Small business isn’t for everyone but it might just be the perfect path for you. Although there are many perks of being your own boss, running a small business also comes with a variety of challenges that many people aren’t willing to take on. We all have different expectations for what we want out of life, which is why the decision to run a small business needs to be made with a lot of thought and care. If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, or perhaps you have an existing business and you...

Today, we're going to dive into a fundamental aspect of running a small business in Australia – understanding business structures. The structure you choose will define how your business is organised, how it's managed, and of course, taxed.Choosing the wrong structure can cause headaches down the road so it’s important to be informed before making a decision. If you have made the wrong decision though, don’t panic! I’ve been there myself, and while it costs some time and money, you can definit...

If you've ever struggled with managing loans, ATO bills, superannuation, or credit card payments, then today’s episode is for you! I’m taking on the topic of debt and sharing strategies to empower you in managing and crushing your debt. Taking a proactive approach is crucial for setting yourself up for long-term success. Here are some techniques to consider: 1. Budgeting and Cash Flow Forecasting:Creating a budget for your business will help you stay on top of your debt obliga...

Are you facing late payments from clients, and getting that panicked feeling about having to chase them up? I get it - and I know so many other business owners do too. In an earlier episode, I took you through my exact process for timely payments. Today, I’m diving a little deeper to discuss the power of personalised reminders and guiding you through the process to get paid quicker. The first step in creating an effective reminder system is to turn on automated reminders in your accounti...

Welcome to another short and snackable episode of Your Bookkeeping Matters. Today we're looking at some core practices that can take your business from good to bad. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting, these actionable strategies will equip you with the tools and insights you need to elevate your business game.1. Mastering Your Numbers:Understanding your financial metrics can be transformative for your business. Start with your Profit and Loss Statement and Balance Sheet...

Welcome to another short and snackable episode, where I’m diving into why value matters most in your small business. Today, we’ll explore the idea that while earning money and making a profit is crucial for your business, it shouldn't be the driver behind it. I believe profit should be the result of what you're doing in your business and why.As a small business owner myself, I understand the overwhelming nature of keeping things in the business running smoothly, and how easy it is to lose sig...

Today, I want to talk about something that every business owner can relate to - cash flow. Specifically, I want to dive into the topic of getting clients to pay you on time. I'll be sharing my exact process, the lessons I've learnt from past mistakes and some practical tips that have helped me ensure timely payments from my clients. To help get you started, I share my top tips on optimising your invoice and payment processes:1. Online Payment Options Making it easy and fast for your clients t...

As a small business owner, it is crucial to wear many hats and outsource areas that require expertise. However, one aspect that often gets overlooked is paying yourself. Though it might not initially appear as a top priority, paying yourself serves as both a reward for your efforts and a means of securing a financial return from your business.So, How Much Should You Pay Yourself? Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The amount you pay yourself depends on vario...

We’ve all heard the phrase, “know your numbers” but what does it actually mean? Understanding your numbers can transform your business so today I’m sharing which numbers you need to know and how this knowledge can empower you to make strategic decisions and keep your business healthy.When I talk about knowing your numbers, I mean having a clear understanding of the financial aspects that matter to your specific business. It could be analysing your Facebook ad spend, monitoring your product le...

Today, I want to talk about something that has been bothering me for a while – tax invoices. As someone who deals with business finances, I often come across cases where business owners fail to issue proper tax invoices, which wastes time, money and effort for everyone involved. So in this episode, I talk about the importance of tax invoices, the key elements they should include, and the common mistakes to avoid.Tax invoices are essential documents that facilitate business transactions in Aus...

As we all know, change is constant. Whether it's a sudden market shift, technological advancements, or unexpected curveballs life throws at us, being adaptable is a key superpower every business owner needs.Today, I'll be diving deep into the concept of flexibility and sharing some practical strategies that will not only help you weather the storm of change but also thrive in it. I've personally experienced the power of these strategies in my own bookkeeping practice, and I want to...

Whether your business has been on a short break or you're raring to go, it's essential to start the year by setting goals and envisioning your journey. To help you navigate the financial aspects, I've compiled a handy New Year Small Business Financial Growth Checklist that will help you start the year feeling organised and ready to go.I hope you find this checklist helpful in framing your year ahead and reaching your financial goals. It’s important to start a new year feeling ready to ta...

This week, the show is taking a brief break, gearing up for the exciting new year ahead and crafting super fun episodes for your bookkeeping and business matters. With that in mind, let's take a stroll down memory lane to a classic episode, number seven, Where we delved into the unique challenges of e commerce accounting.In this episode, I’m sharing the eCommerce accounting challenges that you’ll come across as a business owner running your business online. I share the common mistakes I see w...

I'm taking a little breather over the new year, still in the background prepping some fun new episodes for you. So this week I'm bringing you not only a fan fave from a little earlier this year, but one of my own favorites. That's a write off. Isn't it? This one I step you through some of the nitty-gritty of business tax deductions, with a fun spin from our favourite Schitt’s Creek character, David Rose. If you need some help demystifying business expenses and tax deductions (particularl...

As another incredible year comes to a close, it's time to reflect on the journey we've shared as entrepreneurs. One topic that every business owner faces is financial hurdles. Today, I want to take a moment to acknowledge and tackle these challenges and help us set our sights on a bright year ahead.Just like you, I run my own business, and I understand the hard work, challenges, and rewards that come with it. Financial hurdles can manifest in various ways—a sudden dip in revenue, unexpected c...

As we approach the end of the year, amidst the chaos of festivities and business closures, managing your books efficiently is crucial. So today, I'm sharing some practical tips to make your bookkeeping process smooth, simple and stress-free. Let's talk about the importance of simplicity in bookkeeping. It's not about the task itself being easy, but about completing it with ease. I’m all about working harder, not smarter - and as cliché as that sounds, it makes sense, right? This can be achiev...

Your customers are at the heart of your business's success, so in this episode, we explore how centering customers in your business can be a game-changer for your growth. We'll explore putting customers at the core of your decision-making and crafting an exceptional journey for them. Drawing from my own experiences as a business bookkeeper, I'll share practical insights on how to map out crucial touchpoints, ensuring your clients have a memorable and positive experience.I take you back t...

Welcome to another short and snackable episode, where I’m simplifying the often-confusing world of fixed and variable spending costs. I've got some bite-sized number pieces for you, making it not only understandable, but actionable. By the end of this episode, you'll be a pro at working out which expense type your spending falls into and boosting your financial savvy. Fixed costs are those steady, predictable expenses that stay consistent month after month. Examples include rent, insuran...

Today, we're diving into a topic that might seem a little dull at first glance, but is absolutely crucial for safeguarding your personal and business data. Having seen my own clients fall victim to cyber crime, I encourage you to pay close attention as I take you through some cyber security essentials for your small business. Cyber crime is evolving rapidly, and criminals are becoming savvier in delivering their scams by the day. The repercussions can be catastrophic, often resulting in ...

Are you aware of what your bookkeeper can and can’t do? I often get asked by my clients to do things well outside my scope. However, this just comes down to people not having a clear understanding of the difference in roles between bookkeepers, accountants, financial planners and legal eagles. So today, I’m bringing you a short and snackable episode on a bookkeeper’s no-go zones, where we either tread lightly or don’t venture into at all. Now, you might be thinking, what’s the problem wi...