headlightsAvailable now
Starting point
Actual bank balance$1,800See when money lands.Plan for what’s coming out.
Headlights is cash flow planning for small-business owners building toward $100k–$500k in annual revenue. Sales, deposits, and bills don’t happen at the same time. Explore the weeks ahead, spot upcoming gaps, and plan around what’s due.
A positive week.
A tight Wednesday.
Follow the money through one sample week. A sale is not available cash until the payout reaches the bank.
Sample data · 19–23 October 2026 · Payout dates are estimates · Illustrative example, separate from your 13-week forecast
Subscriptions sold
$2,400 pending
Projected · unchanged$1,800Rent due
−$2,000
Projected funding gap−$200Payout expected
+$2,400
Projected balance$2,200Other bills due
−$700
Projected balance$1,500Tuesday: sold$2,400 pending
Wednesday: waitingNot in the bank yet
Thursday: expected+$2,400 to cash
01
Start with the cash you have.
Monday starts with $1,800 available in the bank. This is the starting point for the sample week.
Wednesday needs $200 before rent can clear. Later balances follow the sample schedule assuming payments go through; the gap still needs covering. No overdraft or funding is assumed available.
The order matters
as much as the amount.
Will deposits arrive before rent?
In this example, rent is due Wednesday and the payout is expected Thursday. Seeing both dates makes the gap visible.
What if the payout is delayed?
If it arrives Friday instead, the example stays $200 short through Thursday. The example illustrates timing; it does not change your forecast.
When could I pay myself?
Review the dates of incoming cash and upcoming commitments first. Friday’s $1,500 is a projected balance, not a recommended owner payment.
More headspace.
For the work you love.
You know your business. A clearer view of timing helps you see what needs attention now—and what can wait.
Equipment, marketing and occasional help can enter the plan as future costs, alongside everyday commitments.
Start with what
you already have.
Bring your records
Import supported bank or Wave CSV files, or a text-based Wave profit-and-loss PDF.
Confirm what’s coming
Set a dated balance, review recurring charges and add planned items.
Look ahead
Explore the 13-week cash forecast. Keep the original records close as you review the assumptions.
Keep the detail
behind the picture.
Original records remain available. Import receipts and duplicate checks help you review what came in. Headlights does not connect to your bank or subscription platform.
Good questions.
Why can sales rise while cash is tight?
A sale and a bank deposit can happen on different days. If rent or other bills fall due before the deposit arrives, a positive sales week can still contain a cash gap. Compare expected deposit dates with bill due dates, not just weekly totals.
Is the forecast a guarantee?
No. It depends on the records and assumptions you provide. Expected payouts may arrive later than planned.
What can I use today?
The timeline above is an illustrative example. In your workspace, you can use a 13-week forecast, planned items and a dated bank balance.