6 Hidden Costs of Running a Business S17Ep6
6 Hidden Costs of Running a Business That Can Bleed Your Profit Dry
Most entrepreneurs focus on the “big wins” the first sale, the thousandth subscriber, or the massive launch. However, after five years of running TrustedCreators.org, Zulfiqar Ali has discovered that businesses rarely go buss” tht because of one giant mistake. Instead, they often fail due to a hundred small, untracked expenses that quietly drain the bank account. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the “invisible” line items in a professional budget that every business owner must manage to stay profitable.
As we move into 2026, the barrier to entry for starting a business is lower than ever, but the opportunities to slowly bleed money have never been higher. From the “accountant gatekeeper” fees to the insidious nature of subscription creep, this episode provides a raw reality check. Zulf shares his actual figures and his “30% buffer rule” to help you build a foundation that offers stability rather than stress. If you want to stop the micro-leaks in your business, this breakdown is essential listening.
Key Takeaways
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Episode Chapters
1:01 – Why micro-leaks kill profitability
2:19 – 1. The professional gatekeeper: Accountant fees
4:16 – 2. Subscription creep and the ruthless audit
5:19 – Case Study: Saving money with local NAS storage
6:07 – 3. The what-if fund: Essential business insurance
6:31 – 4. The hidden admin tax on your time
7:12 – 5. Nickel and dime fees: Transaction and bank charges
8:06 – 6. The realistic 30% buffer rule
9:50 – Preview: 10 things I learned as a Director in Year 1
Key Takeaway Points From Episode Transcript
- The Danger of the Quiet Fees: It is rarely the big equipment purchases that sink a business; it is the accumulation of small, invisible line items you never saw coming.
- Limited Company Accountant Realities: Moving from self-employed to a Limited Company can increase accounting costs to £3,000–£10,000 per year depending on payroll and bookkeeping needs.
- Beating Subscription Creep: Zulf suggests a “weekly use” rule if a tool isn’t used weekly, it’s gone. He also shares how using a Synology NAS saved thousands in long-term cloud storage costs.
- Insurance is Non-Negotiable: Whether it’s handling client data or filming in public, business insurance is a “boring” expense until the exact second you need it.
- Transaction Fee Awareness: Payment processors like Stripe, PayPal, and even high-street banks charge micro-fees that add up to thousands annually. These must be priced into your work.
- The 30% Buffer: Transitioning from a 10% to a 30% buffer for surprises and delays ensures that unexpected hurdles don’t derail your cash flow.
Expand Your Journey
About the Host
Zulfiqar Ali
Zulfiqar Ali is the Managing Director of Trusted Creators and the voice behind Zulf Talks. Having transitioned from a high-stakes 15-year career in finance to the Director of his own company, Zulf provides a transparent, no-fluff look at what it actually takes to build a business. He specializes in financial clarity, digital infrastructure, and the mental grit required to move from employee to owner.
See full author bioResources & Community: Think of this podcast as if you are sitting and chatting with friends. I share the business tips and insights that helped me transition from a 9-5 office role to the Director of my own company. This show documents my career journey and the lessons learned along the way. Be sure to reach out if you have any questions!
This season has its own dedicated show notes and resources available at www.ZulfTalks.com. If you join our community, I will only send you emails directly relating to the topics covered in the podcast.
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