The research is aimed at theoretical and practical aspects of financial planning of enterprises in conditions of volatility and instability of the external environment. Based on the generalization of approaches to the essence and the meaning of financial planning, its semantic characteristics are determined in terms of methodology in both broad and narrow context. The process of evolution of financial planning is considered from the point of view of formation of systems of financial economic activity management of enterprises, three stages of its genesis with specification of advantages and disadvantages are distinguished. The principles, types and methods of planning are systematized. The stages of financial planning at enterprises are distinguished and their role in balancing financial stability in the process of formation, accumulation, distribution and use of financial resources is determined. Based on the stages of financial planning, three main subsystems of activity planning (strategic forecasting, ongoing financial planning and operational planning of financial activities) are described. On the basis of the analysis of existing problems in financial management in case of instability and recurrence of crisis phenomena, a mechanism for organizing financial planning at enterprises is proposed. The need to improve the effective generation of cash flows in the long term is distinguished, taking into account strategic and long-term financial plans based on the scenario financial planning method.