Tag: Cashflow
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Understanding Break-Even, Burn Rate & Runway
In the early stages of a business, whether you’re a startup founder or a small business owner, three numbers quietly decide your fate: break-even point, burn rate, and runway. They aren’t just metrics for the finance team. They are survival tools. And when understood properly, they become the difference between strategic growth and slow decline.…
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Understanding Cash Flow: The Lifeblood of Every Business
In business, profit gets the spotlight, but cash flow keeps the doors open. You can be wildly profitable on paper and still spiral into crisis if the money doesn’t land in your account when you need it. That’s one of the most common causes of business failure. Cash flow is about movement, timing, and control.…
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Are You Paying for Your Own Money? The Truth About NZ Overdraft Fees
Overdraft fees can be a silent cost that chips away at your finances if you’re not careful. However, with a clear understanding of how they work and the right preventative measures, they can often be avoided entirely. This guide outlines how overdraft fees function in New Zealand, what they typically cost, and the practical steps…
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The True Cost of Subscription Services: Are They Wasting Your Money?
Subscription services have become a significant part of modern life, offering convenience and access to everything from entertainment and fitness to software and meal deliveries. However, while they promise value and flexibility, they can also become financial burdens if not managed effectively. The key question is: Are your subscriptions enhancing your life, or are they…
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Understanding Fixed and Variable Costs: A Key to Better Financial Management
For any business, managing expenses effectively is essential to maintaining profitability and ensuring long-term sustainability. However, not all costs behave in the same way. Business owners must understand the difference between fixed costs and variable costs to make informed financial decisions, set competitive pricing, and control spending efficiently. What Are Fixed Costs? Fixed costs are…
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Profit vs. Cash Flow: Why They Are NOT the Same
Understanding the difference between profit and cash flow is crucial for business owners and individuals managing their finances. Many assume that if their business is profitable, they will always have money in the bank, but that’s not necessarily the case. A business can be profitable but still struggle with cash shortages, leading to financial instability.…
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Avoid These Accounting Red Flags: Protect Your Business from Costly Mistakes
Every business owner aims for financial stability, but accounting red flags can signal hidden issues that threaten profitability and compliance. Poor financial management can lead to cash flow struggles, tax penalties, and even legal risks. Recognising these warning signs early can help protect your business from costly mistakes. Below are key accounting red flags to…
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10 Common GST Claim Mistakes Businesses Make in New Zealand
Claiming GST on business expenses can help reduce costs, but it’s important to know what you can and can’t claim. Many businesses unknowingly claim GST on ineligible expenses, which can lead to costly mistakes. Here are some common errors to avoid when filing your GST returns. 1. Purchases from Non-GST-Registered Suppliers If you buy goods…
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Year-End Accounting: 3 Challenges Business Owners Face & How to Solve Them
As the financial year draws to a close, many business owners find themselves in a rush to organise their finances, prepare reports, and ensure everything is in order for tax season. While some might attempt to handle these tasks alone, year-end financial reporting is far more complex than simply checking the books. From compiling profit…
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Maximising Your Home Office Deductions: A Guide for Business Owners and Remote Workers
Working from home offers flexibility and convenience, but it also comes with financial benefits in the form of tax deductions. If you use a portion of your home exclusively for business purposes, you may be able to claim home office expenses, reducing your taxable income and improving your cash flow. This guide outlines the key…