The Costly Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make With Money—Lessons From Anthony Busciglio

Many business owners focus on growth, sales, and scaling—but neglect the financial foundation that actually keeps them in business. Anthony Busciglio’s journey is a powerful reminder of how financial blind spots can lead to devastating losses and how smart money management fuels long-term success.

From Success to Bankruptcy—and Back Again

Anthony started as a mortgage broker, quickly rising to success and even launching his own brokerage. But like many during the 2008 housing crash, he lost everything. The hard lesson? Not diversifying and lacking financial oversight can destroy a thriving business overnight.

His comeback story includes multiple business ventures, leading to his current company, APN Tech, which now generates $20M in revenue. But the difference this time? He prioritizes financial clarity.

The Danger of Not Learning as the Owner

One of Anthony’s biggest takeaways is that business owners can’t afford to be uninformed about their numbers. Early on, he trusted others to manage finances—only to experience mismanagement and even embezzlement. Today, he runs weekly finance meetings, reviews P&Ls monthly, and works with a fractional controller to ensure cash flow stays strong. The lesson: Delegate, but don’t disconnect from your numbers.

Overextending Can Sink Your Business

Rapid growth often leads to reckless spending. Anthony admits that in the past, he overpaid himself, reinvested without strategy, and failed to negotiate better vendor terms. Now, he takes a reasonable salary, reviews cash flow consistently, and strategically uses credit lines and vendor terms to extend cash reserves.

Key Financial Strategies for Business Owners

  • Know your numbers – Have regular finance meetings and stay involved.

  • Negotiate payment terms – Extending vendor payments (net 60-90) frees up cash flow.

  • Use credit wisely – A 30-day float can be a financial buffer if used strategically.

  • Be disciplined with salary & distributions – Pay yourself reasonably, but don’t drain the business.

Anthony’s story proves that success in business isn’t just about making money—it’s about managing it wisely.

Check out more from Anthony here.

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