If you’re constantly asking, “Where did the money go?”, you’re definitely not alone. Many trades and service-based businesses, especially in regional areas like Gladstone, find themselves feeling strapped for cash, even when they’re busy.
This isn’t necessarily a sales problem; it’s often a planning problem. Without a clear understanding of your finances, it’s hard to know exactly what’s coming in, what’s going out, and what’s just around the corner. Without this clarity, it’s difficult to stay ahead.
That’s where cashflow forecasting comes in. And no, we’re not talking about complicated spreadsheets that get ignored after a few weeks.
We’re talking about simple, tailored tools that give you:
• A clear view of your next 3–6 months
• A plan for your tax, BAS, and super before they hit
• Insight into when to hold back, hire, or make key investments
Take, for example, a local plumbing business in Gladstone. They were working hard day in and day out but found themselves struggling to stay on top of things. Once they implemented a cashflow forecast, they could finally start planning instead of constantly reacting.
They adjusted job timings, restructured supplier payments, and knew when to hold off on equipment upgrades. All of these decisions were based on a clear picture of their financial situation.
Whether you’re working solo, managing a small team, or juggling multiple jobs at once, forecasting makes a huge difference.
In regional areas like Gladstone, where cashflow can be impacted by seasonal work, supply chain delays, or big contract cycles, having a forecast isn’t just a “nice-to-have” -it’s essential.
1. Automate invoicing & follow-ups – get paid faster without lifting a finger
2. Accept pre-payments and order in advance – help your business stay ahead
3. Cancel unnecessary subscriptions – every dollar counts
4. Claim your GST refunds promptly – don’t leave money on the table
5. Charge upfront or review your payment terms – make sure you’re paid what you’re owed
6. Negotiate payment plans for bulk purchases – manage your cash flow strategically
7. Set recurring expenses to align with receivables – smooth out those cash flow peaks and troughs
8. Make decisions based on your cash flow forecast – don’t guess; plan!
If you’re tired of just covering costs and want to start building cash, it all begins with knowing your numbers.
👉 Book a Business Financial Health Check or chat with the GTC team. We’ll keep it simple, practical, and tailored to your business so you can stay ahead.