by Debra Robinson | Dec 22, 2024 | Blog, Blog, Cash Flow Confidence, Outsourced CFO, Payroll, Taxes, Trusted Adsvisors
As we bid farewell to this year and welcome a new one, I want to take a moment to wish you all the very best: happiness in your heart, joy this season, and peace in our world. Happy Holidays!
As we look ahead to 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our financial goals and dreams. What do you want to achieve in the year ahead? Whether you’re a business owner or an individual working toward personal financial growth, this season is a great opportunity to celebrate your progress, renew your commitment to your goals, and stay thankful for the possibilities that lie ahead.
The best gift you can give your business this season—and in the year to come—is a strategy for success. And a key part of that strategy is healthy cash flow, the gift that keeps on giving.
A Healthy Cash Flow: The Gift That Keeps on Giving
One of the best ways to achieve financial freedom is by being proactive and creating strategies that support a healthy cash flow and long-term growth. Too often, business owners focus on the day-to-day hustle and neglect the financial systems that keep their business stable and thriving. But I’ve seen firsthand how the right tools and strategies can help entrepreneurs take control of their finances and achieve lasting success.
So, let’s get started on the right foot. Here’s my recipe for the Profit Pie—a formula that’s helped many businesses thrive, even in challenging times. Ready to bake some financial success into your future? Here’s how:
Ingredients for the Profit Pie:
- 2 cups of Accepting Help
The first step toward success is realizing you don’t have to do everything alone. Partner with a professional who can help you craft a solid roadmap for growth. Whether it’s a CFO or a Cash Flow Strategist, the right guidance can make all the difference. - 1 cup of the Right Tools
Whether you’re using a SWOT analysis, a customized CFO package, or even something as simple as a well-organized spreadsheet, the right tools are essential for growth. The key is to be proactive, not reactive. Learn to anticipate financial challenges and opportunities before they happen. - 3/4 tablespoon of Commitment to the Plan
Discipline and consistency are essential to success. Once you’ve crafted your financial plan, stick with it. Set goals, identify strategies, and watch as your commitment pays off in the long run. The rewards are there if you stay the course. - 1/2 teaspoon of Education and Practice
The more you learn about cash flow management, the more confident you’ll become in your financial decisions. Educate yourself on everything from budgeting to forecasting, and practice implementing these strategies in your business. It’ll pay off in spades. - 1 pinch of Faith for Success
Surround yourself with experts, mentors, and people who believe in you and your vision. Trust the process, trust your team, and trust in your ability to create the financial future you’ve always wanted.
The Team Effort of Cash Flow Management
If you’ve been managing your business finances solo, it might be time to consider enlisting some expert help. Cash flow management is a team effort—it’s not something you should be doing on your own. A cash flow consultant or a CFO can help you make informed decisions, navigate financial challenges, and plan for the future with confidence. In 2025, let’s focus on working on your business, alongside a strong support team of financial experts, so you can confidently scale your operations.
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
As the year comes to a close, I’m deeply grateful for the trust my clients have placed in me. It’s been an honor to help so many dedicated, hardworking business owners navigate their financial journeys, and I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to educate, guide, and serve in ways that truly make a difference.
If you’re ready to take your cash flow strategy to the next level in 2025, I’d love to work with you. Whether you need help collaborating with your CPA or simply want guidance on building a financial roadmap for the new year, I’m here to support you. Find confidence and comfort in the financial health of your business this holiday season and beyond.
Schedule your complimentary consultation today by calling (303) 901-4823. Together, we’ll make 2025 your most financially successful year yet!
Wishing you all the joy, peace, and prosperity the holiday season can bring. Let’s set the stage for an amazing 2025!
#HolidayCashFlow #BusinessStrategy #FinancialSuccess #HealthyCashFlow #ProfitPie #FinancialPlanning #CFO #BusinessGrowth
by Debra Robinson | Sep 12, 2024 | Blog, Blog, Cash Flow, Cash Flow Confidence
Think of it as building your “financial sandbox”—a diverse group of experts who can provide comprehensive support and insight. Here’s a breakdown of who should be in your sandbox:
1. Bookkeeper
- Role: Manages daily transactions and ensures accurate financial records.
- Importance: Foundation of all financial data. Regular reconciliations are essential for precise financial reporting.
2. CPA
- Role: Handles tax compliance and financial oversight.
- Importance: Keeps you aligned with IRS regulations and helps with strategic tax planning.
3. Payroll Specialist
- Role: Manages payroll processing and tax compliance.
- Importance: Ensures accurate and timely payroll, reducing risk of tax issues.
4. Financial Advisor
- Role: Assists with personal wealth management and retirement planning.
- Importance: Provides guidance on growing and protecting your personal wealth.
5. Banker
- Role: Advises on loans, credit lines, and debt restructuring.
- Importance: Helps secure necessary funding and manage financial relationships.
6. Cash Flow Consultant/CFO (Like Myself)
- Role: Offers strategic insights into future cash flow management.
- Importance: Provides a proactive view to optimize cash flow and plan for future financial needs. If you want to know where you stand try a SWOT analysis.
The Power of a Well-Rounded Team Having these experts in your financial sandbox ensures a balanced approach to managing and growing your business. Each brings specialized knowledge that contributes to a comprehensive financial strategy.
Ready to build your financial sandbox?
Start by assembling these experts and watch your financial stability and growth take shape. Be PROACTIVE, not reactive with your financial strategies. Now is the time to collaborate with a CFO/Cash Flow Consultant to help you take charge of your cash flow! By integrating these key players into your financial team and leveraging tools like the SWOT Analysis Package – strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
by Debra Robinson | Sep 28, 2023 | Blog, Cash Flow, Cash Flow Confidence, Dirty Little Secrets about Cash Flow
Often compared to the lifeblood of a business, cash flow remains as perplexing as it is crucial. It’s the liquid asset that fuels your operation, yet it’s also a convoluted concept that can lead to the downfall of otherwise promising enterprises.
The 4th quarter of any fiscal year is a labyrinthine maze for business owners — it is complex, but it is not impenetrable.
There is no time to waste if you see your business struggling financially. The easiest approach is to seek out a leader to help. Investing in professional Cash Flow Services is like having a compass, a map, and a seasoned guide in this complicated journey.
Guide to Cash Flow Management
Through careful planning, real-time tracking, and strategic foresight, business owners can navigate effectively. Keep these tips on hand:
- Keep a Cash Flow Forecast: This is the business equivalent of reading maps. Know what lies ahead.
- Monitor Receivables: You can’t solve a puzzle with missing pieces. Ensure that all expected payments are on track.
- Streamline Payables: Recognize when to hold back and when to release. Timing is crucial.
- Emergency Reserves: Store the acorns for winter; an emergency fund is vital.
- Regular Review: Constantly scrutinize your financial records as if they are riddles waiting to be solved.
- Consult the Experts: Seek professional cash flow services to show you the path to a profitable future months.
A cash flow expert is a game changer in making owners masters of their financial maze. As a partner, I offer my knowledge and can change owners financial attitudes, habits, and management to lead them to their finanical goals.
See how far an expert can take you!
by Debra Robinson | Jun 27, 2022 | Blog, Cash Flow, Dirty Little Secrets about Cash Flow
Did you take on more debt by signing up for an EIDL loan? Have you been funded with 1, 2 or even 3 loans in the last 2 years? If so, please continue to read this very important message that I want to convey that you might not realize what you signed up for when you took on more debt from the SBA.
I worked with one of my clients last week to learn about how the payback schedules are going to be kicking in. Most of my clients started receiving EIDL funds in 2020 and then some have taken 1 or 2 more loans. Each time, the government is deferring when your FIRST payment will be due.
SBA Loan – Gift or Burden?
How nice of the SBA to let you know that your loan(s) payments are being deferred for 12 or 24 months from your initial funding. Here’s the kicker…… your loans have been accruing interest from day 1 of receiving those funds. I learned that my client has accrued $14,500+ of interest on approximately $650K loan payoff. I also learned that until the accrued interest is paid off, we won’t touch the principal balance of the loan. Client’s interest is charged at $65.47/day until she is current. Oh, by the way, her first payment is not due until May of 2023 because the govt will defer another 12 months from her last funding. How nice of the SBA, or not???? Who is making money off your debt? Is it a gift or is it a burden?
Steps to Find Your Accrued Interest
Think about that for a minute……If you have not looked into your EIDL loan and are just sitting back waiting for that deferred payment schedule to kick in; I would like to strongly encourage you to find out what the accrued interest amount is sitting on your account. Here are a few steps you can follow:
- Find the last email/letter from the SBA that is for the loan. This will be your original loan document or the last AMENDED notice for the loan.
- You can call the 800 number on that letter for help. What I learned walking through this process with my client is we went to this website: Capital Access Financial System (sba.gov).
- You will need to ENROLL by clicking the NOT ENROLLED link.
- You can create your login information. (This is a different site than where you originally signed up for the loan.)
- It’s very easy. But, again, if you need help, call the 800 number on the loan document that you have received.
- Once you get logged in, it will tell you what the total balance is including the accrued interest amount. This is what needs to be paid before you will start hitting the principal amount.
- You will also see when your first payment will be due.
Dirty Little Secret
From my seat in the sandbox as a CASH FLOW expert, it’s important to create debt servicing strategies in line with how your cash flow can support them. Understanding how to manage cash flow takes more than just reading your Profit and Loss. You MUST understand the Balance Sheet that is tracking all your debt. How much you are posting to the principal portion of the loans are posting here. This money going out has NOTHING to do with your Net Profit/Loss.
Proposed Solution
I would welcome the opportunity to help you create those debt servicing strategies from a proactive perspective; not reactive. We are continuing to offer our SWOT Package to help you know where you are currently with your cash flow. The good, the bad and the ugly. Here is a snapshot of what this package can offer: SWOT Packages | Get Total Cash Clarity | Centennial Revenue Mgmt (centennialrevenuemanagement.com).
Don’t wait any longer to be proactive in managing the debt in your business/practice. Cash flow is the lifeblood of all businesses. Just because you may have more money in your bank account(s) than ever before, does not equate to good cash flow. I know all the “Dirty Little Secrets About Cash Flow” in a business. Let me bubble up your secrets to help you learn how to have more money at the end of your month!
by Debra Robinson | Oct 5, 2021 | Blog, Blog, Cash Flow, Cash Flow Confidence
Centennial Revenue Management offers more than consulting on cash flow; it is the GO-TO for all money management advise for the business community.
Debra is passionate about helping business owners and their teams to better understand their numbers and how to use that knowledge to grow and prosper. As such, the team at CRM provides ongoing cash flow and revenue management insights, tips and tools to help you build your financial muscle.
Using her professional background and current experiences mentoring business owners, Debra shares ways she has helped her clients from around the country with quick how-to’s on following the money to improve cash flow.
Are You Ready to Gain Control?
Start the road to financial freedom and cash flow confidence using Debra’s guide to get your business on track. Join the conversation and sign up for newsletters filled with informative tips and ways to achieve the “Dirty Little Secrets of Cash Flow”.
Gain confidence with a 5-Minute Read. Update your cash flow knowledge in a library full of monthly blogs from Debra’s resourcesful Knowledge Bank. Such blogs discuss:
How Much Cash on Hand is Enough? Cash reserves/cash on hand are the amounts of cash accessible to a business once outstanding balances have been paid. It’s an important metric to measure and determine what amount is enough for emergencies or dips in business. How much you need on hand? Read More…
The Bad Money Habits You Need to Break – I’ve seen those bad habits broken with big payoffs. What follows is a selection of some of the most common bad habits I’ve encountered during my time as a cash flow specialist, as well as how to address them. Read More…
The Role of your Bookkeeper – Most business owners think of their CPA as a go to expert for financial reporting, when in fact they should be going to their bookkeeper – The keeper of the cash flow. Read More…
Where is your Company positioned in the Cash Flow Arena? It is not uncommon for a company to show a net profit on their income statement and still find that they are having shortfalls of cash each month. Why is that? The art of managing cash flow is to look 90 to 120 days into the future. My cash flow modeling methodology forecasts 8 months into the future to predict a likely outcome. Full Article…
Centennial Revenue Management works with small business owners across industries whose needs extend beyond the basics of revenue management into total control and fiscal health.
We offer a range of cash flow consulting services such as cash flow management and forecasting as well as outsourced CFO services in Denver, CO and virtually across the country. Let us show you how to make more confident, lasting financial decisions for your company and grow a more financially healthy business. Interested in working with Debra? Click to find the right financial package for your business!
SPECIAL EVENT – Light the Night Walk
On September 23, 2021 – The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night was held in Washington Park, Denver, CO. Debra Robinson has been a part of the walk since the beginning over ten years ago. She supports the memory and legend of her sister who lost her battle to cancer, but also was a pioneer of the Rocky Mountain LLS chapter. See more about LLS and how you can get involved by bringing light to the darkness of cancer. Click to learn more about the many ways to Get Involved or Help Debra’s Light the Night Fundraiser LLS Goal – Please make a Donation.
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Centennial Revenue Management is here to help by creating proactive strategies, identify, and transform money habits to ensure you won’t run out of your money.
Contact Debra today at drobinson@centennialrevenuemanagement.com
or at 303-835-7992.
by Debra Robinson | May 20, 2021 | Blog, Blog, Cash Flow Confidence, DLS
Many business owners try and tackle their financial situation alone with the notion that they’re saving money. The truth is, hiring a team of financial experts can actually save you more money than the fees of its respective members. Adding a CFO and/or Cash Flow Strategist to your financial team, is an investment that owners will reap rewards from long into the future. A business is only as strong as its cash flow. Becoming proactive in creating strategies to help you not run out of your PPP money, is the goal to recover strong out of the pandemic!
From my own experiences, most business owners are spending money as fast as it is coming in and then some. Being accountable and aware of your business spending is the most important step towards finding solutions towards money woes. What were your money habits going into the Pandemic? Did you already have a cash flow problem and were “saved” by the PPP gifts and EIDL Loans? Have you taken the time and put forth the energy in rebuilding a more solid financial foundation?
Spring is upon us! Let May be the month that you plant the seeds to a good financial garden and begin to watch it grow. Centennial Revenue Management wants to help you get off to a good start! Take advantage of the Spring SWOT Analysis Package – strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. This snap shot will help you to plant the financial seeds to build a strong financial foundation. Click here to learn more about that offering:
Now that you are sitting on more money in your bank accounts then ever before, what will you do to ensure and empower yourself that you will not run out of money by the end of this year? The Dirty Little Secret about Cash Flow is that it’s not about the next 30 or even 60 days from now. The sweet spot is 90 to 120 days out to see if you are brewing a cash flow storm or will already be in one!
Top 5 Strategies that I highly recommend paying attention to when creating a plan in the very near future.
- Bring Outside Eyes to your Financial Arena: Take the time and consider investing your money into a cash flow expert that can identify the top money habits that you can change to get a better outcome with managing cash flow. If you went into the Pandemic with a cash flow problem or already struggling with cash flow; it’s more than likely you will come out of the Pandemic with the same cash flow problem. It will just take a longer time to spend the cash reserves that you have stashed from all the loans the government gifted you!
- Identify what your Average Monthly Revenues are each month: To determine this number, I recommend using a 4-month trend taking the total of CASH revenues (not accrual) and divide by 4 months. This will tell you a starting place of what your monthly revenues are likely to be in the months ahead.
- Next up; Identify your Average Monthly CASH Outlay: To determine this number, you need to look at both the Profit and Loss and Balance Sheet. On the P&L, I also recommend looking at the total of 4 months of Expenses on a CASH basis and divide by 4 to get an average monthly amount for each expense line. PLUS, you need to look at the Balance Sheet and determine the monthly amount of debt servicing and Owner Draws/Dividends that are being posted. The total amount will get you close to understanding what your Average OUTLAY of cash is each month.
- Implement an Accounts Receivable Process: This is money that you have earned but have not yet collected. Anything over 45 days outstanding is “low hanging” fruit in the cash flow arena and should be aggressively pursued to collect from your clients. First step in implanting a process is to assign an “owner” on your team to make client relation calls and send monthly statements asking for money owed.
- Implement an Accounts Payable Process: This is money going out that you want to slow down and control how you pay your vendors. I’m not suggesting that you violate payment terms. I am suggesting that you have your bookkeeper enter vendor invoices into your accounting system and then pay on a weekly or bi-monthly process. Big picture, you want to collect as much of your accounts receivable as possible, make payroll, pay vendors and service debt with you being empowered by the timing letting money go out of your bank accounts!
Moving into a new normal will take creating some proactive strategies! Partnering with a cash flow expert can help to empower you to hold onto your cash reserves. What if you could learn to manage the outflow of money against your revenue trends and make a profit and optimize cash flow? Take back financial control and learn how to be proactive by scheduling a complimentary consultation with me at the number below.
The goal is to focus on optimizing cash flow and to educate you on what your minimum cash on hand balances need to be to sustain your business in the months ahead.
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Centennial Revenue Management is here to help by creating proactive strategies, identify, and transform money habits to ensure you won’t run out of your money. Contact Debra today at
drobinson@centennialrevenuemanagement.com or at 303-835-7992.
