money

Where Has the Money Gone?

Understanding Why Your Business Might Feel Broke Even When It Looks Busy It’s one of the most common questions business owners ask themselves: “If I’m working so hard, why isn’t there more money in the bank?” You’ve got work coming in, your team’s working full tilt, revenue looks okay – but cash is tight, profitability […]

When $370K Goes Missing: A Real-World Lesson in the Cost of Bad Bookkeeping

Recently, we onboarded a hospitality client who was experiencing ongoing cash flow stress. Their books were messy, and their Balance Sheet simply didn’t make sense. So we did what we do best – dug deep. What we found was startling: a $370,000 cash shortfall. This was money that should have been received between February and […]

Stop the Leak: How Small Financial Inefficiencies Are Costing You Big

Imagine this. You’ve got a bucket under a tap, filling steadily. You’re not worried – water’s flowing in, the bucket seems fine. But what you don’t realise is that there’s a tiny crack in the base. Not enough to notice at first. Just a slow drip. One drop here, another there. You don’t panic. The […]

Set the Pace: Cash Flow Planning for a Strong Start to the Financial Year

As we’re about to turn the page on another financial year, many business owners are breathing a sigh of relief. The deadlines have been met, the reports submitted, and the shoebox of receipts (hopefully) emptied. But before you shift focus to the next big thing in your business, there’s a golden window of opportunity that’s […]

Superannuation Payments: Cut-Off Planning for EOFY 2025

As the end of the financial year approaches, it’s important to start thinking about your superannuation obligations – especially if you’re hoping to claim a tax deduction for those contributions this year. Timing Matters for Super Payments To ensure your Super Guarantee (SG) contributions are deductible for the 2024–25 financial year, they need to be […]

Minimum Wages Set to Rise: What Business Owners Need to Know

Minimum wages are set to rise with the Fair Work Commission handing down its Annual Wage Review decision for 2024–2025 – announcing a 3.5% increase to the National Minimum Wage and minimum award wages. This change will come into effect from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2025. If you’re a […]

Say Goodbye to Tax Deductions for ATO Interest Charges

From 1 July 2025, the rules around ATO interest charges are changing – and not in a way that benefits your tax return. If you’ve ever relied on claiming the General Interest Charge (GIC) or Shortfall Interest Charge (SIC) as a tax deduction, that strategy is about to be scrapped. As of the new financial […]

Avoid a Cash Flow Crisis with These Simple Tips

Let’s talk cash flow – the lifeblood of your business. Even if you’re turning a profit on paper, running out of cash can stop your business in its tracks. It’s one of the most common issues we see with small business clients, and the good news is: it’s usually avoidable with a few simple habits […]

How to Protect Your Business Against AI-powered Scams

At Blackwood Bookkeeping, we work closely with business owners every day and one thing that’s becoming increasingly clear is this: AI-powered scams are getting smarter. Thanks to AI (artificial intelligence), fraudsters now have some seriously powerful tools at their fingertips. And that means small businesses, like yours, need to be more vigilant than ever. We […]

New ATO Rules: Monthly Activity Statements for Non-Compliant Businesses

The ATO is getting serious about compliance – and small businesses who regularly lodge or pay their BAS late could soon feel the heat. From July 2025, the ATO will begin mandating monthly Activity Statement lodgements for businesses with a poor compliance history. If your business has a track record of late lodgements or overdue […]

What Small Business Employers Need to Know About Pay Day Super – And How to Prepare Now

If you’re a small business owner and employing staff, there’s a big change coming your way – and it’s called Pay Day Super. While it’s not scheduled to be mandatory until 1 July 2026, forward-thinking businesses (like our clients) are already preparing – and in some cases, already using it. So, what is Pay Day […]

Tired of chasing payments? Handy tips for Managing Receivables

Running a small business is a constant juggle, and one of the more frustrating tasks is managing receivables. How often have you found yourself waiting on overdue invoices, wondering if you’ll have enough cash flow to cover next month’s or even next week’s expenses? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many small business owners […]

Setting and tracking financial goals for small business success

Setting financial goals for your business may be one of your most important responsibilities as a leader and business owner. Your financial goals serve as far more than wishful projections, they form the backbone of your road map for success, internal and external. Financial goals are something that every single business should possess regardless of […]

Cyclone Alfred: Preparing Your Business

With Cyclone Alfred tracking towards Brisbane this week, business owners need to be prepared for potential disruptions. While the full impact remains uncertain, forecasts suggest significant weather events on Wednesday and Thursday. Taking proactive steps now can help safeguard your business, employees, and financial operations. Here’s what you can do to prepare. 1. Ensure Business […]

Wage Theft: What Australian Businesses Need to Know and How to Stay Compliant

Wage theft is now a criminal offence in Australia, marking a pivotal shift for businesses of all sizes. At Blackwood Bookkeeping, we understand that navigating these changes can feel overwhelming, but ensuring compliance is essential – not just to avoid penalties, but to build trust and maintain integrity. As your trusted financial partner, we’re here […]

Preparing for Christmas Cash Flow Challenges

With Christmas just around the corner, many business owners are already grappling with Christmas cash flow challenges. As the festive season approaches, managing cash flow becomes increasingly pressing. A Christmas shutdown can strain cash reserves, as income slows or stops altogether while expenses like rent, wages, and loan repayments continue. For small and medium-sized businesses, […]

How Santa Manages His Cash Flow: Lessons for Your Business

Christmas is a magical time, and no one knows how to manage the season better than Santa Claus himself. With a global operation, a team of elves, and a tight deadline, Santa runs one of the most complex “businesses” in the world. But how does he keep it all together – especially financially? This year, […]

Reduce Financial Stress Over the Holidays with People and Tech

The holiday season is a joyful time for many, but for business owners, it can also be a source of significant financial stress. Balancing reduced income with ongoing expenses like wages, rent, and supplier payments can be challenging, especially during a Christmas shutdown. However, with the right blend of technology and teamwork, you can minimise […]