Ask a geekAll playbooksCustomer emailsReview repliesSee all: PlaybooksAll industriesRestaurantsTradesSee all: IndustriesAI readiness checkTime savings calculatorPrompt librarySee all: Tools30-day starter planAI policy templateKeeping data safeSee all: Guides

AI playbook · Admin and finance

Build a simple cash flow forecast

Set up a 13-week cash forecast in a spreadsheet with AI help on the formulas, so you can see a tight month coming.

Setup: 1 hourIntermediate Get the prompt

The problem

Profitable businesses still run out of cash when big bills and slow payers land in the same month. A simple forecast shows it weeks ahead.

Step by step

  1. Export your bank transactions for the last few months.
  2. List known future payments: rent, wages, tax, loans, big orders.
  3. Ask the AI to help set up a 13-week sheet with formulas.
  4. Fill in your numbers and check the running balance.
  5. Update it every week. It takes ten minutes once it is set up.

The prompt

Help me build a 13-week cash flow forecast in {Excel or Google Sheets}.
Columns are weeks. Rows: opening balance, money in (by type: {income types}), money out (by type: {cost types}), closing balance.
Give me the layout and the exact formulas. Highlight any week where the closing balance falls below {safety amount}.
I will enter the numbers myself.

Replace the {highlighted} parts with your details, or fill them in with the prompt builder.

Check before you use it

  • Formulas carry the closing balance into next week’s opening balance.
  • Totals add up when you check one week by hand.

Privacy

  • Use the AI for the layout and formulas. Keep account numbers out of it.

Do’s and don’ts

Do

  • Be pessimistic about when customers pay.
  • Update it weekly.
  • Act early when you see a gap: chase invoices, delay purchases, talk to the bank.

Don’t

  • Treat the forecast as a budget. It is a warning system.
  • Paste full bank statements into a free AI tool.
  • Forget tax payments.

When not to use AI for this

For loans, tax planning or if the forecast shows real trouble, talk to your accountant.

Tools that can help

Microsoft CopilotMicrosoft’s assistant, also built into Outlook, Word, Excel and Teams on Microsoft 365 plans.
Google GeminiGoogle’s assistant, also built into Gmail, Docs and Sheets on Google Workspace plans.
FloatCash flow forecasting connected to Xero or QuickBooks.
XeroAccounting software with bank feeds, invoicing and AI features.

We are not paid by any of these companies, and we list well-known options, not a ranking. Features and plans change; check the provider’s site and its data terms before you sign up. See all AI tools by category.

Tried this playbook? Rate it.

Rate it

Tips from travellers

Used AI for Build a simple cash flow forecast? Share what worked. The first good one goes right here.

Share a tip

We read every tip before it goes live. No links, please, and nothing personal about other people.

Questions from readers

Stuck on Build a simple cash flow forecast? Ask the geeks.

Ask a question

We can’t reply privately. Useful questions get answered here on the page.