Cash Flow Basics Playbook

Business challenge

Owners often only know their cash position when the bank sends an SMS. That leads to late payments and missed opportunities.

Key decisions

Pick accounting software, open a business account, and build a rolling 13-week cash-flow view.

Steps

1. Step 1 · decide

   Pick accounting software

   Choose based on VAT status, invoicing volume and who does your books.

2. Step 2 · setup

   Separate business banking

   Open a business account and move all business activity into it.

3. Step 3 · setup

   Build 13-week cash flow

   Forecast money in and out for the next 13 weeks. Update weekly.

4. Step 4 · operate

   Chase overdue invoices weekly

   Set a standing 30-minute weekly slot to follow up on outstanding invoices.

Templates

13-week cash flow template, invoice template, expense-categorisation guide.

Mistakes to avoid

Mixing personal and business accounts. Waiting until year-end to reconcile. No follow-up on overdue invoices.