Cash Flow, Spreadsheets, and Sheep Eyeball Juice

Today, we’re kicking off a topic that might seem as appealing as a pair of wool socks in a heatwave: cash flow & spreadsheets.

Now, I know some of you out there just love getting all up in Excel’s business. You’re the type who gets a thrill from seeing numbers line up like well-behaved children on a field trip. And that’s cool. More power to you!

But then, there are those like me who’d rather chug a cup of sheep eyeball juice than a sea of cells and formulas. I mean, it’s not quite THAT bad, but you catch my drift.

Whether you’re a number nerd or an eyeball juice enthusiast, understanding your cash flow is as crucial as knowing which end of the toothbrush to use.

As a self-confessed ‘creative,’ my relationship with spreadsheets was, for a long time, similar to my childhood feelings toward broccoli (and trust me, my mom would attest to the theatrics involved). But as I soon discovered, just like broccoli, spreadsheets – when prepared right – can be surprisingly tasty (and good for you!).

Unearthing the Art in Spreadsheets

Much like a painter’s canvas or a sculptor’s stone, a blank spreadsheet holds endless possibilities. It’s an opportunity to paint a picture of your financial health to shape your money habits into a masterpiece of personal finance.

Now, I won’t sugarcoat it. Staring at an empty spreadsheet can feel daunting, like facing a blank canvas with no idea what to paint. But remember, every great artwork starts with a single brushstroke. And every journey to financial freedom begins with the first entry in your spreadsheet.

The Three Big Benefits of Spreadsheets

1. Taking Control: There’s nothing quite as satisfying as feeling in control of your finances. And with a spreadsheet, you’ll know where your money comes from, where it goes, and how much you’ll have left at the end of the month. No more wondering why your dollars disappear faster than ice cream on a hot day.
2. Playing What If: Once you’ve got a handle on your financial landscape, you can start toying with scenarios. Dreaming about quitting your job to start a business? Wondering if sending your child to Princeton is financially feasible? Contemplating life as an expat? A spreadsheet can illuminate these paths, helping you make informed decisions instead of taking wild stabs in the dark.
3. Setting Income Goals: Spreadsheets aren’t just for tracking your cash flow – they can also help you set and smash your income goals. It’s like having Tony Robbins in digital form, minus the high-energy seminars.

Facing Your Spreadsheet Fears

I get it. The thought of budgeting and spreadsheets can be as exciting as watching paint dry. But I promise you, once you start entering your numbers, you’ll see your financial picture come alive. It’s like discovering a secret treasure map, leading you straight to your financial goals.

This month, we’re going all-in on budgeting spreadsheets. This was just a teaser — upcoming are a couple of emails on how to make cash flows easy peasy, calculate how much you need for emergencies, and so much more. You’ll just have to stay tuned to see all the exciting things I will reveal.

So, let’s lace up our boots, pick up our pens (or open Excel), and embark on this journey of discovery and mastery over spreadsheets.

Next week, same bat time, same bat channel.

Avraham