A cash flow statement is the best way to see how much money you're making and losing over any given time period—anywhere from two weeks to a month, a year, or five years. Looking over a cash flow statement is one of the best ways to find areas to cut back so you can maximize your business's profits. It can also show you which aspects of your business are bringing in the most money so you can invest in those areas while cutting back in others.  Cash flow statements are important, but they're just one piece in the puzzle of your business's finances. To get a clear snapshot of how your business is really doing, you should be generating cash flow statements, profit and loss statements, and balance sheets on a regular basis.