“What is one underrated financial strategy that every entrepreneur or professional should know?”

Here is what 5 thought leaders had to say.

Set Aside Funds for Unexpected Growth Opportunities

One underrated financial strategy I recommend to every entrepreneur is separating “opportunity money” from operating money. I keep a small, dedicated account that’s purely for unexpected growth opportunities — a conference ticket that just popped up, a chance to test a new ad channel, or even hiring a freelancer for a quick campaign.

Most people only budget for expenses they expect, but the real game-changers often come unplanned. Having that little fund ready means you can move fast without stressing your cash flow or dipping into payroll. It’s a simple habit that’s saved me from hesitation and let me jump on opportunities before competitors even noticed.

Tim Nolan, Founder, Quoteplicity

Pay Yourself a Fixed Salary for Business Stability

One underrated financial strategy I’d share is paying yourself a “steady salary” even when income is unpredictable. Early on, I used to pull money from the business whenever I needed it, which made cash flow a mess. Once I started giving myself a fixed, reasonable monthly paycheck, two things happened — the business felt more stable, and I became way more disciplined about spending.

It sounds boring, but that habit forces you to treat your business like a real company, not an ATM. It also helps you plan better, both personally and professionally, because you know exactly what’s coming in for you each month.

Cormac Reynolds, Founder, The Funnels Guys

The Underrated Art of Tax Timing for Entrepreneurs

One financial strategy I’ve found incredibly underrated is keeping a close eye on timing when it comes to taxes and deductions. Early in my career, I used to treat tax planning as a once-a-year chore, like a dull paper shuffle in April. Over time, I realized that by strategically timing expenses, investments, or even certain purchases, I could reduce my taxable income in a way that felt almost like freeing up cash without cutting corners.

It’s a quiet, behind-the-scenes approach, but it builds confidence. You feel more in control of your money, like steering a boat through calm waters rather than being tossed by surprise waves. It requires patience and attention, but the peace of mind and small financial wins accumulate more than most people expect.

Robert Kurz, Founder, Adverta Treuhand AG

Negotiate Payment Terms to Protect Cash Flow

One underrated financial strategy I wish more entrepreneurs paid attention to is negotiating payment terms just as carefully as project scope. Early in my career, I focused so much on closing deals that I accepted 60- or even 90-day payment terms without a second thought. It looked fine on paper, but in reality, I was covering salaries and expenses while waiting months to get paid.

Now, I always try to structure deals with milestone-based payments or at least partial upfront deposits. It keeps cash flow healthy and reduces that knot in your stomach when payroll is coming up. It’s not glamorous advice, but getting paid on time can make or break your ability to grow without unnecessary stress.

Eugene Musienko, CEO, Merehead

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Handwrite Financial Decisions to Prevent Rash Choices

Writing everything down by hand before making a significant financial decision is an underappreciated financial tactic that I firmly believe in. Sitting down with a pen and paper slows down and helps you think clearly, even though it may sound archaic. I used to scribble numbers on notepads late at night until they made sense when I first started Simply Noted. It made it easier for me to see where money was leaking and going. Although spreadsheets are fantastic, they can cause a sense of disengagement. You can feel the weight of every choice when you put it in writing. It is a straightforward habit that has repeatedly prevented me from acting rashly.

Rick Elmore, CEO, Simply Noted