Hi there,

We’re back after a short break—and ready to help you make smarter money decisions in 2025.

Let’s talk about something that quietly decides whether your business is thriving or just surviving: your profit margins.

Making good money is important. But if you're spending too much to make that money, it’s hard to stay in business—or to grow.

This week, we’re focusing on the basics: knowing what things really cost, cutting what you don’t need, and charging what you should.

 First: Know Your True Costs

You can’t protect profits if you don’t know what’s eating into them.

If you run a service-based business, watch your Cost of Services Provided (CSP)—this usually includes:

• Paying staff or contractors

• Software and tools to deliver your service

• Travel or delivery expenses

• Time spent on client work

If you sell physical products, your costs are called Cost of Goods Sold (COGS), which includes:

• Materials or supplies

• Packaging

• Shipping and storage

  If you don’t know what goes into your CSP or COGS, you’re guessing—not running the business with clarity.

Next: Audit for Waste

Take a good look at what you're spending each month. Ask:

• Are we paying for tools we don’t use?

• Is there work that could be automated or done more efficiently?

• What can we remove that doesn’t help us grow?

Cutting even small unnecessary expenses can save you thousands over time.

Then: Match Pricing to Reality

If your prices stayed the same but your costs have gone up, your profits are shrinking—fast.

You don’t need to raise prices a lot. But review them regularly, especially if:

• Your costs have gone up

• You’re doing more or better work than before

• You haven’t raised prices in over a year

Small changes can protect your profit and keep your business healthy.

Final Takeaway

Protecting your margins isn’t a one-time thing—it’s something you check often.

Here’s your simple checklist:

• Understand your real costs (CSP or COGS)

• Cut wasteful spending

• Make sure your prices reflect your true value

• Need Help? Let’s Talk.

At ASO Financial, we help business owners understand their numbers—so they don’t just make more money… they keep more too.

If it’s been a while since you reviewed your margins, now’s the time.🚨

Reply to this email or book a discovery call with us—let’s protect your profits together.

Here’s to a stronger, smarter rest of 2025.

Warmly,

Doyin Ogunbajo, CPA

ASO Financial

The Profit Pilot