A cash flow budget is a plan that shows a business’s expected future receipts and expected future payments over a period of time. It helps a business to plan out its future cash position in advance.
Even a successful business can run out of money to operate, especially if it sells goods on credit. If a business has to pay for stock or manufacturing upfront and sells on credit, it may not have enough cash in its bank account to pay wages or bills. A cash flow budget is the plan that will help a business avoid this.
Why Should a Business Plan its Cash Flow Budget?
1. To access finance Lenders and grant providers require a cash flow budget as part of any application. It shows the business has a clear plan for managing its money.
2. To manage the timing of payments
Large payments can be planned for months when receipts are strong, reducing the risk of a cash shortage.
3. To spot cash shortages in advance A cash flow budget shows the months where payments will exceed receipts, giving the business time to act before the problem arrives.
4. To identify a cash surplus
A cash flow budget shows which months the business expects to have more income coming in than expenditure out, so it can plan to re-invest the money in expanding the business.
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CHAPTER 24: Sources of finance and the cash flow budget