Cash flow planning is critical to financial success.  After all, most of us do not inherit wealth, so, if we are going to gain it, we must build it.  And for most of us, the opportunity to build wealth exists, over time, as we turn our ability to earn an income into cash flow from which we "capture" financial assets. We capture financial assets by spending less than we take in.  

It is useful to consider three aspects of cash flow planning:

1. Cash flow analysis - researching historical cash flows to understand the current situation.
2. Cash flow planning - considering where changes should be made to cash flows in order to accomplish prioritized goals.
3. Cash flow management - having the discipline to stay with the plan.  

If steps 1 and 2 have been properly executed, step 3 is much easier.  That is, if you have carefully considered your prioritized goals, your current situation, and what steps must be taken to accomplish your priorities, you will have the motivation necessary to adhere to your cash flow plan.  If you know the "why" (your goals) you can figure out the "how" (the discipline.)

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