The quick read
Key points
- Reconcile the starting bank balance.
- Identify obligations and restricted funds.
- Label every forecast assumption.
Start from reconciled cash
Review bank statements and recorded balances as of a clear date. List uncleared payments and known missing activity. A dashboard balance is less useful for planning when it has not been compared with the source account.
Identify money with another purpose
List tenant deposits, amounts owed to owners, upcoming bills and restricted balances separately. Do not assume every dollar in a shared bank account is available to spend. Ask the appropriate professional about restrictions for the funds you hold.
Gather the expected commitments
Collect loan schedules, insurance renewals, tax notices and planned maintenance estimates. Put the amount, likely payment date and evidence into a planning file. Record uncertainty rather than presenting an estimate as a scheduled payment.
Review scenarios without posting them
Compare your own assumptions about vacancy, delayed receipts or repairs outside the live ledger. This guide does not recommend a reserve amount or investment strategy. Post only actual transactions through the appropriate bookkeeping workflow.
Before you finish
- Reconcile the starting bank balance.
- Identify obligations and restricted funds.
- Label every forecast assumption.
Keep your next step simple.
Use the product guide for the app workflow, or contact support with your question. Bookkeeping reports are not tax advice; review filing decisions with a qualified professional.