How are Those Financial Resolutions Going?
There’s nothing quite like the promise of a fresh start to spark motivation and ambition. But let’s be real—growth doesn’t just happen because you flip a calendar page.
If you’ve been losing sleep over cash flow or checking your business bank balance like it’s a social media app, this post is for you. Let’s set you up to feel confident, clear, and in control as you head into 2025.
There are three financial tools every Founder should have and understand how to use. A clear cash runway, Monthly financial statements, and a 13-week Cash flow.
If you’re missing these, you’re missing out on key insights into your business (and, likely, a bit of sleep).
Your Financial Health Checklist
Let’s face it: checking your bank account balance every five minutes isn’t a financial strategy. Neither is lying awake at night worrying about payroll six months from now.
Your books are supposed to give you clarity so you can make better decisions. Imagine this instead:
1. A Clear Runway So You Can Plan Confidently, Not React in Panic Mode
Your runway is your business’s lifeline. It’s the amount of time you have before your cash runs out—and for a VC-funded founder, it’s the ultimate measure of how wisely you’re managing someone else’s money.
Let’s break it down: if your monthly burn rate (how much you’re spending) is $50K and you’ve got $600K in the bank, you have 12 months of runway. But here’s the thing—runway isn’t just about knowing when the clock runs out. It’s about using that knowledge to plan your next move.
For example, if you know you have six months of runway left, it’s time to start raising your next round or cutting costs to extend your timeline. If you’ve got 18 months, you can invest in scaling, like launching a new product or hiring a key team member. With a clear runway, you’re not flying blind—you’re piloting your business with purpose.
At The Books, we don’t just help you calculate your runway—we show you how to stretch it, protect it, and use it as a tool for strategic growth. It’s about moving from financial survival mode to thriving, with a plan that gives you control over your future.
2. Monthly Financial Statements That Show You Exactly Where Your Money Is Going
Think of monthly financial statements as the story of your business history—they tell the narrative of what’s happened in your business so far. These reports break down key numbers like your revenue (money coming in), expenses (money going out), and profit (what’s left over).
Why does this matter? Imagine you’re scaling your team and want to know if you can afford that new hire. Your income statement (aka profit and loss statement) will show you if your revenue is growing fast enough to cover their salary. Or maybe you’re curious why your bank account is shrinking faster than expected. A detailed review of your expenses might reveal that your marketing costs spiked last month—or that you’ve been overspending on perks (hello, team lunches).
With clean, accurate monthly financial reports, you get clarity on what’s working and what isn’t. That means you can adjust in real-time, double down on smart investments, and avoid financial surprises. It’s not just about numbers—it’s about making strategic business decisions that keep you on track for long-term success.
3. Cash Flow Insights That Reveal Expense Cycles and Revenue Trends
Cash flow insights are like the rhythm of your business. They show how money moves in and out over time—helping you understand when cash is abundant and when it’s tight. For a first-time founder, this is a game-changer because it answers one of the most stressful questions: “Will I have enough to pay the bills?”
For example, let’s say you run an e-commerce business, and your cash flow analysis shows that revenue spikes during the holiday season but dips in the summer. Armed with this knowledge, you can plan ahead—maybe set aside extra cash during busy months to cover slower ones or adjust your marketing spend to boost summer sales.
Cash flow insights also help you spot patterns in your expenses. Are there quarterly software renewals that always catch you off guard? A big inventory purchase coming up? Knowing the cycles lets you prepare instead of panic. With this level of clarity, you can confidently manage your business cash flow and focus on scaling your business.
Specifically, a 13-week Cashflow Forecast is the crystal ball that lets you see into the future of your bank balance, mapping out your expected cash inflows and outflows for the next three months.
A New Perspective
They say, “If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.”
In case you need to hear it…you don’t have to carry every piece of your business alone.
Hear us out:
What if delegating didn’t mean losing control but gaining freedom?
Think about it for a second—how often have you held on to tasks that drain your energy because you’re afraid to let go?
Probably more than you’d like to admit.
Maybe this is the year to build a stronger team around you, trust the experts, and focus on leading, not managing.
This is Your Year
At The Books, we’ve helped founders like you stop stressing over financial details and start leading with confidence. From cash flow tracking to revenue and expense management, we’re here to make your financial health a no-brainer.
Let’s make this your best year yet. Ready to start? Get in touch today—we can’t wait to help you grow.
