# Forecast to complete

> I’m preparing my first forecast for my company and I need to input a forecast to complete for contract line items. I have a contract that has more costs to complete than the budget will…

- URL: https://essential.construction/exchange/question/forecast-to-complete/
- Publisher: Essential Construction (https://essential.construction/)
- Last updated: 2024-06-17

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I’m preparing my first forecast for my company and I need to input a forecast to complete for contract line items. I have a contract that has more costs to complete than the budget will allow. Should I just put the remaining balance to the budget or should I show the line item as going over budget?

## Answers

### Answer 1

You should show the over run otherwise it isn’t a forecast, its a lie.

### Answer 2

Ruby answered your question fairly bluntly, but I do agree. You need to forecast the actual cost to complete not just the budget otherwise it’s not really a forecast. Some people may not like this so be prepared to stand your ground and justify the cost.