You’re trying to spend/save/invest money that you don’t have.

Given this definition of free cash flow, a negative value can mean:

1. Your income is too low, or
2. Your expenses are too high, or
3. Your goals (and hence savings/investments) are unrealistic.

Cut-back first on #2 and then on #3. Even better — increase #1.

[sniplet tip tuesdays]