The Finance Algorithm
§ Tool · tier 2 · independent

Cash Flow Forecast.

Project your business cash flow over time. See when cash runs low, plan for seasonal dips, and ensure you can cover expenses and loan repayments.

Live dataFree, no signupOn-deviceupd May 2026
Inputs
Your numbers
$
$50k

Your average monthly income (GST-exclusive)

$
$38k

All monthly costs: rent, wages, supplies, utilities, loan repayments

$
$25k

Cash currently in your business bank account(s)

Seasonal businesses need stronger cash reserves

Slow-paying clients create cash flow gaps

$
$0

Any planned large purchases, equipment, BAS payments, or one-off costs

Math updates live as you change inputs · AI runs on submit

Awaiting inputs

Move the sliders or type in the form on the left — the math updates live as you go. Click Get AI verdict when you want a written analysis.

Cash flow is the #1 reason small businesses fail — not lack of profit, but running out of cash at the wrong time. You can be profitable on paper but unable to pay wages if your clients take 60 days to pay. This tool projects your cash position over 6-12 months, factoring in seasonal variation, payment delays, and upcoming expenses. It highlights when cash runs low so you can arrange finance, chase invoices, or delay purchases BEFORE it becomes a crisis.

§ Worked examples

Real-world scenarios

Consulting Business

A consulting firm earns $80,000/month revenue with $55,000/month expenses and $30,000 cash. Clients pay on 45-day terms.

Monthly surplus: $25,000. But with 45-day payment terms, there's always ~$120,000 in outstanding invoices. If two major clients pay late simultaneously, the $30,000 buffer only covers 2 weeks of expenses. Recommendation: build cash reserve to $110,000 (2 months) and consider invoice financing.

Seasonal Retail Business

A surf shop peaks Nov-Feb ($60,000/month) but drops to $15,000/month in winter. Expenses are steady at $30,000/month.

Summer surplus: $30,000/month × 4 = $120,000. Winter deficit: $15,000/month × 4 = -$60,000. The business needs to bank $60,000+ during summer to survive winter. Without planning, it runs out of cash by July.

§ FAQ

Questions Australians ask

§ Glossary

Plain-English definitions

Cash Flow
The movement of money in and out of your business. Positive cash flow means more money coming in than going out. Different from profit, which is an accounting measure.
Accounts Receivable
Money owed to your business by customers who haven't paid yet. High receivables with slow payment = cash flow problems even if profitable.
Working Capital
Current assets minus current liabilities. The cash available for day-to-day operations. Healthy working capital means you can pay bills, wages, and suppliers on time.
Invoice Financing
A financing arrangement where a lender advances you cash against outstanding invoices (typically 80-90% of invoice value). Costs more than a traditional loan but provides immediate cash flow.