Overview
The Cash Flow tab answers a question your transaction history can’t:
Will I have enough money when I need it?
Instead of showing what’s already happened, Cash Flow shows how your balances are expected to change over time — based on the bills and income you’ve scheduled in Quicken.
It gives you a forward-looking view of:
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When money comes in
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When it goes out
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How those events affect your balance day by day
The projection is based on the recurring bills, income, and reminders you’ve set up as series — not every transaction in your accounts.
If a gap is coming, you’ll see it here before it becomes a problem.
How the Cash Flow Chart Works
The chart shows a running balance over time.
It starts with your current balance and adjusts up or down as each scheduled bill or income event occurs.
What you’re seeing
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Lines — Each line represents an account and shows how its balance is projected to change
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Rises and dips — Reflect income and expenses as they’re scheduled to occur
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Circles — Mark the days when bills or income are expected
Hover over a circle to see:
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What’s scheduled for that day
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Your projected balance after those transactions
This helps you answer questions like:
What will my balance be after my paycheck arrives and my bills are paid?
Customize Your View
You can adjust the chart to focus on what matters most:
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Time range — Use the dropdown to view a shorter window for near-term decisions or extend it to plan ahead for larger or less frequent expenses
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Accounts — Select or deselect accounts on the right to focus on specific balances, like your primary checking account
Filtering to a single account is especially helpful when you want a clear answer to:
Will I have enough in this account to cover what’s coming?
The Reminders List Below the Chart
Below the chart is a list of the same scheduled Reminders shown in your selected time range.
This is where you take action.
You can:
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Edit, skip, or delete a Reminder using the three-dot menu
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Click any Reminder to view or manage its full series
Clicking a circle on the chart automatically scrolls the list to that date, so you can quickly review and adjust what’s scheduled without losing your place.
Cash Flow vs Overview
Both tabs show what’s ahead — but in different ways.
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Overview shows what’s due and overdue — a checklist of what needs attention
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Cash Flow shows how those items affect your balances over time — a forecast
Use Overview to manage specific bills and reminders.
Use Cash Flow to understand timing, spot trends, and plan ahead.
Examples
Personal — Understanding your monthly rhythm
Your paycheck arrives every other Friday, but most of your bills hit at the beginning of the month.
The Cash Flow chart shows your balance dipping early, then recovering later.
You use this to better understand your spending window and avoid overspending right after payday.
Personal — Deciding when to spend
You’re planning a $500 purchase but aren’t sure when to make it.
The Cash Flow chart shows your balance staying strong this week, but dropping after several upcoming bills.
You decide to make the purchase now, while your balance is higher.
Personal — Avoiding a shortfall
Your rent is due before your next paycheck arrives.
The chart shows your checking account dipping below zero for a few days.
You plan ahead by moving money from savings to cover the gap and avoid an overdraft.
Business — Managing irregular income
You’re a freelancer with several expenses due soon and a client payment expected later in the month.
The Cash Flow chart shows how long your current balance needs to carry you.
You follow up on the invoice and hold off on a non-essential expense to stay on track.
Multi-account — Focusing on what matters
You have money across checking, savings, and credit accounts.
By filtering to just your primary checking account, you get a clear view of whether your day-to-day spending account will stay positive.
Tips
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Watch for dips below zero — A projected negative balance is an early warning that you may need to adjust spending or use savings
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Try different time ranges — Extending your view helps you plan for less frequent expenses like insurance or annual subscriptions
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Focus on key accounts — Filtering to your main checking account gives you the clearest picture of day-to-day cash flow
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Use the chart and list together — Click a point in the chart to quickly review and manage the transactions affecting that day
Related Topics
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Using the Bills & Income All Series Tab