The 13-Week Cash Flow Model

How the model is meant to be used

Every week runs on one line: beginning cash plus expected receipts minus expected disbursements equals ending cash, and that ending balance opens the next week. The template gives you the rows; the weekly routine helps keep assumptions tied to current information.

• • Tie out: start each week by entering the actual combined bank balance, not last week's projection.
• • Reconcile actual versus forecast: log the variance on each line with a one-sentence reason, then adjust the assumption behind it.
• • Roll forward: add a new week 13 so the horizon stays a full quarter, and re-forecast the weeks between.
• • Keep a downside line: push collections out and hold new sales flat while committed outflows stay fixed, then read the lowest ending cash and the week it lands.
• • Name owners: one person owns the weekly update, the owner or CEO owns the decisions it drives — hiring, equipment timing, distributions, and line-of-credit draws.

The Aligned Ledger is not a CPA firm and does not provide tax preparation, attest or assurance services, payroll processing, or bill pay.