Download 12-month cash flow Excel template

Let Me Tell You a Quick Story…

A few years back, I was running three construction projects at once—nothing crazy, just your average residential builds. Work was good, clients were happy, and we were busy.

But one afternoon, I opened my bank app, and my stomach dropped.

$2,984.
That’s what I had left in the account.
Payroll was due in two days. Rent was next week. And I still had to pay the tile supplier.

How? We had jobs. We were working. Where did the money go?

That’s when I realized I had no clue what my cash flow actually looked like.
I knew how much each job should pay. I knew what my expenses usually were. But I had no way to see the whole picture.

So I built a simple spreadsheet.
Nothing fancy. Just 12 months across the top, income and expenses down the side, and a running total at the bottom.

And that little Excel sheet? It changed how I run my business.

What’s a 12-Month Cash Flow Statement, Really?

Forget accounting buzzwords. Here's what it really is:

A cash flow statement tells you how much money is coming in, how much is going out, and when it’s happening—so you’re not caught off guard.

A 12-month cash flow Excel sheet is just that, laid out over a year so you can see the trends, gaps, and tight spots before they happen.

It’s not just for business owners, either. I’ve seen freelancers, engineers, and even families use it to plan ahead.

Why I Stick With Excel (Even in 2025)

People ask me all the time: “Why Excel? There are apps for this.”

Sure. But I always come back to Excel (or Google Sheets). Here’s why:

• ✅ It’s simple

• ✅ It’s flexible

• ✅ I don’t need Wi-Fi to use it on-site

• ✅ I can change the sheet however I want

• ✅ No monthly subscription fees

Plus, if you mess something up? You just hit “undo.” Try doing that in some financial software you barely know how to use.

What’s Inside the Free Excel Sheet?

This isn’t some complicated corporate template. I built it for real people with real needs.

Here’s what you’ll find:

💰 Income Section:

• Client payments

• Project advances

• Sales or consulting revenue

• Anything you expect to come in

📤 Expense Section:

• Rent, payroll, equipment, you name it

• Break down by category or list every supplier

• Fixed and variable costs included

📊 Totals and Cash Balances:

• Monthly totals

• Net cash flow (in minus out)

• Running cash balance so you see if you’re in the green—or heading for trouble

No macros. No weird formatting. Just clean, editable cells and a clear picture of where your money’s going.

How to Use It in 5 Easy Steps

You don’t need to be a spreadsheet pro. If you’ve ever used a calculator, you’re good.

1. Download the file
   👉 Click here to grab the free Excel sheet

2. Enter your starting balance
   Start with what’s in the bank right now.

3. List expected income by month
   Use past months as a guide or plug in project-based payments.

4. Fill in expenses
   Include everything—big, small, recurring, or one-time.

5. Track net cash and closing balance
   Let the formulas do the math for you.

That’s it. In 15–20 minutes, you’ll have a full-year view of your cash situation.

Real-Life Use: When This Sheet Saved My Neck

Last summer, I was about to take on a fourth project. The client wanted a tight timeline and up-front materials.

Before I said yes, I opened the sheet.

After entering the expected payment and all related costs, I saw that taking on the job would leave me dangerously low in August—just when I’d need to pay my team for another project.

I politely turned it down.
A year ago, I would’ve said yes and figured it out later… and probably ended up broke or scrambling for loans.

The cash flow sheet helped me make a confident, informed decision—no guessing, no regrets.

Who Should Be Using This?

Honestly? Everyone who deals with money regularly.

This Excel sheet is perfect for:

• Construction site managers

• Freelancers juggling different clients

• Startup founders on a budget

• Small business owners tracking orders

• Engineers or consultants with irregular cash flow

FAQs: Because We All Have Questions

Do I need Excel?

Nope. Google Sheets works just fine. You can even open it on your phone if needed.

Is it really free?

Yes. No paywalls, no sign-ups. Just download it.

Can I edit it?

Absolutely. Add your logo, change currency, highlight cells, color-code it—go wild.

I suck at math. Will this still help?

That’s the point! The formulas are built-in. You just enter numbers, and it does the rest.

Don’t Wait Until You’re In Trouble

It’s easy to ignore cash flow when things feel fine.
But trust me—running out of money doesn’t happen gradually. It happens fast.

This little spreadsheet has helped me:

• Plan expenses with confidence

• Avoid sleepless nights over payroll

• Decide when I can invest—and when I can’t

• Feel in control of my business (finally)

✅ Ready to Get Your Sheet?

I made this for people like me—hard-working, trying to juggle projects, bills, and everything else life throws our way.

And if it helps you? Shoot me an email or DM. I’d love to hear how you’re using it—or what you’d add to improve it.