Cashflow series - What Even Is Cashflow?
(And Why Aussie Couples Should Care)

Key Points (Quick Scan)

• Cashflow = money in vs. money out — your financial GPS.

• It’s not just for “finance nerds” — it’s THE lifeblood of every household.

• Many couples earn well but still feel broke because cashflow isn’t tracked.

• Getting clear on your cashflow gives you calm, control, and confidence.

“Cashflow confidence isn’t about luck — it’s about clarity.” — Dave Stanton

Why Cashflow Matters for Couples

Have you ever wondered, “We earn decent money — so why does it feel like we’re always scraping by?” That’s a cashflow issue.

Cashflow is simply the movement of money into and out of your household. It’s not about being rich, frugal, or perfect. It’s about knowing where you stand so you can make better decisions.

As Dave The Money Dad, I’ve seen Aussie families with strong incomes but constant money stress — because their cashflow was untracked. Once they learned to see inflows and outflows clearly, the stress dropped and options opened up.

Cashflow Explained (Without the Jargon)

Think of cashflow like a GPS for your money.

• Positive cashflow: more money coming in than going out, that can then be saved

• Negative cashflow: more money going out than coming in, resulting in a withdraw from savings

It’s that simple. When you track it, you see exactly where your dollars go — bills, groceries, kids’ activities, savings, or debt. When you don’t, you’re flying blind.

A Story of Realisation

One couple I worked with thought they were doing “fine.” But when we mapped their cashflow, it turned out they were running a monthly deficit — topping up with credit cards without even realising it.

The good news? Once they could see the leaks, they plugged them with a few small tweaks: cancelling unused subscriptions, planning meals, and setting spending limits. Within months, they had breathing room and a small savings buffer.

The shift wasn’t about earning more. It was about seeing clearly.

How to Track Your Cashflow (The Easy Way)

You don’t need a spreadsheet obsession. You will learn more in future posts and to start you off, here’s a simple approach:

1. List your inflows

   • Wages/salaries

   • Side hustle income

   • Family tax benefits or Centrelink payments

   • Investment income (if any)

2. List your outflows

   • Rent/mortgage

   • Utilities, groceries, transport

   • Kids’ costs (school, sport, childcare)

   • Debt repayments

   • Fun spending (takeaway, entertainment)

3. Subtract outflows from inflows
   That’s your monthly cashflow position.

💡 Tip: Use a simple tool like my Cashflow Calculator to make this easy — no finance degree required.

“Too many people spend money they haven’t earned
to buy things they don’t want to impress people they don’t like.” — Will Rogers

Why Couples Should Track Together

• Awareness beats assumptions. You both see the same picture.

• It reduces arguments. Fights about “who spent what” are replaced with teamwork.

• It creates breathing room. Even small improvements free up cash for goals.

• It builds confidence. Couples stop guessing and start making intentional decisions.

The Signs Your Cashflow Needs Extra Attention

• You’re living pay-to-pay, even on a good income.

• You’re relying on credit cards or Afterpay to “fill the gaps.”

• You’re not sure where the money goes each month.

• Bills sneak up on you — even predictable ones.

If any of these feel familiar, it’s not because you’re bad with money. It’s because you don’t have a cashflow system yet.

Internal Links for Next Steps

• Ditch Debt Faster: Aussie Guide To Paying Off Credit Cards & Loans

• Build a $5000+ Emergency Fund in Australia - Even on a Tough Budget

• How Much Should I Spend on Rent, Groceries and Fun?

Ready to Take Control of Your Cashflow?

The first step is to understand your real position. It doesn't matter if you have 5, 6 or 7 digit income.

I have made this super easy, so even i use it regularly to create and maintain my wealth scorecard.

So now you can too. Get access to the DTMD Financial Scorecard here - It is FREE to use

✅ Built for real life, not spreadsheets
✅ Buffers, budgeting, debt help and more
✅ Lifetime access — start today

FAQ: Cashflow Basics

Q: Isn’t cashflow just a fancy word for budgeting?
A: Not exactly. Budgeting is a plan. Cashflow is reality — it shows what’s actually happening with your money.

Q: We already earn well. Do we still need to track?
A: Yes. Many high-income families still struggle because they don’t manage cashflow. Earning more doesn’t fix poor flow.

Takeaways (Expanded Recap)

• Cashflow is the difference between money in and money out.

• It’s your financial GPS, helping you see if you’re on track.

• Many couples feel broke because they don’t track their flow.

• Tracking together builds teamwork, reduces stress, and creates options.

• Tools like the Cashflow Calculator make it simple to get started today.

Final Thoughts

To wrap things up: cashflow is the heartbeat of your finances. If you ignore it, you’ll feel stuck, no matter how much you earn. If you track it, you’ll find clarity, calm, and choice.

Remember: you can’t control what you don’t measure. Get clear on your cashflow today, and your future self will thank you.

— Dave The Money Dad

Financial Disclaimer

This is not financial advice. The information provided is for educational purposes only. Please consider your personal circumstances or seek professional advice before making financial decisions.