What is financial commitment? Definition and example

A financial commitment is a commitment to an expense at a future date. We may use the term for either a major expense or an ordinary one. Depending on the situation, the term may refer to either a very-long-term commitment or a one-off payment. Financial commitments exist in both the business and non-business world.

Even if the payment has not yet occurred, in accounting, we enter it as a liability on the balance sheet. The moment the company incurs the expense, it becomes a liability.

A balance sheet shows the company’s financial status at a particular moment in time. It is a snapshot of a business’ finances on a given date.

Put simply; a financial commitment is a pledge to pay something on a future date or over a specific period.

Financial commitment to a supplier

When we send a supplier a purchase order, for example, there is a financial commitment on our part. We pledge to pay on a specific future date.

Some financial commitments may have an expiration date. Others, however, are ongoing and have no specific termination date.

Financial commitment
Regarding the term ‘financial commitment,’ this image tells us three things: 1. On a balance sheet, it appears under ‘liabilities.’ 2. It may refer to a pledge to pay regularly over a specific period. 3. It may also refer to a pledge to assume financial responsibility for something at a future date.

If a party with a financial commitment reneges, i.e., does not pay, they may face a lawsuit.

BusinessDictionary.com has the following definition of the term:

“An undertaking to commit substantial expenditure at a future date. Such pledges are deemed liabilities and must be shown as such in the firm’s balance sheet (as accompanying notes or footnotes) even if the expense has not yet been incurred to have become an actual liability.”

Financial commitment – a new company

When a new company opens, its owners enter into a financial agreement with each other. Their commitments also extend to the business.

Some owners may commit to investing a regular sum into the company over a specific period.

Others, on the other hand, may assume responsibility for some of the company’s debts if it becomes insolvent. When a company is insolvent, it cannot pay its bills.

Financial commitment with lenders

If you apply for a loan and the bank approves, there are subsequently two financial commitments.

The lender commits to giving your access to funds either immediately, at a certain date, or when you need it.

You also have a financial commitment. Yours is to pay back the money that you have borrowed. Specifically, your commitment is to pay back according to the specifications in the contract that you signed.

A long-term responsibility

Let’s imagine that John and Mary’s baby girl was born today. As soon as the baby was born, they entered a long-term commitment to raise their child, feed her, pay for her clothes, food, education, etc.

When their daughter grows up, they may also help her buy her new home.

This is a very long-term commitment. A financial commitment can have this meaning. In other words, a commitment to pay somebody’s or something’s bills over a very long period.

When you open your own business, there is a financial commitment. That commitment might continue for a long time.