How should I use projected cashflow?

Jasik

So the cashflow projection doesn't not take into account anything in the Planned Spending section of my Spending Plan.  I don't understand why that is?  If I am planning to spend it, then obviously it should affect my cash flow.  Now whether or not I spend all of it, less of it, or more of it is another issue.  But as it is, this makes the cashflow feature completely useless.  Or does it?  That is the question.  Is there some amount of information or usefulness with this that I'm not understanding?  

Coach Natalie

Hello @Jasik,

Thank you for posting your inquiry and feedback to the Community!

That is correct, the Projected Cash Flow is currently based on Recurring Transactions and Upcoming items (such as future-dated transactions and Refunds) only and does not include Planned Spending Items, unfortunately. There are other Users who would also like to see this option made available in Simplifi, and we actually have an Idea post here in the Community requesting it -- please be sure to add your vote and feedback!

https://community.simplifimoney.com/discussion/1651/ability-to-add-planned-spending-categories-to-our-cash-flow#latest

-Coach Natalie

Jasik

Ah yes, I see it now.  Thanks!  Glad to know others feel the same.  I just commented and voted also!

Coach Natalie

Awesome @Jasik -- thank you!

-Coach Natalie

Flopbot

@Jasik

Interesting question, thanks for asking it!  You made me think a little more about those projected cashflow graphs and how I use them.  I guess I've found myself mainly relying on the projected cashflow graph for my CHECKING account, but not really for my CC or SAVINGS accounts.

For my CHECKING, I really like the way Simplifi is set up right now because it gives me a really tangible predicted amount that - based on reality - my bank account will drop to +$12 in a week and a half.  So far, when situations like this occur, I've found Simplifi to be a surprisingly reliable estimate.  One important factor that I suspect contributes to this is that I don't have many transactions passing through my CHECKING account in any given week (0-2 transactions).  My main spending occurs on a CC that - usually - gets paid off monthly.

With that said, I do see the value in having my other accounts (CC & SAVINGS) take into account planned spending.   I ignore them right now, because they always flatline out into the future when in reality based on planned spending, it should be closer to this...

Jedp

The cash flow feature is one of the game-changers I love so much about this app. Taking into consideration all your bills, one-time expenses and transfers to your savings goals really gives a great easy view to know if you are in trouble or trending ok on your spending.

Jasik

I don’t get it because if it doesn’t take all your spending into account then it isn’t really cash flow. 

Flopbot

@Jasik

I guess it depends how you think about it.  And perhaps how you structure your finances.

For me, who uses a CC for most of my regular spending and then pays off that CC monthly, when I view the Projected Cash Flow graph in CHECKING it currently shows me a "real life" representation of reality...what I'm really going to have in the actual account on any given day.  For example with once glance, I know that come April 2nd, I better get money into my CHECKING account!!!  If this chart included Planned Spending (i.e. possible spending), then I wouldn't be able to fly so close to $0 without doing a bunch of mental calculations in my head.  Also, just because I have an amount set aside in Planned Spending, doesn't mean I actually want to spend it.



With the way I used CC's, for my CC accounts, you're right, that without including Planned Spending, those accounts don't represent even a close approximation of reality, which would look closer to this...



In my mind, the CHECKING graph is the most important of the two.  Though, I'd like to have my cake and eat it too which is where this Idea Post (click here) comes in.  I voted on this one myself.