Buying business assets? Cash isn't always king

  • 16 December 2025
  • by guest contributor: Simon Wood | First Point Group
  • 3-minute read

For many business owners, the instinct when buying equipment, vehicles or machinery is simple: if there’s cash in the bank, just pay for it.

But while that approach feels safe, it’s often not the smartest financial move.

Using cash to fund assets can quietly restrict working capital – the very thing businesses need to manage seasonal fluctuations, payroll, supplier terms and unexpected opportunities. Once cash is gone, flexibility is gone with it.

Asset finance allows businesses to spread the cost of an asset over its useful life, aligning repayments with the income the asset helps generate. Rather than tying up a large lump sum, financing an asset can preserve cash flow and keep reserves available for growth or contingencies.

From a tax perspective, finance can also be efficient. Depending on the structure and advice received, repayments may be deductible, and depreciation benefits can still apply.

Timing matters – and decisions made before purchase can materially impact outcomes.

Another common mistake is using overdrafts or redraw to fund assets. While convenient, these facilities are often variable, callable, and designed for short-term working capital, not long-term assets. Matching the loan term to the asset’s useful life reduces risk and can improve financial stability.

The key is not choosing finance over cash – it’s choosing the right mix. In many cases, a combination of cash contribution and asset finance delivers the best result.

Smart businesses don’t just buy assets – they fund them strategically.

Before committing to an asset purchase, a conversation with your Accountant and First Point Group Broker specialist can help ensure the funding decision supports both cash flow and long-term business goals.

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If you have any questions please contact First Point Group on +61 3 9882 2500 or .

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