Earlier Reference Text
A Reusable Decision Record
Why This MattersRead the earlier reference in its original context, with its historical statements and limits preserved.
Use brief answers. Attach a calculation only when it changes understanding. This worksheet does not require account numbers, employer identifiers or other unnecessary sensitive information.
Preserved Foundation Text / v0.2This archived section describes an earlier release. Its historical statements about deployment and unbuilt tools refer to that edition.
Use brief answers. Attach a calculation only when it changes understanding. This worksheet does not require account numbers, employer identifiers or other unnecessary sensitive information.
| Field | Record |
|---|---|
| Decision and deadline | What is being decided, by when, and why now? |
| People and responsibilities | Who is affected, and what have they agreed to? |
| Current position | Cash available, essential bills, required payments and relevant payment dates. |
| Chosen floor and horizon | Reserve policy and reasons; number of months evaluated. |
| Alternatives | Maintain / delay / scale down / decline / other feasible action. |
| Facts and estimates | Source, date and uncertainty for every decision-changing input. |
| One-off and recurring uses | Opening payment, ongoing costs, taxes, maintenance and debt service; counted once. |
| Adverse conditions | Income interruption, common shocks, cost increases and timing problems. |
| Nonfinancial constraints | Ethics, health, care, sustainable hours, rights and access. |
| Results and gaps | Minimum cash, first breach, remaining unknowns and untested assumptions. |
| Disposition and reasons | Exclude / incomplete / revise / consider; final choice remains explained. |
| Review and exit | Date, responsible person, warning signs and evidence that changes the choice. |
Afterward: compare what actually happened with what was expected. Record the error without rewriting the old forecast. Correct the model, plan or rule according to what the discrepancy shows.