Know the progress of your business: It's through the financial record that you know if your little business is safe or about to go under. If your business is safe your records will also let you know how safe you are. When your records have enlightened you on the future of your business then you can now make a decision based on what the financial records show.
I don't even know why people doesn't even track their record to see if the business goes well or not. What's the purpose of managing a business if they don't even want to manage and keep track of everything, because the stake is really high and it would make you bankrupt if you do nothing about it. Financial records are important so you can decide better actions.
Sure managing your business is difficult and it's not everyone's game but the freedom you can get while doing it is really worth and with the tasks you have to do then it's always a must to prepare everything.