1. Forecast 13 weeks ahead, every week
A rolling 13-week forecast lists expected cash in and cash out by week. It takes 20 minutes once set up and shows shortfalls months before they hit. Update it with actual figures every Monday.
2. Invoice immediately and shorten terms
Send invoices the day work is delivered. Move from 30-day to 7- or 14-day terms where you can, and require deposits for larger projects — 30–50% up front is common in services and custom work. The free invoice generator makes this quick.
3. Make paying you effortless
Include a payment link on every invoice and accept cards and bank transfers. Every extra step between "I should pay this" and "paid" adds days.
4. Chase politely, consistently and early
Set reminders for three days before due, the day after, and one week after. Most late payments are disorganization, not refusal. A consistent process gets you paid ahead of suppliers who don't ask.
5. Pay suppliers on time — not early
Use the full payment terms you've been given unless there's an early-payment discount worth taking. Negotiate longer terms with key suppliers once you have a track record.
6. Keep a cash buffer
Aim for at least three months of fixed costs in reserve before you expand. Check how long your current cash would last with the cash runway calculator.
7. Set aside tax as you go
Move a fixed percentage of every payment received — often 20–30% of profit — into a separate tax account. Tax bills are predictable; being surprised by them is optional.
8. Watch inventory like cash
Inventory is cash sitting on a shelf. Track which products sell slowly and stop reordering them. Order more often in smaller quantities when supplier minimums allow.
9. Open a credit line before you need it
Banks lend most readily when your numbers are strong. An unused line of credit is cheap insurance against a slow month or a late-paying client. Compare options in our funding guide.
10. Pay yourself on a schedule
Random owner withdrawals make it impossible to see true profit. Set a fixed owner pay amount and date, and review it quarterly.
Want your cash flow reviewed by a professional? Get matched with a bookkeeper or accountant.