We see it all the time: founders start their company and hand out equity early and often in hopes of growing as much as they can, as quickly as they can. They’ll give out equity to contractors, to advisors and to employees without really understanding what it is they’re giving. So we’re here to say: STOP. Here’s how NOT to screw up your Cap Table.

If you’re not a financial wizard (but you are a business owner) it can be daunting to assess all of your financial statements, keep them up-to-date and truly understand them. As experts in helping our clients manage their finances, we understand the importance of getting these right and establishing the habit of keeping them current, and we help them gain valuable insights about their business from their finances. We want to use this article to look at the three most important financial tools we use, how they’re used and how they can help you build and maintain a financially healthy business.

Now more than ever, Cash Flow is the most important way to monitor your ongoing business operations. Because we’re in such uncertain times right now, companies -- small businesses especially -- should focus on the next 30, 60 and 90 days (instead of thinking six months to a year out, for example). How do you as a startup founder create a Cash Flow Forecast and actually use it to your advantage?