How to build a financial dashboard that is actually useful

A financial dashboard is not a collection of charts. Its job is to turn raw data into signals that support decisions.

Start with decisions, not charts

List the decisions you make weekly or monthly, then choose the indicators that support them. Revenue, margin, expenses, available cash and receivables already cover many small-business needs.

Separate inputs, calculations and reporting

Clear separation reduces mistakes and makes the workbook easier to review, protect and hand over.