Understand what your business numbers are trying to tell you.
Simple explanations, red flags, examples, and calculator links for small business owners, freelancers, and self-employed professionals.
Financepedia explains the problem · SME Finance Helper calculates the numbers.
What problem are you facing?
Start with the business situation, not with the accounting term.
Sales are growing, but profit is not
Find out how discounts, costs, and low-margin sales can hide behind higher revenue.
Understand this problemProfit exists, but cash is missing
Understand why a business can look profitable but still struggle with cash flow.
Understand this problemDiscounts bring orders, but not money
See how lower prices can increase sales volume while reducing real profit.
Understand this problemI am busy, but not earning enough
Useful for freelancers and service businesses where non-billable time reduces real earnings.
Understand this problemStock is high, but cash is low
Understand how inventory can trap money and create pressure on cash flow.
Understand this problemPrices feel too low
Check whether your price covers direct costs, fixed costs, time, and profit.
Understand this problemCosts are rising faster than sales
See when higher revenue is not enough to protect profit.
Understand this problemMany orders, but little contribution
Understand delivery platforms, commissions, packaging, refunds, and extra labour.
Understand this problemHow this site helps
Start from a real business problem, understand the financial logic behind it, then test your own numbers using SME Finance Helper calculators.
- 01
Business symptom
Recognize the situation you're in.
- 02
Simple explanation
Why it happens, in plain words.
- 03
Numbers to check
The few metrics that matter.
- 04
Example
See it on a real small business.
- 05
Calculator
Plug in your own numbers.
Warning signs worth reading before they become emergencies
Each red flag has its own analytical page: what it means, why it happens, the numbers to check, and an example.
Sales are growing, but profit is not
Revenue up, margin down. Classic sign of discounting or rising direct costs.
Read this red flagProfit exists, but cash is missing
The P&L looks healthy while the bank balance keeps dropping.
Read this red flagDiscounts bring orders, but not money
Higher volume with lower margin per sale — the promotion trap.
Read this red flagI am busy, but not earning enough
Non-billable hours quietly cut real hourly income for services.
Read this red flagStock is high, but cash is low
Working capital sits on the shelf instead of paying bills.
Read this red flagRevenue is growing, but costs grow faster
Cost inflation is eating the benefit of growth.
Read this red flagA new investment, payback unclear
Equipment, ads, or tools bought without a payback estimate.
Read this red flagToo much dependence on one customer
Stable revenue hiding heavy concentration risk.
Read this red flagFirst understand the problem. Then run your own numbers.
SME Financepedia explains what each red flag means and which numbers matter. SME Finance Helper lets you plug in your own values and see the result.
Or browse by topic
Prefer the traditional way? Jump straight into the concept you want.
Finance Terms
Revenue, COGS, gross profit, OpEx, net profit — defined plainly.
Metrics
Margins, break-even, contribution margin, inventory turnover.
Profitability
Improve profit, compare margins, markup vs margin.
Cash Flow
Cash vs profit, working capital, common cash problems.
Pricing & Costs
Selling price, fixed vs variable costs, cost control.
Guides
Decision-oriented reads with real numbers.
Cases
Walkthroughs for cafés, online stores, consultants, freelancers.
Comparisons
Markup vs margin, gross vs net, profit vs cash flow.
Understand the problem. Then calculate your numbers.
SME Financepedia explains the situation. SME Finance Helper helps you calculate profitability, break-even point, ROI, cash flow, and business health with simple tools.