Get paid faster
- Invoice immediately when work is delivered
- Offer small early-payment discounts
- Accept cards and online payments
- Require deposits on large orders
Control what goes out
- Negotiate longer supplier terms
- Review subscriptions and recurring costs quarterly
- Buy inventory closer to when it sells
- Refinance expensive debt into lower payments
Plan ahead
Read our step-by-step guide on creating a cash flow forecast.
- Build a 13-week cash flow forecast
- Keep a reserve of one to three months of fixed costs
- Plan for seasonal dips and tax payments
- Set up a business line of credit as a safety net
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common cause of cash flow problems?
Slow-paying customers combined with fixed expenses that arrive on schedule. The gap between earning revenue and receiving it is the most common strain.