A PRACTICAL FORECAST
Forecast when cash moves
Cash flow follows payment dates rather than the date a sale or expense is recorded. Enter customer receipts in the month you realistically expect them to clear, then place payroll, tax and supplier payments in their expected payment periods.
Closing cash = opening cash + receipts − all cash payments
Build a downside case
Save the base case, then delay a large receipt or add an unexpected payment. The lowest closing balance shows when the plan has the least room and where a collection, payment-timing or funding decision may be needed.
Continue the decision
Use the Cash Flow Forecast Calculator for a single-period check, the DSO Calculator to examine collection speed and the Cash Runway Calculator for a downside buffer.
This template is a planning aid, not accounting, tax or financial advice.