Revenue comes in lumps; interest comes like rent. Entrepreneurs need systems that work when clients delay and when tax dates arrive. Bill the client; not your future.
RBI’s directions standardize billing clarity and dispute redress; business pages report card APRs far above most MSME loan rates (Reserve Bank of India, 2024; Business Standard, 2025). The gap suggests a reset when cash gets tight.
Founder Cash Map
- Tax jars: Keep GST and advance tax in separate accounts; never swipe for taxes.
- Invoice buffer: Hold one month of operating costs; refill buffer from every receipt.
- Card firewall: Business card for vendors; personal card for family; both paid in full.
Humor break: Clients love net‑45; interest loves net‑every‑day.
Reset Options When Receipts Slip
- Short personal/working‑capital loan: If rate is lower than card APR, use it to clear the card.
- Balance transfer with calendar: Use only if you can finish inside promo tenure.
- Vendor terms: Negotiate early‑payment discounts to fund the avalanche.
Chiasmus: Grow sales to cut interest; cut interest to grow sales.
Takeaways at a Glance
- Separate taxes and operations; stop cards from filling tax gaps.
- Use cheaper loans to clear high‑APR cards when needed (Business Standard, 2025).
- Pay both business and personal cards in full; keep books clean (Reserve Bank of India, 2024).
Your Turn
What kept your shop afloat; vendor discounts, early‑bird offers, or a two‑account system? Share one line for the next founder.
Closing
Invoices may wait; interest will not. Plan for both.
Short poetic disclaimer:
I write to guide, not decide; your money, your stride.
Sources
- Reserve Bank of India. (2024). Master Direction: Credit Card and Debit Card: Issuance and Conduct. https://www.rbi.org.in/
- Business Standard. (2025, April 4). MSME credit and why cards are the costliest debt. https://www.business-standard.com/
- Ministry of Finance. (2024). Budget documents and MSME measures. https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/