Does Your Business Have a Cash Reserve? Here’s How to Start Saving

Just how much cash should your business have on hand? You know, in case you have an unexpected cost or emergency? Experts agree that small businesses should have three to six months’ worth of cash reserves.

Your “just in case” cash on hand is vital to keeping your business afloat through ups and downs. It can help fill unexpected gaps in sales or expenses. It can help you manage a surprise emergency. It’s especially helpful as we face rising costs and an anticipated recession.

So how do you go about building a cash reserve? Let’s get started.

That’s right — your business's cash flow is the first thing you need to know inside and out. Start by examining your cash flow trends from at least the past year. How much are your regular expenses? How much are you earning? Are there any unusual fluctuations? What seasonal changes impact your business? Is there anything else worth noting? Chart it all.

Once you have an understanding of your business’s trends from the past year, use that data to create a cash flow forecast for the next 12 to 15 months. Your projections can help you plan accurate earnings and expenses. Just remember that earnings can fluctuate (hence, the need for cash reserves).

If you don’t already track your cash flow, start today.

Once your cash flow statement and projections are in place, it’s time to consider your unique business needs and goals. Let’s start with the stage of business you’re in.

If you’re in the startup or early stage, your business is going to need more reserves than an established business. Startups are more likely to have unexpected expenses and general unknowns than businesses that have been through several sales cycles. Early-stage businesses should build their reserves with this in mind.

If you have an established business, examine your goals. Do you have plans to scale? Do you have product development underway? Is your business going through any type of change that could require an unexpected investment? Account for any major changes you foresee in the next year when building your reserves.

What’s happening outside your business will definitely affect what’s happening inside your business. And we’re not just talking about the big stuff — you know, the looming recession, supply chain disruptions, and economic swings.

While global forces will play a critical role in your cash reserves planning, don’t neglect the external factors that are closer to home. Is there anything worth noting in your region, state, or city? What’s happening in your industry?

Make sure you have an understanding of how outside forces could impact your sales, and plan your cash reserves accordingly.

Unexpected expenses can happen to anyone, at any time — and they can take an unprepared small business down. Your small business should have about three to six months’ worth of cash on hand to cover any unexpected expenses that arise. Start planning today and you’ll thank yourself tomorrow.

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