Can You Afford to Invest?

This is one of those questions I love helping business owners unpack, because it’s rarely just about the money.

In my experience, most people fall into one of two camps when it comes to investing in their business:

Camp 1: “I’m too scared.”

Camp 2: “I’ll just do it anyway.”

Both are understandable. Both come from a good place. But both can lead to Investing can be exciting and strategic. You don’t have to choose between hesitation and blind faith. There’s a middle ground — one based on clear thinking and data (with a healthy dose of confidence).

So if you’re considering spending a chunk of cash in your business — maybe hiring, upgrading systems, or bringing in external support — here’s a quick process to help you make that decision wisely.

Step 1: Get clear on the real cost

Don’t guess. Look at the true, full cost — not just the headline figure.

That means including all the little add-ons and hidden costs.

(If you’ve read my post about hiring, you’ll know I always say it’s not just the salary that matters — [link to that blog here].)

Step 2: Consider the cash impact

What’s your cash position right now?

And what’s realistically coming in and going out over the next few months?

Can the business sustain this investment from available cash, or would you need to look at financing options?

This isn’t about being overly cautious — it’s about making sure the timing and structure support your long-term goals, not just the short-term desire.

Step 3: Assess the benefit

What’s the return on this investment — financially or strategically?

Not everything pays off in pounds immediately, but there should always be a tangible, measurable benefit.

Maybe it saves time, unlocks capacity, or supports future growth. Whatever it is, be clear on what success looks like before you commit.

Step 4: Sense check it

Talk it through.

Whether that’s with your Fractional FD, finance business partner, or a friendly accountant (hi 👋) — getting an external perspective helps you spot blind spots and confirm you’re not missing anything obvious.

Big decisions deserve clear thinking.

And when you know your numbers, you can invest with confidence — not fear.

If you’re planning a big move in your business and want to run the numbers together, this is exactly the kind of strategic support we offer at Corbar. You bring the vision; we’ll bring the clarity.

Book a call https://calendly.com/hayley-corbar/new-client-discovery-call