A collection of blogs and other writings
from John Ellsworth
Even More Ways to Achieve Financial Success
Ask John Ellsworth of Success Strategies
John’s dairy industry service spans 25-years in strategic planning, debt restructuring, and cash flow management. John knows farm finances and what your bank expects.
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The Trial of the Century!
I realize that, given the solid margins of 2014, it is easy to forget about how difficult the prior eight years had been in the dairy industry. Recall the challenges of high feed costs for most of 2008 to 2013 and the calamity of $10 milk prices in 2006 and 2009? These years represented the trial of the century!
What Would Croesus Actually Do?
In their book Why Not? How to Use Everyday Ingenuity to Solve Problems Big and Small, authors Barry Nalebuff and Ian Ayres tell the story of Croesus and his ability to successfully overcome any problem. However, they go one step further by answering the question about what you can do to solve challenges when you do not have unlimited funds, like most of us.
Are you “Fine Tuned” or “Wandering?”
Why does this matter? Simply stated, if you want banks to loan you money in the future for operating needs or expansion, you will definitely need to illustrate that you have your costs under control. Would you loan money to someone who had no idea what his future cash flows and profitability will be?
Where Did All the Cash Flow Go?
Has your dairy operation returned to a state of positive cash flow yet? As I watch my Clients’ cash flows in 2013, I am observing that most of them have started to achieve positive cash flows in their business at this point.
When Should I be Worried about my Business?
I often hear Clients say that they are worried. It sometimes makes sense to express concern about items in your business and personal life. However, does it pay to literally worry? I don’t believe so. Mark Twain described worry as the interest paid on a debt you never owed…
A Unique Approach to Boost Your Interest Earnings
Ever wonder how to boost your interest earnings, especially with rates that banks pay you being so low? Granted, you may earn about 0.10% on any balances left in your account. Why not earn it another way by saving some money on interest expenses? There is still a way to do this.