{"id":8639,"date":"2022-07-11T14:10:12","date_gmt":"2022-07-11T13:10:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/?p=8639"},"modified":"2026-01-07T12:29:26","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T12:29:26","slug":"manage-your-cash-flow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/manage-your-cash-flow\/","title":{"rendered":"How to manage your cash flow: 5 things to do right now"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--generic\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/category\/money-matters\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Money Matters<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tHow to manage your cash flow: 5 things to do right now\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2022-07-11T14:10:12+01:00\">11 July, 2022<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"How to manage your cash flow: 5 things to do right now\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/manage-your-cash-flow\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/author\/alexquiles\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/03\/Alex-Quiles-Headshot.jpeg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" height=\"40\" width=\"40\" fetchpriority=\"high\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Alex Quiles<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>For your small business to succeed, it&#8217;s crucial to understand how to successfully manage your cash flow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Growing sales is often the top priority for small businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But shuffling through endless paper invoices to track down who owes you what can be problematic. Yet, you don\u2019t want to compromise on healthy cash flow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s why having a clear view of your numbers is key.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to stay on top of the financial health of your small business and establish better practices for managing your cash flow, here&#8217;s five things you can do now&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#get-anchor-link\">1. Get your invoices right<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#automate-anchor-link\">2. Automate your expense tracking<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#become-anchor-link\">3. Become a forecasting expert<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#cut-anchor-link\">4. Cut unnecessary costs and spending<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#connect-anchor-link\">5. Connect with your team of experts<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#final-anchor-link\">Final thoughts<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#gate-987a2873-a4b1-42fd-b36e-e306482146ff\">Download your free copy of Manage your cash flow<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"get-anchor-link\">1. Get your invoices right<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to set your business up for future success, taking control of your finances is essential\u2014and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/creating-processing-invoices\/\">it starts with invoicing<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Send out invoices to your customers promptly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Be clear about your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/late-payments-paid-on-time\/\">payment terms<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Follow up promptly with late paying customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To ensure your books are accurate and up to date, switching from spreadsheets to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/sage-business-cloud\/accounting\/\">cloud accounting software<\/a> can help streamline the process for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The cash flow manager feature in your accounting can provide a picture of the balances of your cash accounts, cash expected to come in, and cash expected to go out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"automate-anchor-link\">2. Automate your expense tracking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Would you believe me if I told you that you can maximise your time while tracking your expenses?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Well, you should.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With automation, you can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/sage-business-cloud\/accounting\/features\/connect-my-bank\/\">easily connect your bank feeds to your accounting software<\/a> or use a receipt capture tool, such as AutoEntry, to eliminate manual data entry and automatically import your expense receipts, bills and invoices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"become-anchor-link\">3. Become a forecasting expert<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Put simply, sales forecasting is all about predicting what\u2019s ahead so you can prepare for cash flow peaks and troughs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Knowing what curve ball may come your way and when will help you make cash flow projections like a boss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Think about your pricing, the level of competition, and be aware of changing economic conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And with real-time reporting and instant access to critical data from your accounting solution, you can better plan for the future and hopefully avoid unpleasant surprises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cut-anchor-link\">4. Cut unnecessary costs and spending<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to preserving cash flow, think lean and mean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Scrutinise every item you buy, know exactly where your cash is going and always get value for money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Work out what you really need, too. Those office plants might look nice but they won\u2019t grow your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"connect-anchor-link\">5. Connect with your team of experts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes the best thing you can do to manage your cash flow successfully is know when to ask for help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We know you\u2019re not an accountant and don\u2019t expect you to always have your numbers in order. That\u2019s why getting the right support is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/how-to-choose-an-accountant\/\">Finding an accountant<\/a> that really understands your business needs and gives you the peace of mind that the financial side of your company is safe in their hands is vital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not only will they advise you on practical aspects, such as how to run payroll, they can also help you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/write-a-business-plan\/\">create business plans<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"final-anchor-link\">Final thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Managing your cash flow is an important part of running your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Having a clear understanding of your financial situation can help you to make the right decisions at the right times (think knowing whether there are enough funds to purchase new equipment or take on a new member of staff).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use your accounting software to stay on top of your finances and give your business the best chance to thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Manage your cash flow<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Need help managing your cash flow? Read this guide for advice on how to ask for payments and 10 tips to stay on top of your business finances.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-987a2873-a4b1-42fd-b36e-e306482146ff\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Download your free guide<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1064\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2019\/01\/GettyImages-169267075_super-1-1064x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2019\/01\/GettyImages-169267075_super-1-1064x810.jpg 1064w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to the Sage Advice newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Join 1.5 million subscribers and get the best business admin strategies and tactics, as well as actionable advice to help your company thrive, in your inbox every month.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-53abbdcc-410c-4c8c-bf97-ca5c6982eebd\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe now<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"999\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2021\/04\/z.5E3A0481_All-Uses.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2021\/04\/z.5E3A0481_All-Uses.jpg 999w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For your small business to succeed, it&#8217;s crucial to understand how to successfully manage your cash flow. Discover how you can do that today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1200,"featured_media":8419,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[163],"tags":[105,107,313,110,130],"business_type":[5],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[232],"imagine_tag":[178,184,230],"coauthors":[446],"class_list":["post-8639","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-money-matters","tag-bookkeeping","tag-business-finances","tag-business-performance","tag-cash-flow","tag-grow-business","business_type-small-business"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-ie","author_name":"Alex Quiles","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1202446718.jpg","imagine_tags":{"178":"Accounting software","184":"Cloud accounting","230":"Small business"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice Ireland","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8639","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/1200"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8639"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8639\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/8419"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8639"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8639"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8639"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=8639"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=8639"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=8639"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=8639"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=8639"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=8639"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ie\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=8639"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}