How to Develop an Initial Financial Plan

Good financial planning is the stable foundation of every company. Even though content is the main focus of media projects, nothing works without solid finances.

A solid project needs solid financial planning. Whether you're setting up a journalism startup, a creative media project, or a nonprofit initiative, you need to keep an eye on your finances. A rough idea isn't enough, because without clear figures, things can quickly become tight.

The basics of financial planning 📊

The first step is budget planning. Be aware of your monthly expenses: these include not only obvious costs such as rent, personnel costs, and technical equipment, but also smaller, often overlooked items such as software subscriptions, office supplies, or tax advice.

At the same time, you should determine how much you want to earn each month—not just in the long term, but realistically for the next 3, 6, and 12 months. Also consider whether and what financial buffers you can invest in the project in an emergency – for example, reserves or severance payments.

To keep these figures clear, it is advisable to record all costs and income in an Excel spreadsheet or a financial planning tool. This is known as a profit and loss statement, which is often equated with a financing plan. It helps you maintain an overview at all times and identify when and where action is needed.

By the way, we have a ready-made template for financial planning and a ready-made Excel spreadsheet for budget planning. All you have to do is enter your figures. Take a look at the next sheet.

How do you earn money? 🧾

Once you know your costs, the next question is: How will you finance the project? What sources of income are available to you? Perhaps memberships, advertising, or subsidies? Think about it:

• Which sources of income are realistic?

• What do you need to really earn money? (For example, a certain reach, partners, or specific technical tools)

• What can you implement immediately, and what needs more planning?

It's worth thinking through different scenarios here: What happens if a source of funding falls through? What alternatives are there? Financing a project solely through donations or crowdfunding can work—but only with a strong community and a long-term concept.

Plan for best- and worst-case scenarios 🎯

Good financial planning should not only reflect optimistic expectations, but also take into account possible risks and bottlenecks. Therefore, consider different scenarios:

• Best case: Everything goes better than expected – what do you do with the additional income? Do you reinvest or hire more people?

• Realistic case: Income comes in as planned – what are your next financial steps?

• Worst case: Income falls short of expectations – where can you cut costs without jeopardizing the project?

Especially in the start-up phase, customers or sponsors may pay later than expected. That's why liquidity planning is important! Profits on paper are of little help if your account is empty in a given month. Make sure you can cover your monthly fixed costs at all times – and, if possible, plan for a financial reserve for at least three to six months.

Conclusion 📌

Clear and realistic financial planning helps you put your project on a stable footing for the long term. It not only shows whether your idea is viable, but also helps you identify and avoid bottlenecks at an early stage. If you know your numbers, you can make better decisions – whether it's pricing, investing, or looking for financing options.

Even though it may not be the favorite topic of many journalists and often seems unpleasant or unnecessary, thoughtful financial planning can make the difference between failure and success. So take the time to do it – it's worth it!