Mastering Cash Flow: The Key for Survival
Starting a business is exciting—but let’s be real, managing your money can feel like learning a new language. And when cash flow gets tight, stress levels go sky high. If you’ve ever wondered where your money went, even after a good sales month—you’re not alone. In fact, the number one reason startups struggle or shut down? Poor cash flow. Not bad ideas. Not lack of hustle. Just not enough money left in the bank to keep things moving. Let’s change that!
What Is Cash Flow and Why Should You Care?
Cash flow is simply the movement of money in and out of your business.
Cash in: income, sales, funding, grants.
Cash out: rent, subscriptions, marketing, wages—even that “one-off” Canva template you bought on impulse.
If more money is coming in than going out, you’re in positive cash flow. If it’s the other way around, you're at risk of running short—no matter how many invoices you’ve sent or how profitable things look on paper.
Tip: Profit doesn’t equal cash in your bank account. A business can be profitable and still go under if the cash dries up.
If that’s news to you, don’t panic. That’s exactly why I created the Cashflow Forecast Workbook—to help you see your money clearly before it even arrives.
5 Common Cash Flow Mistakes New Businesses Make
Relying on memory instead of a plan
“I think I have enough to pay that bill…” is not a strategy. It’s a guessing game—and it’ll burn you out fast.Waiting until tax time to look at finances
By then, it’s too late to adjust. Cash flow is something you should check weekly—not once a year with a wine and a panic attack.Confusing profit with available cash
You can earn $5,000 and still be broke if you’ve already committed that money to future expenses.Ignoring irregular expenses
Annual software fees, tax payments, or seasonal dips can blindside you if you’re not forecasting ahead.No system = no clarity
If it’s all in your head or on a scrap of paper, you’re one invoice away from chaos.
You don’t need to be an accountant to manage your money well. But you do need some consistent habits:
Want a step-by-step guide to building a cash flow system from scratch? 👉 Check out Smart Money for Startups—it’s built for new business owners just like you.
Simple Cash Flow Habits That Make a Big Difference
Weekly Money Date: Sit down once a week to check your balances, forecast expenses, and plan your next steps. Light a candle. Play your favourite playlist. Make it a vibe.
Use Buckets or Categories: Allocate a percentage of each payment to different “money jobs” (like taxes, expenses, savings). My free ebook can walk you through this setup.
Forecast, Don’t Just React: Look ahead. Use a cash flow forecast to spot issues before they become problems. (Again, my Cashflow Forecast Workbook makes this ridiculously simple.)
Know When to Ask for Help: DIY is great—until it’s not. Know when to bring in a coach, accountant, or bookkeeper to support your growth.
No more flying blind with your business bank account.
Start managing your money with confidence—because thriving businesses aren’t built on hustle alone. They’re built on smart money systems. You have this!
Assessing these factors can help you determine whether it's time to hire a bookkeeper to ensure your financial health and support your business growth.
By dedicating some time to familiarise yourself with these tools, you can maintain accurate financial records, ensuring a clear picture of your financial health without the need for professional bookkeeping services.
At Ako Cash Flow, we’re not just bookkeepers—we’re your financial empowerment partners. Our mission is to give you the confidence and skills to manage your own books with ease. With our tailored tools and expert guidance, you’ll learn how to track income and expenses, master cash flow, and make smart financial decisions that support your goals. We believe that financial independence is key to long-term success. That’s why our approach focuses on education and support, enabling you to take control of your personal or business finances and build a stronger financial future. Let's empower your journey together!
