Handling Debt in the Profit First System
Debt is part of many small business journeys—especially in the early years. Whether it's credit cards, lines of credit, or loans you used to get the doors open, it's easy to feel stuck when you're trying to stay profitable and pay off what you owe.
The good news? Profit First doesn’t ignore debt—it gives you a system to handle it strategically.
Where Debt Fits in Your Allocations
You won’t see a dedicated “Debt” account in the standard Profit First setup. But that doesn’t mean it’s left out. Payments toward debt come out of your Operating Expenses account. That’s where you’ll pay your credit cards, loan payments, and any other obligations.
If your debt feels too big to cover within your current OpEx percentage, that’s a sign you need to adjust—or create a temporary strategy.
A Simple Starting Point
If you’re carrying debt and feeling the squeeze, here’s a practical approach:
1. Create a “Debt Snowball” Line in Your Budget
Prioritize your debts from smallest to largest (or highest interest to lowest, if you prefer that method). Commit a fixed amount from your OpEx account to paying these down.
2. Reduce Other OpEx Spending Temporarily
This is where Profit First helps you get clear. If you can’t comfortably make your payments, you’ll need to cut expenses—or increase revenue. The system highlights this imbalance.
3. Consider a Temporary Allocation for Debt
If needed, create a short-term “Debt” account and temporarily allocate 5–10% from the Income account there each cycle. This can give you more control and help protect your operating cash.
Real Talk
The system won’t magically erase your debt. But it gives you clarity and discipline, so you're not just reacting—you're planning.
And here’s the kicker: you don’t have to wait until you’re debt-free to be profitable. You just need to be intentional. Even a 1% Profit allocation gets you started on the right foot.
What to Do This Week
- Review your current debts and minimum payments
- Make sure they’re accounted for in your OpEx budget
- If needed, create a temporary “Debt” account to track paydown progress
- Celebrate small wins—every payment is momentum
Need Help Building Your Debt Strategy?
At CFO Accounting Services, we’ve helped dozens of business owners balance debt payoff with profitability. We’ll work with you to create a custom allocation plan that’s sustainable—and doesn’t leave you gasping for cash.
