COVID Stimulus Checks Sabotaged Small Business Owners

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to small businesses, but it also introduced substantial government aid through stimulus checks, Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). These funds provided critical relief to millions of small businesses, allowing them to cover payroll, rent, and other operating costs during a time of economic uncertainty​. However, this influx of cash also created unintended consequences for many business owners, leading to financial mismanagement and increased expenses. This article explores how these stimulus measures impacted small businesses and offers strategies to reframe your financial mindset for better long-term stability.

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The Impact of COVID Stimulus Checks on Small Businesses

During the pandemic, the U.S. government disbursed over 476 million stimulus payments totaling $814 billion to individuals and businesses to alleviate economic hardship​. Programs like the CARES Act, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, and the American Rescue Plan provided significant financial assistance, with funds aimed at keeping businesses afloat and preserving jobs​. While these funds were meant to be temporary relief, many small business owners treated them as if they were an ongoing source of revenue, leading to poor financial decisions. This is problematic because 82% of small business owners already struggle with cash flow issues.

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Small business owners, accustomed to struggling with cash flow, suddenly found their bank accounts flush with funds. This unexpected windfall led many to make permanent lifestyle and business changes, such as upgrading homes, enrolling children in private schools, and increasing other recurring expenses. The problem arose when these expenses continued long after the stimulus funds were exhausted, creating a financial strain as regular business income was insufficient to cover the new higher costs.

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Adopting the Investor Frame for Better Financial Decisions

To recover from these financial pitfalls, it’s crucial to adopt what I call the "investor frame." This involves scrutinizing every expense and investment as if you were an investor assessing a potential venture. Here’s how to implement this mindset:

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1. Evaluate Expenses and Investments: Ask yourself, "Based on what I know today, would I make this investment again?" If the answer is yes, ensure there’s a demonstrable return on investment (ROI). If the answer is no, determine what changes would make it a worthwhile investment.
2. Set Rules and Outcomes: Establish specific rules and timelines (e.g., 30, 60, 90 days) for achieving desired outcomes. If these criteria aren’t met, cut the expense and reallocate resources to more profitable areas.
3. Prioritize Core Business Investments: Focus on essential investments that drive business growth. Non-core investments should yield returns that at least match or exceed the S&P 500 index's average annual return.

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Properly Categorizing Income: Recurring vs. Windfall

Another critical strategy is to correctly categorize your income into recurring and windfall money:

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• Recurring Income: This is regular income you can expect to receive consistently, such as through contracts or predictable sales.
• Windfall Money: One-time income, such as PPP funds or EIDL loans, which should not be relied upon for recurring expenses.

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Use windfall money for one-time expenses and reserve recurring income for ongoing costs. This approach helps avoid creating a system destined for future financial stress once windfall funds are depleted.

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Conclusion: Reframe Your Financial Strategy for Success

To thrive post-pandemic, small business owners must reframe their financial strategies. By adopting the investor frame, scrutinizing expenses, and correctly categorizing income, you can stabilize your finances and ensure long-term prosperity. Proper planning and strategic investment are key to recovering from the pandemic’s economic impact and positioning your business for future growth.

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Remember, the key to financial success is not just surviving today but planning and strategizing for a secure and prosperous future. Make sure your financial strategies work for you, not against you.

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Sources

The White House

Michigan State University

Reuters

Business.org

https://www.business.org/finance/loans/coronavirus-stimulus-package/

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