Cash flow, under control in five habits.

1 · Separate the money

One business account for operations, one for tax set-asides. Every time revenue lands, move the estimated tax share immediately. Money you can't see is money you can't accidentally spend.

2 · Take a weekly cash snapshot

Every Monday: total cash, expected in this week, expected out this week. Three numbers, five minutes. The habit matters more than the precision — drift becomes visible in weeks instead of quarters.

3 · Run a 13-week forecast

A rolling 13-week view of cash in and out catches crunches while you still have options: delay spending, chase receivables, arrange financing. By the time a crunch is visible in your bank balance, the cheap options are gone.

4 · Invoice like you mean it

• Invoice the day work ships, not at month-end.
• Shorter terms than feel polite — you can always extend for good payers.
• Follow up the day after due date, every time, no exceptions.
• Deposits on anything custom or large.

5 · Hold a real buffer

Target three to six months of fixed costs in cash. Below three, every bump becomes a crisis; above six, consider whether idle cash should be working. Know your number and defend it.