You’re a new member of the planning staff within the finance department at Bertram Enterprises, a large manufacturer of household goods. The firm does an annual operating plan and a long-range plan every year. You’ve just received a note from the CFO asking you to help him prepare for a meeting with the firm’s investment bankers to discuss issuing new securities in the future. The note asks you to prepare an estimate of the company’s funding needs and suggests that you “start with” the most recent annual and long-range plans. You’re confused by the term “start with,” since the plans clearly indicate future funding needs. What might the CFO be getting at, and how would you approach the assignment?