Debt

Once a solution only for small businesses about to enter bankruptcy, debt management is now becoming a prudent proactive solution for uncertain times. If you wonder whether your business could use debt management, figure your debt ratio (the percentage of your after-tax income that goes to paying off debt). A manageable debt ratio is usually 40 percent or less. With a larger ratio, you may turn to a debt-management company that can help you manage money through credit counseling, budgeting workshops, crisis relief, and other services. You can choose from a variety of for-profit and non-for-profit debt-management firms.