You Don’t Have to Be a Numbers Person

But you can’t just ignore them. It’s like driving a car, says Tracy Bech: You don’t have to understand how the engine works, but you do have to know how to read a few gauges.

Good Morning!

Here are today’s highlights:

• It’s not just the deportations. Employers may lose access to temporary workers, too.

• Are you holding out hope that Trump is just bluffing on tariffs? His people say otherwise.

• In 2023, the smallest percentage of Americans on record moved homes.

• When private equity firms work their magic on fast-casual restaurants, it can be devastating to smaller independents.

THE 21 HATS PODCAST: DASHBOARD

Margins, Metrics, and Cash Flow: This week, Tracy Bech, co-author of the “60 Minute CFO,” talks about how business owners can get more comfortable with their financials. Very few people go into business because they’re good at accounting, but that doesn’t mean it’s acceptable to throw up your hands and say, “I’m not a numbers person.” To drive a car, Tracy says, you don’t have to understand how the engine works—but you do have to know how to read a few gauges. Well, the same is true of driving a business, and she’s got a few suggestions (plus a new podcast).

• You can subscribe to the 21 Hats Podcast wherever you get podcasts.