- Even with rates on hold at 3.6%, consolidating or refinancing debt, unlocking asset equity, and reviewing cash flow can help you maintain predictable finances.
- Negotiating with suppliers and exploring business loans can give your business the leeway to manage unexpected costs or seasonal peaks.
- Regularly monitoring cash flow and structuring repayments strategically ensures your business can keep operating smoothly, regardless of interest rate moves.
The latest RBA announcement confirmed that interest rates will remain steady at 3.6% [1].
Much like in September and November, the RBA is treading carefully. Data suggests inflation might be warming up again, but not enough for the board to act until it sees the December quarter figures.
As a business owner, you may have been hoping another cut would nudge consumers into a more positive mindset and open their wallets, particularly with the busy summer trading period just starting.
So, how can you keep your cash flow under control (regardless of where the market goes)?
1. Consolidate your debt
If you have multiple debts, they may all be accruing interest separately, sometimes at different rates. In other words? You could be paying more interest than you need to.
Combining them into a single loan helps by:
- Creating one predictable repayment each month
- Potentially lowering the total interest you pay
- Freeing up working capital for other priorities
- Reducing admin time and the risk of missed payments
When rates are steady, consolidating helps you lock in simpler, more manageable repayments, keeping your cash flow predictable with rates steady.
2. Refinance your existing debt
Refinancing to a longer-term loan or a better-structured repayment plan is another way of cutting your monthly repayments, making it easier to budget and protecting your business from rate volatility.
Plus, some refinancing options let you redraw on what you’ve already paid or borrow a little extra, which will give you some financial leeway to stay flexible.
3. Unlock equity in your business assets
If your business owns property, vehicles, or equipment, you’re sitting on untapped (and highly valuable) resources.
Accessing the equity tied up in these assets provides you with working capital for day-to-day expenses or growth initiatives, without needing to borrow more at potentially high interest.
It also gives you peace of mind, knowing you have a financial safety net should you face unexpected costs or slow periods.
4. Review and optimise your cash flow
Keeping an eye on your cash flow is key, regardless of interest rate movements or economic uncertainty. But it can be especially useful when rates aren’t dropping and every dollar counts:
- Spot unnecessary expenses and trim the fat
- Tighten invoicing processes to bring in money quicker
- Identify peak periods and slowdowns, and plan accordingly
- Understand what your business can afford before committing to new finance
5. Negotiate with suppliers
Some of your suppliers could be open to giving you better terms, and you may not even realise it. If you've built long-standing relationships, this is a conversation worth having.
You might just secure extended payment windows, early-payment discounts, or lower supply rates—all of which can make your finances more predictable and flexible.
6. Look into financing options
Even with rates on hold, lenders are competing to offer attractive year-end deals, perfect for businesses gearing up for January and Q1 opportunities:
- Working capital support to manage patchy demand
- Flexible credit lines for covering holiday peaks and troughs
- Refinancing or consolidation when terms can be improved
- Asset and equipment finance to upgrade without draining cash reserves
With Valiant, accessing the right finance is simple and quick.
Our platform compares finance from over 90 banks and non-bank lenders to find the ones that work for your needs and current financial situation.
From there, we handle the application process and settle funding on your behalf, so you get money exactly when you need it. Sound like the right next step for you? Get in touch today.
Bottom line: interest rates staying on hold isn't a setback, it's a chance to optimise your cash flow and take advantage of end-of-year opportunities. And remember, with the right strategies, your cash flow doesn’t have to depend on the RBA’s next move.
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