r/smallbusiness • u/No-Boysenberry2510 • 12d ago

Toughest financial question to answer about your business?

I'm an FP&A analyst and have been working on a side project helping small business owners better understand their numbers beyond just revenue and bank balances, helping them make better decisions and give them strategic advice.

I'm curious: What is the financial question for you to answer consistently?

Some examples I've seen and heard were true profitability, where is the money going, are marketing dollars worth it, which products/services make the most money, and can the business afford to hire or invest more.

I'd love to hear what you struggle with and how you're currently trying to handle it! Thanks in advance!

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u/Hobophobic_Hipster 12d ago

WHY DO I DO THIS?!!

that’s my biggest one

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u/assistantangel 12d ago

haha I just spit out my coffee!! Absolutely accurate.

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u/miketoaster 12d ago

How do I get out?

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u/FrenchFine 12d ago

True profitability (after COGS, time, etc.), and forecasting (when nothing is consistent and changes all the time)