13-Week Cash Flow Forecast
Definition
A rolling weekly forecast of cash inflows and outflows extending 13 weeks (one quarter) into the future. Updated weekly, it shows the next 13 weeks of expected cash position based on actual A/R, A/P, payroll, and known commitments.
Why it matters
Net income is an opinion; cash is a fact. The 13-week model is the operator's tool of choice because it's long enough to see seasonal swings and short enough to act on. It surfaces cash crunches 6–10 weeks before they happen — when there's still time to delay a hire, accelerate collections, or draw on a line of credit.
Example
A construction GC sees week 9 dipping below buffer because three project draws were pushed to week 11. The CFO accelerates two collections, defers a $40K equipment purchase, and avoids a covenant breach.