An accurate picture of your cash position is the foundation for strategic planning.

The attached spreadsheet enables you to track changes to your expense and revenue channels. Knowing your cash position at all times allows you to strategize on decisions that affect your inventory, your team, and your customers.

Using the 12-Week Cash Flow

On your computer, please re-open "FinancialAnalysisWorkbook_10-14_FILLED.xlsx" before proceeding.

A Flexible Approach for Uncertain Times

1. Set a Time Period

   • Enter today’s date in the field labeled "Enter start date of week 1." This will automatically populate the correct start dates for the following 11 weeks.

2. Enter Cash on Hand

   • Input the total cash available to spend as of today in the Week 1 field. This should reflect the actual cash balance without subtracting short-term payables, as the purpose of this document is to itemize these payables along with expected income.

3. Fill Out the CASH IN Section

   • Modify the “CASH IN” section to reflect all sources of cash or income during the 12-week period.

1. • Example income sources include:

     • Store Sales

     • Online Sales

     • Special Events (e.g., Trunk Shows, Popups)

     • Financial Assistance 

   • Use projected monthly sales from your merchandise plan and break them down into weekly amounts for accuracy.

   • Example Total Cash In: $189,645 for the 12-week period.

2. Fill In the CASH OUT Section

   • This section should include all essential expenses and payments that must be prioritized.

1. • Key categories to complete:

     • Vendor Payments (including pay-as-you-go amounts for incoming merchandise)

     • Credit Card and Loan Payments

     • Sales Tax (calculated as a percentage of sales)

     • Rent (input for the weeks in which it is due)

     • Payroll (itemized by commissions and other obligations)

     • Other Operating Expenses (e.g., utilities, insurance, and other fixed costs)

2. Review the Results and Take Action

   • After entering all expected income and expenses, the tool will calculate your projected cash flow position for each week.

   • Identify potential cash shortages early and take proactive steps to address them.

   • Use the results as a foundation for making decisions about inventory purchases, staffing adjustments, and other operational changes.

By maintaining a current and accurate cash flow forecast, you empower yourself to make informed decisions and navigate financial challenges effectively.

• Copy of FinancialAnalysisWorkbook_10-14_BLANK.xlsx600 KB