Everyone knows
what cash flow means……, Right? Let us not split hairs, from my experience
with providing financial consulting, I gather that only 1 in 10 people
really know and understand cash flow.
I could be wrong, but after you have read this, you will see why I believe my
estimation to be on the money.
Now, if you think you do not know cash flow or need a refresher, you have
come to the right place.
What is Cash flow?
In its simplest form, cash flow are the difference in the timing of your
money (cash) coming in and your cash going out. That is, it, but critical is
the “Timing.” You might have heard stuff like cash flow is the profit you
make or the losses you make. Well, that is not cash flow at all. Let me
give you an example:
On the 24th of April 2022, you receive a utility bill for $100 for March 2022
usage. You must pay the bill by 1st May 2022. You also expect to receive your
salary of $2,000 for April on 30th April.
What is your cash flow on 24th April, and what will it be on 1st May 2022?
On 24th April you had zero cash in your hand or in the bank Cash = 0
On 24th April you owed $100 to the utility company Cash = 0
The timing difference between incoming and outgoing cash is zero Cashflow = 0
On 1st May you receive your salary in the bank of $2,000 Cash = $2,000
On 1st May you pay the utility bill of $100 online with your bank card
Cash = ($100)
The timing difference between incoming and outgoing cash Cashflow =$1,900
Why is knowing cash flow so critical?
From the moment we start to transact with money, we need to always have an idea
of our daily money obligations. That means if we want to avoid issues, we must
start from a basis of knowing the cash money we have now and will have in the
future. If you run a business without a handle on your cash flow your
business will someday fail, for sure.
The main reason 90% of businesses fail is that the owner does not
understand their cash flow on a day-to-day, weekly, or monthly basis.