Closing January with Clarity: Let’s Talk Cash Flow

As January comes to a close, I want to pause—not to look backward, but to get very intentional about what matters most right now.

If there’s one thing I want business owners to stay focused on in 2026, it’s this:

Cash flow awareness isn’t optional. It’s foundational.

Not in a reactive, anxiety-driven way—but in a clear, steady, “I know where I stand” way.

Over the years, working with small, family-owned, and private equity-backed businesses at Impact CFO, I’ve seen the same pattern repeat itself:
smart operators, strong businesses, good margins… and still unnecessary stress because cash flow wasn’t visible early enough.

Why Cash Flow Deserves Your Attention This Year

2026 is shaping up to be another year where uncertainty doesn’t politely wait its turn. Interest rates, lending behavior, labor markets, pricing pressure, and customer timing all continue to shift. You don’t need to predict any of that perfectly—but you do need visibility into how those shifts show up in your bank account.

That’s why I encourage business owners to stop relying solely on:

• Month-end financials
• Gut feel
• “We’ve always been fine”

And start using short-term cash flow forecasting as a regular operating tool. Not forever. Not complicated. Just enough to see what’s coming.

A Simple Tool to Get Started (Free)

To make this practical, I’m offering a free resource I use regularly with clients: Take Control of Your Cash Flow: Free 13-Week Cash Flow Spreadsheet + Video Tutorial

This tool gives you a clear view of:

• Cash coming in
• Cash going out
• Timing gaps that create stress
• Decisions you need to make before they become urgent

In the accompanying video, I walk you through how to use the spreadsheet, what to pay attention to, and how to make it work for your business—without overengineering it.

You can get instant access here:
👉 https://www.impactcfo.net/13weekcashflow

This is ideal for:

• Small business owners who want clarity, not complexity
• Family-owned businesses making near-term decisions
• Entrepreneurs managing growth and risk
• Business leaders who want fewer cash flow surprises

If you do nothing else this quarter, this is a solid place to start.