Harvest or temporary-work income may not arrive every month. A useful plan shows dates, costs and the money needed until the next payment.
Steps to follow
Mark expected payment dates
Separate money received from money expected. Mark uncertain amounts as estimates.
Set aside activity costs first
Seeds, transport and replacement stock require cash. Total sales are not the same as money available to spend.
Plan week by week
Start with the week’s available money, add receipts and subtract payments. Carry the remainder into the following week.
Check a late-payment scenario
If payment arrived two weeks late, identify essential costs left uncovered. Discuss possible arrangements early with those you need to pay.
A planning example
Example: allocating 300,000 RWF
From 300,000 RWF received, allocate 120,000 RWF to the next work cycle and 30,000 RWF to a reserve. The remaining 150,000 RWF equals 50,000 RWF per month over three months. Check whether that covers your household needs. Figures are illustrative.
Your reminders
- Payment dates are visible.
- Working capital is separate from household money.
- I have considered a payment delay.