Effective investing now helps boost SMEs’ balance sheet for the future

While entrepreneurs need to keep a constant eye on their cashflow and the factors that influence its ebb and flow, it’s equally important to invest in long-term financial health to build buffers, save for Capex projects, or even just to rest easy in the peace of mind that comes with having funds set aside.

The past year has been a stressful one, with individuals and businesses alike having had to navigate rising inflation and interest rates along with the unexpected costs of staying in business through various stages of load shedding. While responding to short-term pressures, many may have lost sight of the long game made possible by saving money in a long-term account.

“Building financial health for your business takes time, careful planning, and a clear strategy as you balance your business’s daily needs with its long-term financial goals,” explains Natisha Lazarus, Head of Business Banking at Sasfin.

“There are several products available to entrepreneurs, offering parameters to suit each situation. However, the overriding rule is to be sure that you understand the terms and conditions of the savings or investment product you choose so that there are no complications when your business needs access to those funds.”

Notice Deposit Accounts

Opening a notice deposit account gives account holders the flexibility they need to access their funds while being rewarded with a higher interest rate for saving their funds for longer.

For example, a 32-day notice account offers a nominal interest rate of 7.50% while a 120-day notice account offers a nominal interest rate of 8.05%, with notice periods of varying lengths available to suit each entrepreneur’s business needs.  Interest rates are linked to the prime interest rate – which means that interest earned increases if that rate is raised by the Reserve Bank – and capital is guaranteed.

Being able to add extra funds to these accounts at any time allows for ongoing saving, and because interest is paid at the beginning of each month, balances benefit from compound interest too.

Bradley Reddy, who leads the medium-sized customer segment at Sasfin Business Banking adds, “Flexibility and control over the savings commitment lets the entrepreneur manage their working capital.”

Fixed Deposit accounts

A fixed deposit account locks in the specified amount for a predetermined time period, helping entrepreneurs stick to their savings goals while offering relatively higher interest rates.

For example, a six-month fixed deposit account offers a nominal interest rate of 7.58%, while a 36-month fixed deposit account offers as much as 8.7%. Over time, compounding interest means that the effective annual interest rate on that product would be 9.90%!

“Many of our clients choose a 12-month fixed deposit product, as this gives them a balance between benefitting from a better interest rate for a longer savings commitment and access to their savings as part of their future business planning,” Reddy adds.

Call Deposit

A call deposit account gives entrepreneurs the flexibility they need to access saved funds immediately while making it possible to add funds as and when they’re available. The prime-linked nominal interest rate of 6.95% helps money saved to grow, as interest is paid at the beginning of every month.

“An effective savings strategy that includes different types of savings products gives entrepreneurs the long-term benefits of interest-earning funds set aside to meet business goals while still allowing access to their money in case of emergencies,” explains Sanjeev Besssar, who has a specific mandate to empower small businesses. “Look for an overdraft product that responds to your business requirements, from a bank that offers personalised expertise and advice that supports your commercial skills and abilities.”

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Please note: The interest rates quoted are current rates for Sasfin products, which are subject to change and may vary from similar products offered by other banks.