, and customer engagement, she brings a results-driven mindset to every project. Brittany specializes in crafting compelling content and optimizing user experiences that convert. When she’s not reviewing content, she’s exploring the latest marketing trends or championing small business success.

Tips on Mastering Financial Management

To understand the basics of financial management, including managing a budget or handling credit debt, is necessary for every student. To have little or no knowledge related to financial management can create complex situations that may be difficult for the person to handle in the future. As a young adult, it is important to be aware of the term “Financial Management.”  Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Financial Management is a combination of three major concepts: financial, debt, and credit management. In simpler terms, it is the basic knowledge of how to handle finances through decision management. Financial management involves understanding the mechanism of checking accounts, the right use of credit cards, and most importantly, how to avoid debt and default.

The family’s impact can be seen when household members are trying to balance the budget, utility bills, rent payments, installments, children’s education fees, etc. Lack of financial management is not only seen in developing or emerging countries, but consumers in developed nations have also failed in defining basic financial principles. It is important for everyone to learn the basics of financial management as they will help individuals accomplish financial goals. Being financially literate will work best for a person since it allows one to make their own investment choices, such as investing in the stock market or real estate, resulting in an increased account balance. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

The following describes the importance of financial management and literacy:

Financial management can be a complex concept to grasp. Presented with various options of products and services to choose between, it can become difficult to know which one suits your needs. Financial management works because you must take the time to learn about various services and products that are available. By researching and reviewing options, you will automatically get a better idea of which option is best according to your budget.

When a person has enough financial resources, it becomes easy to set realistic goals for their family. Financial management will help them create and manage a detailed budget plan and accomplish financial goals.

Financially educated individuals can save and pay off the debt in the easiest way. This allows them to gain knowledge and to make financial decisions with ample confidence. Financial management will help make the financial decisions that meet the needs and goals of their family. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Financial management helps one to manage finances efficiently by allowing them to save funds. Saving money will pay off all financial debts and will get any off-kilter finances back on track. It also helps a person to choose from an array of credit products. Financial management also helps a person know why to apply for a credit product and when to apply.

Investments and savings are particular terms reserved for the future since today’s investment will help determine the future. It is important to understand the value of money and the stock market to get a holistic view of investment. This outlook will help a person comprehend the stock market, including trending products and where to invest the money to double it. This safe method of investment will allow one to live the retirement life comfortably.

Lack of financial management will create critical situations in the future. To earn money and place it in a bank account is not a wise choice. Instead, one should try to make their money work for them. Improving financial management will have a tremendous influence on individuals and their futures. Being financially literate will help an individual make a budget plan, manage debt, make wise investment decisions, or set up a retirement account. Financial management enables a person to implement a healthy financial lifestyle and manage it in a better way.

Check out America's Best Bookkeepers About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

What are Profitability Ratios?

Profitability reflects a company’s competitive position in the market and, by extension, its management quality. Profitability ratios measure the return earned by the company during a period. Return-on-sales profitability ratios express various subtotals on the income statement as a percentage of revenue. Return-on-investment profitability ratios measure income relative to the company’s assets, equity, or total capital employed. Different types of profitability ratios include:

Gross Profit Margin Ratio

The gross profit margin ratio indicates the percentage of revenue available to cover operating and other expenses and to generate profit. A higher gross profit margin indicates some combination of higher product pricing and lower product costs. If a product has a competitive advantage, the company is better able to charge more for it. On the cost side, a higher gross profit margin can also indicate that a company has a competitive advantage in product costs. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Net Profit Margin Ratio

Net profit is calculated as revenue minus all expenses. Net income includes recurring and non-recurring components. Generally, the net profit used in calculating the net profit margin ratio is adjusted for non-recurring items to offer a better view of a company’s potential future profitability.

Return on Total Asset Ratio

The return on total assets measure reflects the return on all assets invested in the company, whether financed with liabilities, debt, or equity. The higher the return on total assets ratio, the more income is generated by a given level of assets. The lower ratio reflects the lower-income is generated from a given level of assets.

Return on Common Equity Ratio

The return on common equity ratio measures the return earned by a company only on its common equity. The higher the ratio, the company utilizes its common equity well and vice–versa. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Operating Profit Margin Ratio

An operating profit margin increasing faster than the gross profit margin can indicate improvements in controlling operating costs such as administrative overheads. In contrast, a declining operating profit margin could be an indicator of deteriorating control over operating costs.

Debt Coverage Ratios

Debt coverage ratios are also known as solvency ratios. Debt coverage ratios are primarily of two types. Debt ratios, the first type, focus on the balance sheet and measure the amount of debt capital relative to equity capital. Coverage ratios, the second type, focus on the income statement and measure a company’s ability to cover its debt payments. These ratios are useful in assessing a company’s solvency and, therefore, in evaluating the quality of a company’s bonds and other debt obligations.

The Main Types of Debt Ratios

Debt-to-assets ratio

This ratio measures the percentage of total assets financed with debt. Generally, higher debt means higher financial risk and, thus, weaker solvency. Lower debt indicates higher solvency. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers

Financial leverage ratio

This ratio is also known as the leverage ratio. It measures the total assets supported for each money unit of equity. The higher the financial leverage ratio, the more leveraged the company is to use debt and other liabilities to finance assets.

Interest coverage ratio

This ratio is sometimes referred to as ‘times interest earned.’ It measures the number of times a company’s EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) could cover its interest payments. A higher interest coverage ratio indicates stronger solvency, offering greater assurance that the company can service its debt from operating earnings.

Market value ratio

Market value ratios relate an observable market value, the stock price, to book values obtained from the company’s financial statements. The most common market value ratio is:

Earnings per share ratio

Earnings per share determine the portion of a company’s profit allocated to each outstanding share of common stock. It serves as an indicator of a company’s profitability. When calculating, it is more accurate to show the weighted average number of shares outstanding over the reporting term because the number of shares outstanding can change over time.

Check out America's Best Bookkeepers About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity. Check out America's Best Bookkeepers