A Monthly Cash Flow Checklist For Small Business Owners

Cash flow isn’t something you can “set and forget.”

For small business owners, it’s the difference between sleeping at night… or stressing every time a bill comes due.

Here’s a simple monthly checklist to keep your cash flow healthy:

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✅ 1. Review Your Cash Flow Statement

Don’t just check what’s in the account — compare it against what’s coming in and going out every month.

✅ 2. Review Your Accounts Receivable
• Who hasn’t paid yet?
• How long are invoices outstanding?
• Do you need to send reminders?

✅ 3. Review Your Accounts Payable
• What’s due this month?
• Can anything be negotiated for better terms?
• Are you paying too early (hurting cash flow) or too late (risking relationships)?

✅ 4. Separate And Review Fixed vs. Variable Costs

Fixed costs → rent, utilities, insurance, software subscriptions, etc.
Variable costs → vehicle repair, tax bills, contractor/labor expenses, etc.

Make sure to factor in variable cost increases as you forecast your growth.

✅ 5. Update Cash Flow Projection

Look 30–60 days ahead. Give yourself time to prepare. If you see a dip coming, no need to panic. Figure out a solution.

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💡 Even profitable businesses fail if they don’t manage cash flow. Profit is long-term. Cash flow management keeps the day-to-day running.