Financial Stress at Work Is Real: How Employers Can Support Staff Through Uncertain Times

Financial Stress at Work Is Real: How Employers Can Support Staff Through Uncertain Times

Apr 8, 2026 | Building Emotional Muscle, Building Financial Muscle, Business Talks, Credit Score, Debt Payment, Debt Repayment, Educational Series, Estate Planning, Financial Education, Financial Freedom, Financial Health, Financial Management 101, Franchisees, Home Loan, Net Worth, Relationships, Saving Money, Self Development, Side Hustle, Small Business Owners, Tradies

Let’s talk about the thing many workplaces feel but few talk about openly.

Financial stress.

Right now, many employees are carrying a heavy mental load. Rising living costs, debt pressure, interest rate worries, and the emotional weight of trying to “hold it all together” can quietly affect how people show up at work.

The tricky part?
A lot of struggling employees do not look like they are struggling.

They still show up.
They still smile in meetings.
They still get the work done.

But underneath the surface, they may be losing sleep, feeling distracted, or wondering how they are going to stay on top of everyday life.

This is not just a personal issue. It is a workplace issue too.

The hidden impact of financial pressure

When an employee is stressed about money, it rarely stays neatly at home.
It follows them into the workday.

Financial stress can affect:

  • concentration
  • confidence
  • energy levels
  • productivity
  • decision-making
  • mental wellbeing
  • workplace engagement

And when it goes unaddressed for too long, people often do not just want more money.
They want relief.
They want stability.
They want support.

Sometimes, that means they leave.

When an employee is stressed about money, it rarely stays neatly at home. It follows them into the workday.

Why a pay rise is not always the answer

This is where many employers get caught off guard.

They assume financial stress is only about income, so they respond with a pay rise when possible. While higher income can help, it does not automatically solve poor money habits, lack of structure, debt overwhelm, or financial anxiety.

Because financial wellbeing is not just about how much people earn.
It is also about how confidently they manage what they have.

That is why some employees can get a raise and still feel overwhelmed.
And why some workplaces offer perks, rewards, and recognition but still experience turnover, burnout, or disengagement.

People do not always leave for a bigger paycheck.
Sometimes they leave because they are chasing less stress.

What employees really need

In uncertain times, employees need more than surface-level support.
They need practical help that builds real confidence.

That can look like:

  • education that makes money feel less overwhelming
  • simple systems to manage spending and bills
  • tools to reduce financial chaos
  • strategies to tackle debt with a plan
  • guidance that helps them feel more in control
  • a safe, shame-free space to get support

When people feel financially stronger, they often feel emotionally stronger too.
And that changes how they show up in every area of life, including work.

The role employers can play

The role employers can play

Employers do not need to become financial advisers.
But they can become part of the support system.

A workplace that genuinely cares about financial wellbeing sends a powerful message:

“We see the pressure. We care about the person, not just the performance.”

That kind of support builds trust.
It strengthens loyalty.
And it helps create a workplace culture where people feel valued in a real way.

Simple ways employers can help include:

  • offering financial wellbeing education
  • normalising money conversations without stigma
  • providing access to coaching or structured support
  • recognising the connection between financial stress and performance
  • focusing on prevention, not just crisis response

Why this matters for business outcomes too

Supporting employee financial wellbeing is not just kind. It is smart.

When employees feel less stressed about money, businesses often benefit from:

  • improved focus
  • better productivity
  • lower turnover
  • stronger morale
  • healthier workplace culture
  • more trust between staff and leadership
When employees feel less stressed about money, businesses often benefit

In other words, supporting financial wellbeing is not a “soft” benefit.
It is a practical one.

And in times of uncertainty, practical support is exactly what people remember.

Comfort matters too

There is one more piece that deserves attention.

People do not just need solutions. They need reassurance.

Many employees are currently feeling shame about money. They may feel embarrassed that they are stressed. They may think they “should” have it sorted. They may stay silent because they would rather not look incapable.

That is why comfort matters.

It helps to remind people:

  • they are not alone
  • financial pressure is affecting many households
  • struggling does not mean failing
  • support is available
  • change is possible with the right tools and guidance

Sometimes the most powerful first step is simply helping someone feel seen.

Creating a more supportive workplace

If you are an employer, leader, or HR decision-maker, this is your opportunity to think bigger about what support really means.

Financial wellbeing is no longer a “nice to have”.
It is one of the most practical and human ways to support your team.

And it does not require overcomplicating things. It starts with awareness.

Then it moves into education, tools, and support that help people take back a sense of control.

A better path forward

The world feels heavy for many people right now. That is real. But so is the opportunity to respond differently.

Instead of waiting for burnout, disengagement, or unexpected resignations, employers can choose to act earlier.


They can offer support that helps employees feel steadier, calmer, and more capable. And when that happens, everybody wins.

If you want to support your team in a practical, meaningful way, my Financial Wellbeing Program helps employees build confidence, reduce money stress, and create healthier financial habits with real tools and support.

Because sometimes the best staff benefit is not another perk.
It is helping your people feel safer, stronger, and more in control of their lives.

Financial Wellbeing Program
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM

#HowToResetMyMoneyMindset #WhyDoIFeelOutOfControlWithMoney #HowToFeelInControlOfFinances #ResetMoneyMindset2025 #NewYearFinancialMindset #HowToStartFreshWithMoney  emergency fund australia, money management, family savings 

 

Tax Time Without the Panic – The Simple Systems That Keep More of Your Hard-Earned Money

Tax Time Without the Panic – The Simple Systems That Keep More of Your Hard-Earned Money

Mar 25, 2026 | Building Emotional Muscle, Building Financial Muscle, Business Talks, Credit Score, Debt Payment, Debt Repayment, Educational Series, Financial Health, Financial Management 101, Franchisees, Mindset, Mortgage, Net Worth, Relationships, Retirement, Saving Money, Side Hustle, Small Business Owners, Tradies

Tax Time Shouldn’t Feel Like a Horror Movie

If “BAS” makes your eye twitch or tax time feels like a jump scare, you’re not alone.

For many business owners, tax time looks like:

  • digging through email for receipts
  • trying to remember what that transaction was
  • realising GST money has been accidentally spent
  • asking your accountant, “Is this bad?” 😅
  • promising yourself (again) that you’ll get organised next year

Whether you’re a tradie, franchisee, coach, consultant, or self-employed professional, it’s easy for tax to become the thing you avoid… until you can’t.

But here’s the thing:
 Tax panic isn’t a personality trait. It’s a system issue.

And the solution isn’t “try harder.”
 It’s: build foundations that make tax time boring.

Boring is the goal.
Boring means organised.
Boring means you’re in control.

The Real Reason Tax Time Feels So Stressful

Most tax stress comes from one (or more) of these:

1) You’re spending money that isn’t actually yours

If GST/tax isn’t separated, the bank balance lies.

It looks like there’s cash available… but a chunk of that cash belongs to the ATO (or will soon). So when BAS hits, it feels like a crisis.

2) Your numbers aren’t clean

Mixed transactions, personal spending from business accounts, inconsistent invoicing, missing receipts – these all make reporting harder.

And when reporting is hard, you avoid it.

3) You don’t have a simple routine

If you only look at your money when something is due, you’ll always be reacting.

4) You’re not clear on what’s “normal”

Many owners don’t know what to expect from their obligations (GST, PAYG, super, income tax, etc.). That uncertainty turns into anxiety.

The fix is not complicated, but it does require a shift from reactive to proactive.

Owner Pay Is the Cornerstone of a Healthy Business

The “Tax Calm” Blueprint (Simple, Practical, Repeatable)

Let’s build tax calm from the ground up.

Step 1: Separate business and personal (because clarity = calm)

This is the first domino.

When business and personal are mixed:

  • profit looks different than it really is
  • expenses get miscategorised

  •  your accountant has to untangle it (costly + time-consuming)

  •  BAS reporting becomes messy

  • tax estimates become unreliable

When you separate them, your numbers get clearer fast. Even if you’re not ready to overhaul everything, start with this:

  • separate bank accounts (or at least strict allocation “buckets”)
  • a clear rule: business expenses only from business, personal only from personal
  • owner pay transferred as owner pay (not random withdrawals)

This one change reduces stress massively.

Step 2: Quarantine GST/tax weekly (so it never surprises you again)

If you do nothing else after reading this blog, do this one thing.

When GST and tax are quarantined weekly:

  • you stop “accidentally spending” future obligations
  • BAS becomes a planned payment
  • your cash flow becomes more reliable
  • you feel calm because you know the money is there

A simple habit: Each week (or each time income lands), transfer a percentage into a tax/GST bucket

The right percentage depends on your structure and circumstances (and this is where your accountant or qualified adviser can guide you). But the foundation is non-negotiable:

Set aside first. Spend second.

Step 3: Create a weekly money routine (30 minutes that changes everything)

You don’t need a full day of admin.

You need a repeatable routine.

Pick one day per week – your “money check-in.”

On that day, you:

  1. review what came in
  2. allocate GST/tax set-aside
  3. check bills due in the next 7 – 14 days
  4. confirm owner pay
  5. quickly check that transactions are being categorised correctly
  6. look at ONE key number (margin, break-even, or cash runway)

That’s it.

This is how tax time becomes boring, because you’ve been managing it in small pieces all year.

Step 4: Keep records simple (no one’s trying to win an admin award)

Receipts and records are one of the biggest stress points, so let’s make it easy.

Your goal is not “perfect bookkeeping.”
 Your goal is “good enough that nothing becomes a disaster.”

Simple record habits that help:

  • snap receipts immediately (or forward them to a dedicated email)
  • keep a consistent filing approach (even if it’s just “by month”)
  • reconcile regularly (weekly or fortnightly)
  • don’t leave it until BAS is due

Future you will thank you.

Step 5: Understand the 3 reports that remove the fear

You don’t need to become an accountant, but you do need to feel confident in the basics.

These three reports reduce stress instantly:

  1. Profit & Loss (P&L): tells you if the business is making money
  2. Balance Sheet (basic understanding): tells you what the business owns/owes
  3. Cash Flow position: tells you what’s actually available and what’s coming

You’ll build confidence understanding key reports, including Xero if you use it (and the principles still apply if you use other systems).

Confidence with these reports is what stops tax time feeling like a mystery.

The Hidden Cost of Tax Panic (It’s Not Just the Bill)

Tax panic doesn’t only cost you money. It costs you:

  • time (scrambling, chasing receipts, fixing mistakes)
  • stress (constant background anxiety)

  •  decision fatigue (avoiding choices because you don’t trust your numbers)

  • opportunity (hesitating to invest, hire, grow, or take time off)

     

When your numbers are clean and your system is simple:

  • you price more confidently
  • you choose better clients 
  • you stop discounting out of fear
  • you plan ahead instead of catching up 
  • you keep more of what you earn (because you stop leaking money through chaos)

Common “Tax Time Traps” (and how to avoid them)

Here are the patterns I see all the time:

Trap #1: “I’ll sort it out when it’s quieter”

If you’re a tradie or franchisee, it might never get quieter.
If you’re a coach/consultant, the quiet seasons are often when you’re building the next offer.

Solution: a weekly rhythm. It’s small enough to do even when busy.

Trap #2: “My accountant will handle it”

Your accountant is essential, but they shouldn’t be your emergency clean-up crew.

Solution: you handle the foundation; they handle the strategy and compliance.

Trap #3: “I’m scared to look”

Avoidance creates bigger problems.

Solution: start with one number, one routine, one week at a time.

Trap #4: “I don’t use Xero so I can’t get organised”

Tools help, but tools aren’t the solution.

Solution: the system works regardless of platform. (Xero is just a tool; your habits are the strategy.

What “Tax Calm” Looks Like in Real Life

When you’ve built foundations, tax time becomes:

  • “Yep, that’s due – money’s already set aside.”
  • “My reports make sense.”
  • “My accountant has what they need.”
  • “I’m not guessing.”
  • “I’m not panicking.” 

And here’s the best part: When tax becomes calm, you stop running your business from stress. You start running it from strategy.

 

When tax becomes calm, you stop running your business from stress. You start running it from strategy.

How The Edge Bootcamp Supports This (and why it’s perfect before EOFY planning)

The Edge Bootcamp is designed for business owners who want more profit, better systems, cleaner numbers, and less overwhelm.

You’ll walk away with:

  • a simple money system
  • clearer separation between business and personal finances
  • confidence understanding Xero and key reports
  • and a clear 90-day implementation plan so you know what to do first, next, and next

Tickets include:

  • the 2-day live bootcamp
  • digital resources
  • templates
  • 90-day action plan tools

And yes, recordings are provided after the event for ticket holders.

If you’re thinking, “I’m behind and embarrassed,” this is a practical and judgement-free event – designed to help you build confidence step-by-step.

You can attend:

So whether you’re based in Perth, Fremantle, East Fremantle, regional WA, interstate, or juggling a packed schedule, you can still get the foundations in place.

Want Tax Time to Be Boring (In the Best Way)?

If you’re ready to stop the stress spiral and build a simple system that makes tax time calm, cash flow predictable, and owner pay consistent…

✅ Join The Edge Bootcamp (2-day live event)
✅ Attend in person at East Fremantle Yacht Club or live online
✅ Get templates + digital resources + your 90-day action plan tools included
✅ Receive recordings after the event so you can rewatch while you implement

CTA: Book your spot for The Edge Bootcamp and walk away with the foundations to manage your business and finances with clarity, confidence, and a plan.

Note: This is general education only, not personalised financial, tax, accounting, legal, health, or investment advice. Please seek advice from qualified professionals for your specific circumstances.

Join The Membership at Financial Management 101
SAVE MY SEAT!

#HowToResetMyMoneyMindset #WhyDoIFeelOutOfControlWithMoney #HowToFeelInControlOfFinances #ResetMoneyMindset2025 #NewYearFinancialMindset #HowToStartFreshWithMoney  emergency fund australia, money management, family savings 

 

Mind Over Money: How to Rewrite Your Financial Story & Build a Breakthrough Mindset

Mind Over Money: How to Rewrite Your Financial Story & Build a Breakthrough Mindset

Sep 10, 2025 | Building Emotional Muscle, Building Financial Muscle, Credit Score, Debt Payment, Debt Repayment, Educational Series, Estate Planning, Financial Education, Financial Freedom, Financial Health, Financial Management 101, Home Loan, Mindset, Mortgage, Net Worth, Relationships

Let’s start with the truth:

You can have the perfect budget, a great-paying job, even a savings plan, and still feel stuck financially.

Why? Because if your mindset doesn’t change, your money won’t either.

In this blog, we’re going to unpack:

  • The power of mindset in creating real financial change
  • How money stories are formed (and how to rewrite them)
  • Common mindset blocks that keep people stuck
  • Simple tools to build a breakthrough mindset
  • How this fits into your journey toward financial freedom

Let’s dive in!

? What Is a Money Mindset (and Why Should You Care)?

Your money mindset is your core belief system around money. It shapes how you:

  • Spend
  • Save
  • Earn
  • Invest
  • React in financial stress

It’s the voice in your head that says:

  • “I’m just not good with money.”
  • “Money always slips through my fingers.”
  • “I have to work hard to survive.”

Or, on the flip side:

  • “I’m in control of my finances.”
  • “I know how to make money work for me.”
  • “Wealth is available to me.”

The difference? Mindset.

This isn’t wishful thinking, this is neuroscience and behavioural psychology. What you believe impacts how you behave. And how you behave impacts your bank account.

? Where Do These Beliefs Come From?

Most of our money beliefs are formed before age 7.

You may have grown up hearing:

  • “Money doesn’t grow on trees.”
  • “We can’t afford that.”
  • “Rich people are greedy.”

Without realising it, those phrases became part of your internal money script – even if they don’t serve you now.

Other money stories come from:

  • Your parents’ relationship with money
  • Cultural or community influences
  • Early financial trauma (like debt, bankruptcy, poverty)

Good news? You can rewrite the script.

? Common Money Mindset Blocks (And How They Show Up)

If you’ve ever thought:

  • “As soon as I get ahead, something always knocks me back.”
  • “I don’t deserve to be wealthy.”
  • “I feel anxious just opening my banking app,”

…you’re not alone.

Here are 5 of the most common mindset blocks we see:

1. Scarcity Thinking

The belief that there’s never enough (time, money, opportunities). This leads to fear-based decisions and self-sabotage.

2. Imposter Syndrome

Feeling like you’re not smart or “good enough” to manage money well. You might under-earn or avoid taking risks.

3. Fear of Success

It sounds weird, but many fear what will change if they actually become successful.

4. Guilt Around Wealth

Especially common if you grew up in struggle or were taught that money = greed.

5. Money Avoidance

This shows up as procrastination, not checking accounts, or avoiding financial conversations.

Getting Out of Debt Starts in Your Mind

✨ The Power of Rewriting Your Financial Story

Here’s the deal: your current money story isn’t your final chapter.

You can shift from:

  • “I’ll always be in debt” → “I’m learning how to manage and reduce my debt.”
  • “I’m terrible with money” → “I’m becoming more financially confident every day.”

Just like you wouldn’t expect physical results without working out, you can’t expect financial change without working on your mindset.

? Simple Tools to Strengthen Your Money Mindset

1. Awareness is Power

Start by journaling or reflecting on your early money memories. What did you hear, see, or feel growing up?

2. Affirmations That Stick

Affirmations are powerful when they’re practiced consistently. Try these:

  • “I am safe and in control of my finances.”
  • “Every dollar I spend and save has purpose.”
  • “I deserve financial abundance.”

3. Surround Yourself With Growth

Follow financial educators, podcasts, and communities that reinforce positive beliefs about money.

4. Set Micro-Goals

Progress builds confidence. Start with tiny, achievable wins – like tracking your expenses or saving $10/week.

5. Visualise the Outcome

Spend 2 minutes a day visualising what your financially free life looks like. Your brain responds powerfully to visualisation.

6. Join a Supportive Program

A structured environment with accountability and coaching helps speed up your mindset shift.

That’s exactly what we provide in the Financial Freedom Breakthrough Program, launching this September.

? The Role of Mindset in the Financial Freedom Diagram

Let’s circle back to the diagram from Financial Management 101.

If you’re stuck at the bottom (overwhelmed, struggling, surviving), it’s not just a numbers issue.

It’s a belief issue.

Mindset is the foundation that supports every other level:

  • Budgeting
  • Saving
  • Debt reduction
  • Credit health
  • Wealth building
  • Estate planning

With the right mindset, these tools feel doable. Without it, even the best strategy will collapse.

? Real Talk: You Are NOT Broken

Maybe you’ve made mistakes. Maybe you’ve felt stuck for years. Maybe you’re scared to even start.

That doesn’t make you broken – it makes you human.

Your past doesn’t define you. Your future is still yours to shape.

And the first step? Believing you can.

Working on your money mindset while paying off debt is so important.

? Ready to Rewrite Your Story?

Here’s how to begin:

  1. Download our Free Money Mindset Workbook (coming soon)
  2. Join the waitlist for the Financial Freedom Breakthrough Program
  3. Share this post with someone who needs to hear it today

    ? Final Thoughts

    Money mindset isn’t fluff, it’s the fuel behind every breakthrough.

    If you want a different result, you need a different belief.

    You’re not meant to just survive. You’re meant to thrive.

    Let’s start believing in that version of you, and take action to bring it to life.

    Your Financial Freedom Breakthrough™
    GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE PROGRAM
    EOFY is Over – Now What? How to Make the Most of Your Fresh Start

    EOFY is Over – Now What? How to Make the Most of Your Fresh Start

    Jul 9, 2025 | Building Financial Muscle, Financial Management 101

    The receipts are in, the spreadsheets are done, and you’ve (hopefully) high-fived your tax agent. The end of financial year (EOFY) is behind us – but what now?

    For many Australians, EOFY feels like the finish line. But what if I told you it’s actually the starting line for something bigger: your financial transformation?

    This fresh start isn’t just about filing taxes. It’s about taking back control, getting intentional, and building the kind of financial life that makes you feel calm, confident, and in charge.

    Here’s exactly how to use the post-EOFY energy to fuel your financial success in the new year.

    1. Reflect, Don’t Regret: Review Your Financial Year With Curiosity

    Before you launch into new goals, pause to reflect. What worked last year? What didn’t? Where did your money actually go?

    This isn’t about blame or shame. It’s about building awareness. If you don’t know your patterns, how can you shift them?

    Look at:

    • Income vs. spending: Were you living within your means?
    • Savings progress: Did you build or drain your emergency fund?
    • Debt: Did it grow, shrink, or stay the same?
    • Investments: Did you start, stop, or ignore them?

    Pro tip: Ask yourself: “What would I love to feel differently about my money this year?”

    2. Reset Your Financial Goals (Make Them Feel Exciting!)

    Generic goals like “save more money” or “spend less” don’t motivate anyone. Your goals should feel like a reward, not a punishment.

    Examples:

    • Old: Save $5,000
    • New: Save $5,000 to take the family on a Bali holiday

    Or:

    • Old: Pay off credit card
    • New: Clear my credit card so I can sleep better at night and finally stop stressing over bills

    The more emotionally connected you are to the why, the easier it is to stay focused.

    Try this:

    • Choose 1 short-term goal (within 6 months)
    • Choose 1 long-term goal (6+ months to 3 years)
    • Attach a reason and an emotion to each

    Reset Your Financial Goals

    3. Do a Budget Reset That Reflects the Life You Want

    Forget rigid old-school budgets. Let’s talk about a spending plan that reflects your values.
    Where do you want your money to go? Think beyond bills. Think joy, freedom, peace of mind. Start by:

    • Reviewing subscriptions: Are you using them all?
    • Updating your cost of living: Groceries, fuel, and utilities have changed – so should your plan
    • Adjusting categories: Maybe you’re spending more on wellness, less on takeaway

    Bonus idea: Create a “Fun Fund” for guilt-free spending on the things you love. Yes, really.

    4. Revisit (or Create) Your Emergency Fund

    This year has already shown us how unpredictable life can be. Having a financial buffer can be the difference between stress and peace of mind.

    Even $1,000 can give you breathing room. Ideally, aim for 3 months of expenses, but start small and build momentum.

    Hot tip: Keep your emergency fund in a high-interest savings account you don’t touch unless it’s a genuine emergency.

    5. Re-assess Your Super and Insurance

    Post-EOFY is the perfect time to check in on the financial foundations you often forget about.

    • Superannuation: Are your contributions on track? Is your fund performing? Are fees eating into your future?
    • Personal insurance: Are you covered for income protection, life, or trauma? Is it still aligned with your needs?

    Even a quick 20-minute review can help you spot easy wins or avoid future issues. Need help? A financial coach (like me) or adviser can guide you through these choices in plain English.

    Superannuation

    6. Start a New Habit (Small, Consistent Wins Add Up)

    Want to save more, spend better, or build wealth? It starts with habits. Pick one new habit that supports your bigger goal. For example:

    • Transfer $50 to savings every payday
    • Spend 5 minutes a week reviewing your money
    • Read or listen to one money podcast per month
    • Tiny habits build massive momentum.

    Try this: Schedule a 15-minute “money date” with yourself every week. Make it fun: coffee, music, candle, whatever makes it feel less like a chore.

    7. Get Support: Don’t go it alone!

    If the last financial year felt overwhelming, you don’t have to repeat that story.

    Whether it’s talking to a financial coach (yep, that’s me!), joining a money challenge, or signing up for a workshop, getting support can fast-track your progress and boost your confidence.

    You’re not behind. You’re not bad with money. You just haven’t had the right tools or team yet.

    EOFY is Done. Your Financial Comeback Starts Now.

    This new financial year is more than a date change, it’s an opportunity. You can choose to:

    • Set goals that actually excite you
    • Build a money plan that fits your real life
    • Create calm, clarity, and confidence in your finances

    Ready to stop winging it and start winning it? Book your free discovery session today and let’s create a plan you can stick to, without the stress.

    Your fresh start is waiting. Let’s make it count.

    You survived EOFY. Now let’s help your money thrive.

    Free Budgeting Spreadsheet
    GET MY FREE SPREADSHEET
    The Vault
    The 5 Biggest Money Mistakes Small Business Owners Make (And How to Fix Them Fast)

    The 5 Biggest Money Mistakes Small Business Owners Make (And How to Fix Them Fast)

    May 19, 2025 | Building Emotional Muscle, Building Financial Muscle, Credit Score, Debt Payment, Debt Repayment, Financial Education, Financial Freedom, Financial Management 101, Self Development

    Let’s face it – being a small business owner is no joke.

    You’re juggling clients, projects, quoting jobs, doing the work, chasing payments, paying staff or suppliers, and – somewhere in there – trying to make sure you actually get paid.

    But if it feels like you’re always hustling and still living week to week, chances are… your money systems are working against you, not for you.

    And here’s the thing: it’s not about how smart you are or how hard you work. Most business owners weren’t taught how to manage their money. You were probably just thrown into the deep end, figuring it out as you go.

    The good news? You can stop spinning your wheels, and it starts by avoiding the most common financial traps.

    In this blog, I’ll walk you through the 5 biggest money mistakes I see every week and more importantly, show you how to fix them fast so you can take back control and finally feel financially secure in your business.

    Mistake #1: Not Paying Yourself a Regular Wage

    Let’s talk about one of the most common (and painful) mistakes small business owners make: they don’t pay themselves consistently.

    You might be saying:

    “I take money out when I need it.”

    “There’s never enough to pay myself regularly.”

    “I’ll pay myself properly when things settle down.”

    Here’s the problem with that: you’re running your business like an ATM, not a real operation. And that mindset will keep you broke – even when you’re making good money.

    ? The Fix:

    Set up a dedicated Owner’s Pay account, and start paying yourself a consistent wage every week or fortnight. Even if it’s only $200 to start, build the habit. When you get paid from clients, transfer a fixed percentage into your Owner’s Pay account – just like you’d pay an employee.
    This does two things:

    • It forces you to treat your income seriously.
    • It allows you to plan and budget your personal life better.

    The Edge coaching program teaches you how to calculate your break-even wage and build a cash flow system that actually works for your business.

    Why Hard Work Alone Isn’t Paying Off

    Mistake #2: Mixing Personal and Business Finances

    It might seem harmless to buy a Bunnings tool on your personal card or pay the rego for the work ute from your grocery account – but over time, this creates a total mess.

    It’s impossible to track how your business is performing if everything is muddled together. You won’t know what you’re spending, earning, or saving – and when tax time rolls around, you’ll be in a world of pain.

    ? The Fix:

    Set up two separate bank accounts at the bare minimum:

    • One for business income and expenses
    • One for personal living

    Better yet, I recommend creating five simple business accounts:

    1. Income – all revenue lands here
    2. Owner’s Pay – your regular wage
    3. Expenses – for bills, tools, and running costs
    4. Tax & BAS – set aside 25 – 30% per payment
    5. Profit – for business growth or rainy days

    Once this is in place, your financial clarity skyrockets. You’ll know exactly where your money is going, and you’ll be less tempted to “accidentally” spend it.

    Mistake #3: Ignoring the Numbers

    This one’s a biggie, and I get it. Many small business owners avoid looking at their numbers because they’re overwhelmed, too busy, or just afraid of what they’ll find.
    But let’s be honest – if you don’t know your numbers, you don’t know your business.
    You can’t improve what you don’t measure.

    ? The Fix:

    Start by checking these numbers weekly:

    • Revenue: What came in?
    • Expenses: What went out?
    • Net Profit: What’s left over after expenses?
    • Break-even: How much do you need to earn to cover costs and pay yourself?

    Create a simple weekly “money date” even just 30 minutes every Friday, to review your finances, send invoices, follow up on payments, and track your progress.

    In The Edge, we give you simple templates to track this in under 10 minutes a week (no accountant brain required).

    Mistake #4: No System for Tax and BAS

    You know the drill: things are going well… until BAS time hits. Suddenly the ATO wants thousands you didn’t put aside, and you’re scrambling to pay.

    Sound familiar?

    Many small biz owners treat BAS like a nasty surprise – but it’s completely avoidable if you plan for it. Any case remember it’s not your money in the first place.

    ? The Fix:

    Every time you get paid, immediately transfer 25 – 30% into your Tax Account for taxes and BAS. Pretend it’s not yours. Because technically – it’s not. That’s the ATO’s cut.

    If you’re registered for GST, track your income and expenses monthly and lodge on time. Using software like Xero, QuickBooks, or even a simple spreadsheet will make this 10x easier.

    Imagine having a tax bill and already having the money sitting there ready. That’s the kind of peace The Edge helps you create.

    Mistake #5: Undercharging for Your Work

    This one hurts because you’re working hard, showing up, and doing great work… but the money just isn’t adding up.

    Often, it’s because you’re undercharging. Maybe you’re pricing based on what others charge, or you’re too scared to raise your rates in case you lose clients.

    But here’s the thing: if your pricing doesn’t cover your expenses, time off tools, admin time, and leave a profit – you’re not running a business. You’re running a charity.

    ? The Fix:

    • Add up everything it costs to run your business monthly (including paying yourself)
    • Work out how many hours you realistically work and how many jobs you can do
    • Divide your monthly costs by the number of billable hours or jobs – that’s your true minimum rate
    • Add a profit margin

    Also, factor in time spent quoting, driving, admin, and materials. You’re not just being paid for the hour on site, you’re being paid for all the time and expertise it takes to do the job well.

    In The Edge, we give you a simple pricing tool to calculate your true rate with confidence – so you never wonder, “Am I charging enough?” again.

    Bonus Tip: You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone

    Here’s the thing most people won’t tell you: money stress isn’t about how much you make. It’s about how you manage what you’ve got.

    And most small business owners were never taught how to do this. You’ve just been doing the best you can with what you know.

    But what if there was a better way?

    What if, in just 6 weeks, you could:

    ✅ Pay yourself regularly
    ✅ Get your tax sorted and stop panicking at BAS time
    ✅ Know your numbers and feel in control
    ✅ Charge with confidence
    ✅ Build a buffer so you’re never caught off guard
    ✅ Actually enjoy running your business again?

    Introducing: The Edge – Your 6-Week Business Financial Reset

    The Edge is a coaching program for tradies, franchisees and small business owners who are sick of just “getting by” and ready to build a business that actually pays them.

    Inside The Edge, you’ll get:

    ? Weekly coaching calls
    ? Easy-to-use templates and systems
    ? Real-life strategies that work for time-poor business owners
    ? Support and accountability from someone who gets it
    ? A full money makeover – without the financial jargon

    It’s not about being perfect – it’s about taking action, building structure, and finally feeling confident with your money.

    BOOK A FREE "THE EDGE" SUCCESS CALL

    Final Thoughts: You Can Fix This. Fast.

    The biggest money mistakes small business owners make aren’t about numbers, they’re about habits.
    If you’re not paying yourself, mixing finances, ignoring your numbers, or winging it at tax time… it’s costing you more than you know. Not just money, but peace of mind, time with your family, and the freedom you started your business for.

    You don’t have to keep doing it the hard way.

    Let’s fix it – fast, together, and for good.

    ? Ready to stop surviving and start thriving?

    Join The Edge 6-Week Coaching Program Now and get the tools, systems, and support you need to take control of your business money – once and for all.

    THE EDGE - 6-WEEK PROGRAM
    BOOK A FREE "THE EDGE" SUCCESS CALL