The 13-Week Cash Flow Model
A rolling weekly forecast template for organizing expected receipts, disbursements, and cash positions over the next quarter.
What's inside
- Full row-by-row template structure (build in Sheets or Excel)
- Repeatable weekly update process
- Forecasting tips: weighted A/R, lumpy outflows, buffer thresholds
- How to set your operating-cash minimum
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.
Related reading
- 13-Week Cash Flow Forecast for Texas Small Businesses
The full walkthrough: the formula, the weekly owner workflow, variance reconciliation, and the downside scenario.
- Budget vs. Forecast: What's the Difference?
How fixed budgets and rolling forecasts serve different planning decisions.
- Monthly Close Best Practices
A repeatable close process for keeping the actuals behind a forecast current.
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