Who This Helps
This is for founder-operators who feel that revenue is up but cash is flat. You need a single source of truth to make calm decisions and get your team aligned. The Founder Finance Basics Mission Pack is built for this exact moment.
Mini Case
Ben's SaaS company was growing at 15% month-over-month. But his bank account wasn't moving. He was stressed, his team was confused, and spending felt risky. He built a simple runway forecast card. In 90 minutes, he saw his true runway was 4.2 months, not the 6 he'd guessed. He identified one major subscription platform costing $2,400/month with a 14-month payback period. This one insight freed up immediate cash and gave him a number he could confidently share with his board.
Do This Now (5 Steps)
- Gather your last three months of bank statements and profit & loss reports.
- Calculate your average monthly net burn (cash out minus cash in).
- Divide your current cash balance by that monthly burn rate. That's your core runway number.
- List your next three big planned expenses (like a new hire or software tool).
- Re-calculate your runway with those expenses included. See how each one moves the needle. Boom, you now have a forecast card.
Avoid These Traps
- Don't mix personal and business accounts in your cash number. It creates a fuzzy, dangerous picture.
- Avoid using revenue projections instead of actual cash history for your burn rate. Hope is not a strategy.
- Don't forget to factor in known future dips, like a seasonal slowdown or a big annual bill.
- Skipping the step where you model new expenses is like driving with a blindfold on.
- Using an overly complex spreadsheet you won't update. Simple wins.
- Keeping the number to yourself. A secret runway helps no one.
- Not updating it every single month. This is a living document.
- Letting perfect data stop you from starting. A good estimate now is better than a perfect one never.
Your Win by Friday
You'll walk into your next team meeting or board call with one clear number. You'll be able to say, "Our runway is X months, and here’s what moves it." No more hand-waving. You'll turn analysis into approved execution because everyone is looking at the same evidence. Time to trade anxiety for action.