Start with your own sales records. Look at what you sold each week or month over the past year. Mark the periods when sales went up or down, then think about what may have caused the change. School terms, holidays, weather and local events may affect when people buy from you. Your records will give you a better guide than a guess.

Next, list the costs you must pay even when sales are low. Work out how much you need each month to cover those bills. During a busy period, set some money aside for the slower weeks ahead. Keep it separate from the money you use for daily spending so you can see what you have saved.

Plan your orders with care. Buying too much stock can leave you short of cash if sales slow down. Think about how fast each item sells and how long your supplier takes to deliver. You can also plan staff time around demand, with extra help during busy weeks where sales can support it. Use quieter periods for tasks such as repairs, training and checking your records.

Review your plan each month. Compare what you expected to sell with what you sold, then adjust your next order or spending if needed. You do not need a complex system to begin. Start with your last three months of sales, write down your main bills and decide what you can set aside for a quiet period.