Author: Bizink

When was the last time you felt that you had a week’s worth of energy to pour into just four days of work? As COVID-19 has reshaped our work-life balance and continues to redefine what is essential in our professional world, the concept of a shorter workweek is gaining traction. With proposed legislation in various states and countries, and the ongoing conversation among professionals, it’s evident that the discussion around…  Read more

Stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Australian house prices smash records, fully reversing 2022 lows Home buyers and sellers have expressed confidence in Australia’s housing market, leading to the full reversal of the most rapid decline in house prices in recent history. Five key changes to welfare and work rules in Labor’s employment white paper Treasurer Jim Chalmers handed down the…  Read more

In the business world, cash flow remains the lifeblood that keeps your operations running smoothly. Whether you’re a start-up finding your feet or a seasoned business, maintaining a steady cash flow can be quite a challenge. But a few small changes can make a world of difference to your cash flow and overall revenue. So, let’s dive into some practical strategies you can implement to boost your cash flow. Get…  Read more

You run a great business. You know your product/service but do you know enough about your finances? Even if you have outsourced your financial functions, as a small business owner, it is crucial to have a solid understanding of key financial concepts to work with your advisor and ‘speak their language”. This article outlines several important concepts that every small business owner should be familiar with. Basics of income and…  Read more

Retirement is a significant milestone that brings with it the need for careful planning and financial security. A well-planned retirement ensures that you can maintain your desired lifestyle without worrying about running out of money. One of the key components of successful retirement planning is seeking good financial advice. Obtaining professional financial guidance can contribute to a secure and comfortable retirement. The Benefits of Good Financial Advice Tailored Retirement Planning…  Read more

Cybersecurity Best Practices for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses In our digital age, cybersecurity is a crucial aspect of running any business. Cybersecurity breaches could lead to not only data theft but also reputational and financial loss. Hence, it’s imperative to establish robust cybersecurity measures to protect your business and customers’ sensitive information. Here are some cybersecurity practices that could help safeguard your online presence. 1. Invest in Security Software: One…  Read more

The Federal Government unveiled its annual budget on 9 May. The images of tradies in hi-vis were replaced by images of health workers, carers and the aged as the budget focus turned to helping with the cost of living, with support for low-income earners while also allocating funding to health and education with the support for small businesses more about headlines than substance. Small Business Support The accelerated depreciation provisions…  Read more

Debt can be a significant burden on one’s financial life. It can cause stress, anxiety, and make it difficult to achieve financial goals. However, with a little planning and dedication, anyone can create a debt repayment system and get on the path to financial freedom. Here are some tips for managing debt and creating a debt repayment system: Take Stock of Your Debt The first step in managing debt is…  Read more

As a small business owner, you’re likely already aware of the importance of keeping your finances in order. Financial management goes deeper than paying your bills on time and collecting on invoices (although those are also important). It involves regularly checking up on your financial situation to make sure your accounts are in order, your records are up-to-date, and you’re spending within your budget. Among those activities, financial reconciliation plays…  Read more

The end of the year tends to be a bit chaotic for business owners, but it’s actually a good time to get some extra housekeeping done for your business. Read on for some tips to help you finish the year neatly and feel prepared to face the new year. Review your goals and KPIs A lot has likely happened for your business over the course of the previous 12 months.…  Read more

The deadline for setting up a director ID by 30th November has passed. The ATO is urging those who haven’t yet applied for their director identification number (Director ID) to do so now. ASIC is responsible for enforcing director ID offences set out in the Corporations Act 2001. It is a criminal offence if directors do not apply on time and penalties may apply. What is a director ID? The…  Read more

Solid cash flow management is vital to ensuring your business survives and thrives but not everyone understands what cash flow is or how to manage it. That’s likely what makes it a leading cause of stress for small business owners. Cash flow refers to the movement of money into and out of your business. It is based on the amount of money you bring in minus the amount you spend.…  Read more

We’ve heard this before: the COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented global health and financial crisis that has caught many off guard. While the threats to human life are very real, the damage to the health of businesses is really just starting to show. The seriousness of the disease and the lack of a vaccine (at the time of writing this) have prompted governments around the world to impose strict measures…  Read more

The Jobkeeper scheme has been extended but wage subsidies have been cut and eligibility has been tightened. A second phase of the JobKeeper program will run to March 28, 2021 Two tiers of JobKeeper will be introduced, based on hours employees worked in February 2020. The higher tier payment for those who worked 20 hours or more each week in February will be eligible for the $1,200 a fortnight payment…  Read more

The government has announced changes to the JobKeeper scheme. The Treasury’s review found that the subsidy was still “needed” but required a “test to ensure that JobKeeper is well targeted”. Where a business has qualified and is receiving JobKeeper, then payments for eligible employees will continue until 27 September with no changes regardless of turnover improvements. Who will qualify past 27 September? We expect very few WA businesses will qualify.…  Read more

We’ve teamed up with our Website provider Bizink to bring you a free webinar on how to market and sell remotely. They’ve been 100% remote for seven years but have built a global business and they want to share how they did it with you. I’ve attended webinars from them in the past and they are always practical and useful. They are going to cover everything from slide decks, proposals…  Read more

The ATO has just released Alternative Tests for the JobKeeper payment which expands eligibility from the initial basic test. This is good news for many businesses, particularly startups, those affected by last year’s droughts and those with variable revenues. Basic Test If you satisfy the eligibility requirements for the basic test, you can ignore the alternative tests below. The basic test is satisfied where your projected GST turnover for the…  Read more

As we try to catch a breath from all the chaos going on with Coronavirus, we just got word of the Australian Government’s latest stimulus package. This package focuses on the ‘job keeper’ payment, aimed at helping businesses keep their staff, which will be a lifeline for many people over the coming months. Here a quick overview of what it means: Employers and sole traders will be able to apply…  Read more

It’s hard to escape the news of the Coronavirus as it continues to have a huge impact on people across the world. Closer to home, the Morrison Government has announced a stimulus package in response to the anticipated economic downturn. This package includes a number of economic stimulus measures for the 2019/20 and 2020/21 income years, with most of targeted at helping small to medium-sized businesses. Here to help But…  Read more

Join the small business train. You’re working all hours, making sales, invoicing clients but it seems that all of us ask the same question, “Where does all the money go?” When you own a small business, it’s vital you understand how money flows into and out. At a basic level, you need to know where your income comes from and what your expenses are. At a deeper level, knowing how…  Read more