Why a cash forecast
Profit and cash aren't the same. A business can sell well and still run out of cash because clients pay late, stock is bought in advance or tax falls due in the same month. A 12-month forecast shows the tight months early, while there's still time to act.
How to fill it in
- Count money when it actually arrives or leaves, not when you invoice.
- Put seasonal months in: the quiet summer, the busy December, the annual insurance.
- Include your own pay: if the business can't pay you, that's a cash problem too.
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Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between cash flow and profit?
Profit counts sales and costs when they're earned or incurred; cash flow counts money when it actually moves. Late payments create the gap.
What if a month goes negative?
Act before it happens: chase invoices, delay a purchase, ask a supplier for terms or arrange short-term financing.
How often should I update it?
Monthly: replace the forecast with actual figures and extend it by a month.