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Accounting
Terms

Cash Flow

Definition

Cash flow recording process is about tracking how much money moves into and out of a business a specific period. Cash flows in from things like sales, loans, and investments and flows out for expenses, debt payments, and other obligations. When more cash comes in than going out, you have “positive cash flow,” which is ideal because it means you can comfortably cover your expenses, invest in your business, or build a financial cushion for the future.

On the other hand, “negative cash flow” means you’re spending more than you’re bringing in. While this isn’t always a problem (for instance, if you’re investing heavily in growth), it’s important to keep an eye on it to ensure you don’t run out of cash for essentials. 

Why it matters

Cash flow is essentially a real-time measure of how well a business can handle its day-to-day needs and growth plans. Imagine a business that sells products on credit: even if it’s making strong sales, cash flow will reveal whether there’s enough money actually coming in to cover rent, payroll, and other immediate expenses. Without positive cash flow, the business may find itself scrambling to pay bills even if, on paper, it appears profitable​.

Strong cash flow also provides flexibility. If cash is flowing in steadily, you can invest in new projects, buy equipment, or set aside a rainy-day fund, giving the business a cushion for the unexpected. In contrast, weak cash flow limits options and can force tough choices like cutting back on inventory or delaying expansion plans. 

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