How can you use cash management to improve your small business?

Cash management is the process of managing the inflow and outflow of money in your small business. It involves planning, monitoring, and optimizing your cash flow to meet your short-term and long-term goals. Cash management can help you improve your profitability, liquidity, and solvency, as well as reduce your risks and costs. In this article, you will learn how to use cash management to improve your small business in six steps.

1 Analyze your cash flow

The first step is to analyze your current cash flow situation. You need to know how much cash you have on hand, how much cash you expect to receive and pay, and how much cash you need to maintain your operations and growth. You can use a cash flow statement or a cash flow projection to track and forecast your cash flow. A cash flow statement shows your actual cash inflows and outflows for a given period, while a cash flow projection estimates your future cash inflows and outflows based on your assumptions and projections. By analyzing your cash flow, you can identify your cash flow gaps, surpluses, and trends, and plan accordingly.

Add your perspective

Sahil Luthra

Personal Finance Simplified, Like It Should Be | Co-Founder @ WiseUp Wealth Builders | Finance Educator | Investment Advisor
Report contribution
To enhance your cash flow analysis, integrate sensitivity analysis into your forecasting process. This involves assessing the impact of varying assumptions on cash flow projections, offering a more robust understanding of potential scenarios. Additionally, consider incorporating liquidity ratios, like the current ratio, to gauge your short-term solvency and ensure your cash reserves align with operational and growth requirements. This holistic approach fortifies your ability to proactively manage cash flow dynamics.

Like

2 Improve your cash inflows

Improving your cash inflows is the second step in managing your business’s finances. To increase the amount and speed of cash coming into your business, as well as reduce the uncertainty and delay of cash receipts, you can use various strategies. These include offering discounts, incentives, or rewards for early payments; accepting multiple payment methods; sending invoices quickly; diversifying your revenue streams; and negotiating better terms with suppliers. By implementing such measures, you can improve the flow of money into your business and reduce the risk of cash shortages.

Add your perspective

Fakhreldien Mohamed, MBA

Accounting Manager at AMCO Technology International (ATI)
Report contribution
Optimize receivables means ensuring that your business collects payment from customers as quickly and efficiently as possible. So, you can consider the below points: Make sure your invoices clearly outline payment due dates, acceptable payment methods, and any late payment penalties. Speed up the payment process using electronic invoicing and digital payment methods. Regular reminders can prompt customers to settle outstanding invoices. Prioritize doing business with reliable customers by conducting credit checks before extending credit. Get instant cash by selling your receivables to a third party. If receivables volume is high, consider hiring a dedicated Accounts Receivable Manager to streamline the process.

Like

3 Optimize your cash outflows

Optimizing cash outflows is the third step. To decrease the amount and frequency of cash going out of your business, and increase the control and flexibility of cash payments, you can prioritize expenses and pay essential ones on time, while delaying or reducing non-essential ones. Moreover, negotiating better terms with creditors for lower interest rates, longer repayment periods, or grace periods can help. Additionally, consolidating or refinancing debt can lower monthly payments or interest charges. Automating payments can avoid late fees, penalties, or missed opportunities. Lastly, taking advantage of discounts, rebates, or rewards for early or bulk payments is a great strategy.

Add your perspective

4 Maintain a cash reserve

The fourth step is to maintain a cash reserve. A cash reserve is a pool of liquid funds that you can access quickly and easily in case of emergencies or opportunities. A cash reserve can help you cope with unexpected cash flow fluctuations, such as seasonal variations, customer defaults, or equipment breakdowns. It can also help you seize potential cash flow opportunities, such as discounts, bargains, or investments. You can build and maintain a cash reserve by setting aside a percentage of your cash inflows, or by using a savings account, a money market account, or a line of credit.

Add your perspective

5 Invest your excess cash

The fifth step is to invest your excess cash. Excess cash is the amount of cash that exceeds your cash reserve and your cash flow needs. Excess cash can be a sign of inefficiency, as it means that your cash is not working for you, but sitting idle. You can use your excess cash to invest in your business, such as by upgrading your equipment, hiring more staff, or launching a marketing campaign. You can also use your excess cash to invest outside your business, such as by buying stocks, bonds, or mutual funds. Investing your excess cash can help you generate more income, diversify your portfolio, and grow your wealth.

Add your perspective

6 Monitor and review your cash management

The sixth and final step is to monitor and review your cash management. You need to regularly check and update your cash flow statement and projection, and compare them with your actual cash flow performance. You also need to evaluate and adjust your cash management strategies, and measure their effectiveness and efficiency. By monitoring and reviewing your cash management, you can identify and correct any cash flow problems, improve your cash flow accuracy, and optimize your cash flow performance.

Add your perspective

Fakhreldien Mohamed, MBA

Accounting Manager at AMCO Technology International (ATI)
Report contribution
Regularly review your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement. This can help you understand your business's financial health and identify trends or potential issues.

Like

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Fakhreldien Mohamed, MBA

Accounting Manager at AMCO Technology International (ATI)
Report contribution
You can also consider to: Manage your debt Efficiently to avoid draining your cash flow Ensure your pricing covers all costs and generates a profit. Incorrect pricing can lead to cash flow issues Regularly review your expenses and identify areas where costs can be reduced. Train your staff in cash management techniques. A well-informed team can contribute significantly to cash flow management.

Like

Financial Services

Rate this article

We created this article with the help of AI. What do you think of it?

It’s great It’s not so great

Report this article

See all

How can you use cash management to improve your small business?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Analyze your cash flow

2 Improve your cash inflows

3 Optimize your cash outflows

4 Maintain a cash reserve

5 Invest your excess cash

6 Monitor and review your cash management

7 Here’s what else to consider

Financial Services

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Financial Services

More relevant reading