Profit vs. Cash Flow: Why Profitable Businesses Fail and How to Manage Liquidity

Profit is a theory; cash is a reality. Registered Financial Planner David Angway joins Entrepinoy Espesyal to explain why high-sales businesses can still go bankrupt and how to master the "timing" of your cash flow.

FINANCIAL LITERACY

David Isaiah Angway RFP

1/10/20262 min read

Mastering Business Cash Flow: The Entrepreneur’s Survival Guide, Strategic Financial Leadership by David Angway, RFP.

[0:00] – Why is cash flow important in business? Understanding the lifeblood of your company.

[2:15] – How to manage business debt and credit cards: Navigating high-interest loan pressures.

[5:40] – Difference between profit and cash flow: Why your bank balance doesn't match your P&L.

[8:15] – How to track business inflows and outflows: The daily habit of financial monitoring.

[11:30] – How to reduce business overhead costs: Identifying fixed expenses that drain liquidity.

[15:45] – How to improve accounts receivable collections: Closing the gap between sales and cash.

[20:10] – When should a business take a loan? Strategic financing for sustainable growth.

[25:30] – How much cash reserves should a business have? Calculating your ideal capital buffer.

[32:15] – 50-30-20 rule for business owners: How to allocate revenue for growth and personal wealth.

[38:50] – Financial stewardship for entrepreneurs: Shifting from spending to a wealth-building mindset.

[43:20] – Online financial coaching for entrepreneurs: How to join David Angway’s mentorship program.

The Expert Breakdown: FAQ Summary

Q: What is the main difference between being "Profitable" and being "Liquid"?

David Angway: Profit is a theory—it’s what is left after you subtract expenses from sales on your accounting sheet. However, Cash is reality. You can be "profitable" because you sold 1 million pesos worth of goods, but if those customers haven't paid you yet (Accounts Receivable), you are not "liquid." Without liquidity, you cannot pay your rent, your staff, or your suppliers.

Q: Why do many small businesses fall into the "Overhead Trap"?

David Angway: Entrepreneurs often focus on growing sales but forget to monitor their Fixed Costs. As you scale, your rent, utilities, and salaries can grow faster than your actual cash collections. If your overhead is too high, one slow month of collections can cause the entire business to collapse.

Q: How does the 50-30-20 Rule apply to a business owner's income?

David Angway: It is vital to separate your personal wealth from your business. I advise entrepreneurs to use the 50-30-20 framework for their personal take-home pay:

  • 50% for Needs: Fixed living expenses.

  • 30% for Wants: Enjoying your hard-earned business success.

  • 20% for Future: Investing in assets (like real estate or stocks) that are independent of your business.

Q: What is the best habit for maintaining a positive cash flow? David Angway: You must monitor your In-flow and Out-flow daily. You need to know exactly when money is coming in and exactly when it is going out. Managing the "timing" is the secret. If you can delay an outflow (payment) and accelerate an inflow (collection), you keep your business healthy and resilient.

Clean Takeaways for Entrepreneurs

  • Monitor Liquidity Daily: Don't just look at your sales targets; look at your bank balance and upcoming payables.

  • Manage the Collection Gap: Shorten the time it takes for customers to pay you. Use incentives for early payments or require down payments.

  • Control Your Fixed Costs: Keep your overhead as "lean" as possible during growth phases to avoid the Overhead Trap.

  • Pay Yourself a Salary: Don't treat your business bank account as your personal wallet. Use the 50-30-20 rule to build personal wealth.

  • Cash is Your Safety Net: Always maintain a cash buffer (Emergency Fund) specifically for your business operations.

Stop guessing and start growing. For expert business financial coaching and wealth management, visit davidangway.com.