What's your starting cash balance?
Enter the cash your business has right now — in your checking account, savings, or on hand.
Why cash flow matters more than profit
A business can be profitable on paper but run out of cash — it happens when revenue is collected slowly but expenses are due immediately. Cash flow forecasting shows you when those gaps will happen, so you can plan around them before they become a crisis.
Cash Flow Forecast Calculator
Project your monthly cash position for the next 6 months. See exactly when cash will be tight — before it becomes a crisis.
Why use this calculator?
Cash flow problems are the #1 reason small businesses fail — even profitable ones. You can have a full order book and still run out of cash if invoices are paid slowly, expenses pile up in the same week, or a big contract falls through.
This calculator projects your cash balance month by month, accounting for revenue growth, seasonality, and your fixed vs variable cost split. It shows you the lowest point your balance will hit — and whether you're heading toward a cash crisis that clean books and proactive planning can prevent.
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What is cash flow forecasting and why does every small business need it?
What is cash flow?
Cash flow is the movement of money into and out of your business. Positive cash flow means more money is coming in than going out. Negative cash flow means you're spending more than you're collecting — even if you're profitable on paper. Running out of cash is the most common reason small businesses close, regardless of how much revenue they generate.
Why is cash flow different from profit?
Profit is an accounting concept — it records revenue when it's earned, not when it's collected. Cash flow is what's actually in your bank account. A business with $50,000 in outstanding invoices might show strong profit on paper but have $500 in cash because clients haven't paid yet. This gap between profit and cash is where businesses get into trouble.
What is a cash flow forecast?
A cash flow forecast is a projection of your future cash balance — usually month by month — based on expected revenue, expenses, and timing of payments. It tells you when cash will be tight before it happens, so you can take action: accelerate collections, delay purchases, or arrange a credit line before you need it.
How far ahead should I forecast?
At minimum, 90 days. Most growing businesses forecast 6–12 months ahead. The further out you forecast, the less accurate — but even a rough 6-month forecast is infinitely more useful than no forecast. Your bookkeeper updates the forecast monthly as actual numbers come in, keeping it accurate and actionable.
What causes cash flow problems?
The most common causes: slow-paying clients (net 30/60/90 terms), large expenses that hit in the same month (rent, payroll, tax payments), seasonal revenue dips, rapid growth (hiring and spending ahead of revenue), and unexpected expenses with no cash reserve. Most of these are predictable and preventable with a current forecast.
How does a bookkeeper help with cash flow?
A bookkeeper tracks every dollar in and out in real time, builds and updates your cash flow forecast monthly, flags upcoming shortfalls before they happen, and gives you the clean data you need to make decisions. At S&C Bookkeeping, monthly cash flow reporting is part of every engagement — not an add-on.