Grab a copy of my Cash Flow Forecast Template here!
A cash flow forecast isn’t just about numbers on a page — it’s about clarity and control.
With this spreadsheet, you’ll be able to:
See your weekly starting bank balance and how it changes over time.
Track cash coming in (customer payments, loans, or other deposits).
Monitor cash going out (suppliers, payroll, loan payments, and expenses).
Spot weeks where your balance may dip negative — before it happens.
Recognize patterns, like seasonal slowdowns or timing gaps between income and expenses.
By working through this forecast, you’ll learn how money actually flows through your business and gain the insight to plan ahead — whether that means tightening spending, shifting payment dates, or preparing for financing needs.
Why do I care about cash flow?
I learned the importance of cash flow management early in my bookkeeping career, working for a company where there was never quite enough cash. It was my responsibility to make sure there was money for payroll, and I had a vested interest in getting it right (I needed my paycheck to deposit!).
Once I started tracking and forecasting cash, I eliminated the stress of surprise expenses and bounced paychecks.
Forecasting doesn’t have to be complicated. Update your cash flow once a week, see the patterns, plan your future.