If you don’t want to run into cash flow problems in your business then it’s important to implement industry best practices. One of those is a 13 week cash flow model.
What is a 13 week cash flow?
The 13 week cash flow model is a method where companies forecast their financial liquidity over a quarter. But why make it 13 weeks?
Why 13 weeks?
The choice of 13 weeks is strategic it is a short enough period for businesses to make real-time adjustments and long enough to identify trends. This span offers a realistic window into a company’s immediate financial health.
The advantages of a 13 week cash flow
There are undeniable advantages of a 13 week cash flow. Take a look at some of them:
- Short-term predictions: It offers a clear view of your current financial commitments.
- Live business decisions: With accurate forecasts, your business can make informed decisions quickly.
- Business agility: Your business is able to respond promptly to any market changes.
- Stakeholder confidence: Transparent cash flow boosts investor and stakeholder trust
When to use a 13 week cash flow
A cash flow forecast is obviously useful at any stage of a business’ life. It’s especially valuable though when you are expanding or planning growth. Good cash flow management is essential during these times. When your business is facing financial uncertainties, a 13 week perspective can be what saves you from making a small error that leads into a huge problem. By strategically planning for the upcoming months, you can identify potential issues, plan appropriately and set short-term goals that won’t lead to cash issues.
The critical role of a 13 week cash flow
The 13 week cash flow model is a great tool for businesses, especially small to medium sized businesses. It helps you with:
1. Short-term clarity
While longer forecasts create a broad picture, the 13 week cash flow offers an immediate look, help your business cover essential outlays such as payroll and rent.
2. Financial management
A regularly updated 13 week cash flow forecast helps managers swiftly adjust to unforeseen changes.
3. Informed decisions
With a clear view of your finances you’re empowered to make sound decisions, from investments to potential delays in plans.
4. Spotting trends
Regular cash flow tracking reveals patterns, allowing you to strategize better and address consistent challenges.
5. Boosting stakeholder trust
When investors, lenders, and stakeholders can see that you’re proactively in control of your cash flow management, they’re more likely to have confidence in your decision making and business success.
6. Bracing for the unexpected
From global crises to client losses, a 13-week forecast helps businesses prepare and adapt to unpredictable hurdles.
How to build a 13 week cash flow model
It is easy enough to build. Here are 5 steps to getting your 13 week cash flow model set up:
1. Document existing cash: Start with your current cash position.
2. Forecast collections: Estimate incoming cash based on invoices and other receivables.
3. List outlays: Factor in wages, rent, suppliers, and other costs.
4. Calculate net flow: Subtract outlays from collections.
5. Estimate ending cash: Add net flow to the initial cash.
Remember, this model is the most beneficial if you update your information regularly. This can become complex and time consuming very quickly if you’re not experienced at forecasting cash flow or have a high volume of cash movements. It’s best to speak to an expert who can help you with cash flow management services.
13 week cash flow vs. other forecasting methods
There are lots of forecasting methods in the financial world, the 13-week cash flow holds a distinctive position among them. Here are some points that we believe sets the 13 week cash flow apart from the rest:
Duration & Detail: The 13-week cash flow model provides a quarterly perspective, while other forecasting methods might offer half-yearly or yearly insights.
BENEFITS: The shorter duration means the 13-week model provides more detail, this will enable your business to closely monitor and react to changes.Real-time Adjustments:Unlike a 6-month or yearly forecast, which might provide broader insights of financial health.
BENEFITS: the 13-week model allows businesses to make real-time adjustments, making it easier to counteract any unforeseen cash flow issues.Accuracy: With the 13 week cash flow, their is less room for external factors to disrupt forecasts.
BENEFITS: The 13-week cash flow model is therefore more accurate for short-term planning than longer-term forecasts.Trend Identification: By focusing on a quarter, businesses can better pinpoint recurring financial trends or anomalies.
BENEFITS: This is useful for seasonal businesses, where cash flow can greatly vary depending on the time of year.Flexibility: The dynamic nature of the 13-week cash flow model means it’s easily updated. In contrast, longer-term forecasts might become quickly outdated if not regularly revised.
BENEFITS: this will allow your business to be more flexible in its decision making, allowing you to make changes when needed.
Benefits of using a 13 week cash flow template
Templates can simplify the process. They standardize input areas, ensuring that no detail is overlooked. The right template is both comprehensive and intuitive. Depending on how your business processes cash flow, a simple 13 week rolling cash flow forecasting template could be ideal to help you get started. Below is a quick example we have drawn up to help you have an idea of what kind of 13 week cash flow model can look like.
Pitfalls to avoid
As with anything there is room for error. If you don’t commit to regular updating your cash flow model then the information shown in the forecast becomes irrelevant. Some of the pitfalls to avoid include:
- Inaccurate data: Make sure you’re inputting and updating your forecast with real numbers.
- Over-reliance: Financial tools should aid decision-making, not dictate it. Analyze the information in the content of your overall business strategy and other financial information available.
- Stagnation: Regularly review and update your model.
Tips for optimizing your 13 week cash flow
Perfecting your 13 week cash flow forecast is an ongoing task. As you become more familiar with the process, there are additional financial strategies that you can use to improve cash flow, such as:
- Scenario planning: Create multiple versions of your cash flow based on different scenarios, like best-case, worst-case, and most likely. This gives a great overview and prepares you for any unforeseen circumstances.
- Automate data feeds: If you’re using software, integrate it with your bank accounts and other financial systems to automate data inputs. This ensures real-time accuracy and saves considerable time. At Bluebird Partners we do this to ensure that our clients always have access to real-time, accurate forecasting.
- Reassess assumptions: The business world is dynamic. Regularly revisit and adjust your assumptions based on new data or shifts in the business landscape.
- Use cash flow analysis tools: Advanced cash flow software can provide insights through data visualization, helping you quickly pinpoint trends, anomalies, or opportunities.
- Seek input: Ask team members or financial advisors to review your forecast and provide feedback. Fresh and experienced eyes can often spot inconsistencies or areas for improvement.
Get a 13 week rolling cash flow
Remember that the value of the 13 week cash flow model is maximized when it’s viewed as a living document. You need a forecast that’s easy to maintain but also gives you real-time, accurate and reliable information.
At Bluebird Partners we can provide you with a custom, 13 week rolling cash flow model that’s built for your business and connected to your accounting software. You’ll have a forecast that auto-updates on a weekly basis and enables you to manage your cash flow effectively. Click to view our cash flow management services below.
