Money First CEO

In this episode of Money First, CEO, I dive into one of the most powerful and often overlooked forces behind your business success - your money mindset. It’s not about spreadsheets or budgets - it’s about the deep-seated beliefs you hold around money, shaped by your upbringing, culture, and past experiences.

If you’ve ever felt stuck financially despite working hard and bringing in consistent revenue, it may not be your numbers - it could be your mindset.

We’ll unpack the most common limiting money beliefs business owners carry, where they come from, and how they show up in everyday decisions. I also walk you through real examples from clients (and myself) and share simple mindset shifts that lead to more control, confidence and consistent cash flow.

Key Topics Covered:

• Common childhood beliefs that shape your money mindset
• The difference between scarcity and abundance thinking
• How mindset shows up in hiring, investing, pricing, and profit
• Actionable steps to shift limiting money beliefs
• Why affirmations only work when paired with behaviour
• The CEO money audit: how to rewire your thinking with intention

This episode is for you if:

• You feel guilty about raising your prices or paying yourself
• You’re working hard but not seeing financial growth
• You want to feel confident and in control with money
• You’re ready to shift from fear to abundance in your business

Your Weekly CEO Takeaway:
Spend 30 minutes doing a mindset audit. Identify one limiting belief - and take one small action to challenge it.

🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!
If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Link to expense review

🔗 Where to Find Harman:
Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.au
Instagram: @blubookkeepers    

Facebook: @blubookkeepersau
TikTok: @profitwithharman
LinkedIn: Harman Johnston

📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?
Book a Free Discovery Call here

📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?
Email me directly at: [email protected]

What if you had a financial buffer that gave you the confidence to say no to the wrong clients, take a break when you need it, or invest in your next bold move - without stress? That’s the power of a Freedom Fund, and it’s not just for “one day.”

In this episode of Money First, CEO, I’m breaking down what a Freedom Fund actually is, why it’s more than just an emergency stash, and how to start building yours - even if it’s only $50 to begin with.

Whether you’re aiming for more peace of mind or the confidence to scale, this episode will help you create financial breathing space so your business can grow from intention, not desperation.

Key Topics Covered:

• What a Freedom Fund is (and how it’s different to savings)
• Why buffers are essential for calm, confident decision-making
• Real scenarios where a Freedom Fund gives you power and choice
• How much to save - realistic benchmarks to aim for
• Where to keep it and how to automate contributions
• How this buffer reduces stress and increases opportunity

One Actionable Takeaway:
Open a separate bank account and start building your Freedom Fund today — even if it’s just $50. Consistency creates confidence, and this is how you take back control of your business decisions.

🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!
If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Link to expense review

🔗 Where to Find Harman:
Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.au
Instagram: @blubookkeepers    

Facebook: @blubookkeepersau
TikTok: @profitwithharman
LinkedIn: Harman Johnston

📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?
Book a Free Discovery Call here

📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?
Email me directly at: [email protected]

If reviewing your finances feels reactive and overwhelming, it’s time to take a step into CEO mode with a simple but powerful habit: financial forecasting.

In this episode of Money First, CEO, I’m walking you through what forecasting really is (in plain English), why it’s different to simply looking at your profit and loss report, and how to map out the next 90 days in your business - so you’re leading with clarity instead of scrambling under pressure.

Whether you’re planning a big launch, navigating a seasonal dip, or looking to scale your team, this episode will show you how to make confident, strategic decisions before the crunch hits.

Key Topics Covered:

• What financial forecasting actually is (and isn’t)
• Why looking back at your P&L isn’t enough
• How to build a simple 90-day forecast using income, expenses, and key dates
• How to plan proactively for slow months, launches, or hiring
• Tools you can use (even a whiteboard counts)
• Turning forecasting into smarter CEO-level decisions
• One easy step to start forecasting this week

One Actionable Takeaway:
Set aside 30 minutes this week to map out your next 90-day financial forecast - income, expenses, and key CEO decisions. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be forward-focused.

🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!
If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Link to expense review

🔗 Where to Find Harman:
Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.au
Instagram: @blubookkeepers    

Facebook: @blubookkeepersau
TikTok: @profitwithharman
LinkedIn: Harman Johnston

📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?
Book a Free Discovery Call here

📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?
Email me directly at: [email protected]

In this episode, I get real about the juggle every business-owning parent knows all too well - school holidays. Whether you’re struggling with guilt about missing family time or feeling anxious about what’s not getting done in your business, I share how to plan proactively and take back control. I walk you through the exact systems, habits, and mindset shifts I use to create freedom and keep my business humming, even while making memories with my kids.

Because your business should support your life, not consume it.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why school holidays don’t need to derail your business
• How to let go of guilt and reframe your mindset around “balance”
• Practical steps to design your calendar and cash flow around holidays
• How to communicate effectively with your team (and clients)
• Tips for batching, automating, and delegating ahead of time
• Real-life examples from my own business and family life
• One simple action to take this week to prep for the next school holidays

One Actionable Takeaway:
Open your calendar and block out your next school holidays. Choose your work days and your fun days - then build your business around that.

🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!
If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Link to expense review

🔗 Where to Find Harman:
Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.au
Instagram: @blubookkeepers    

Facebook: @blubookkeepersau
TikTok: @profitwithharman
LinkedIn: Harman Johnston

📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?
Book a Free Discovery Call here

📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?
Email me directly at: [email protected]

In this empowering episode of Money First, CEO, I tackle one of the biggest growth blockers for business owners: trying to manage your finances completely on your own. From reconciling accounts and navigating tax season to wondering if you’re even profitable - it’s exhausting. And you don’t have to keep doing it alone.

I’m breaking down exactly why smart CEOs hire financial support, what kind of financial roles exist (bookkeeper, accountant, advisor, and Profit First professional), and how to tell when it’s time to bring in help. Plus, I’ll share how the right support team can change not just your business, but your peace of mind.

Key Topics Covered:

• The myth of the “DIY business owner” and why it holds you back
• The difference between a bookkeeper, accountant, financial advisor, and Profit First strategist
• Red flags it’s time to stop going it alone
• Emotional and strategic relief of financial support
• What a great financial partner actually does beyond tax returns
• How to choose the right financial partner (not just the cheapest)
• Why your financial team needs to grow with your business
• Weekly takeaway: You don’t have to do it all alone - here’s your next step

Takeaway This Week:
You don’t have to wear all the hats. Investing in financial support - even part-time - will unlock clarity, control, and long-term growth. Let go of the DIY mindset and give yourself the support your business truly deserves.

🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!
If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Link to expense review

🔗 Where to Find Harman:
Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.au
Instagram: @blubookkeepers    

Facebook: @blubookkeepersau
TikTok: @profitwithharman
LinkedIn: Harman Johnston

📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?
Book a Free Discovery Call here

📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?
Email me directly at: [email protected]

In this episode of Money First, CEO, I dive into one of the most powerful habits any business owner can create – the weekly money date. It's not about spreadsheets or perfection; it’s about consistency and clarity. I’ll guide you through how to set up your 30-minute ritual, what to include in it, and how it can transform your decision-making, reduce money stress, and help you build real financial confidence.

Key Takeaways:

• Why ignoring your numbers until it’s urgent is sabotaging your success.
• How consistency beats perfection in your financial routine.
• A step-by-step guide to setting up a money date that works for your schedule and mindset.
• What to review each week: cash flow, bills, invoices, trends, and simple tweaks that create momentum.
• Tools to support your ritual including accounting software, Profit First accounts, and money journals.
• The compounding effect of weekly money habits that lead to long-term financial clarity.

Mentioned Tools & Resources:

• Xero Accounting Software
• Profit First system
• Google Sheets Dashboards
• Money Journal (simple notebook or digital doc)

Your CEO Challenge:
Book your 30-minute weekly money date. Review your income and expenses, check your P&L, take one small action. Repeat weekly.

Don’t Forget:
If this episode helped you take back control of your finances, subscribe, leave a review, and share with another business owner. More tools and resources await you on my socials.

🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!
If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Link to expense review

🔗 Where to Find Harman:
Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.au
Instagram: @blubookkeepers    

Facebook: @blubookkeepersau
TikTok: @profitwithharman
LinkedIn: Harman Johnston

📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?
Book a Free Discovery Call here

📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?
Email me directly at: [email protected]

In this episode of Money First, CEO, I walk you through a simple yet powerful end-of-financial-year strategy: booking a 30-minute call with your accountant. Whether your EOFY is 30 June, 31 December, or any other date, this episode helps you finish strong, avoid common pitfalls, and set your business up for a more profitable and stress-free new financial year.

I also share my personal checklist for EOFY prep, the most common mistakes I see small business owners make, and the questions you should be asking your accountant before 30 June. Don’t wait until July when it’s too late to take action - EOFY prep isn’t just about taxes, it’s about strategy.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why EOFY prep is more than just paperwork
• My pre-EOFY checklist (and what most people forget)
• Questions to ask your accountant that can save you thousands
• Mistakes that cost business owners money every year
• Why your accountant can’t help you properly without your input
• The mindset shift from “doing the books” to leading like a CEO

Your Action Step This Week:
Book a 30-minute call with your accountant. Use this time to review deductions, structure, super contributions, and plan for the new year—like a true money-first CEO.

🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!
If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Link to expense review

🔗 Where to Find Harman:
Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.au
Instagram: @blubookkeepers    

Facebook: @blubookkeepersau
TikTok: @profitwithharman
LinkedIn: Harman Johnston

📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?
Book a Free Discovery Call here

📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?
Email me directly at: [email protected]

In this episode of Money First, CEO, I’m taking a step back to reintroduce myself and give you the real story behind how I got here—from multi-seven-figure retail operations to startups and bookkeeping for small business owners. I share the biggest mindset and money shifts that helped me go from stressed and overspending to strategic and intentional.

But more importantly, I give you one simple, powerful move to make this week that could change everything: separate your personal and business finances.

Whether you’re earning $500 or $50,000 a month, this episode will help you understand:

• Why mixing your accounts is costing you more than you think
• How this one change sets the foundation for Profit First
• The tax, emotional, and strategic consequences of messy finances
• A practical, low-effort step you can take today to start thinking like a CEO

Key Topics Covered:

• Why I started this podcast and what’s changing
• My personal money journey (from spender to intentional CFO)
• What makes real financial clarity possible in business
• The dangers of mingled finances
• A step-by-step starting point for separating business money
• Why Profit First won’t work without this foundation

Action Step This Week:
Open a separate business bank account today. Start with one. This is the first move toward building a sustainable, stress-free money system.

Quote to Remember:
“Profit isn’t a goal—it’s a habit. And it starts with one account.”

🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!
If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Link to expense review

🔗 Where to Find Harman:
Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.au
Instagram: @blubookkeepers    

Facebook: @blubookkeepersau
TikTok: @profitwithharman
LinkedIn: Harman Johnston

📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?
Book a Free Discovery Call here

📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?
Email me directly at: [email protected]

In this episode of Money First, CEO, I dive deep into a topic that too many business owners avoid—your numbers. Ignoring your financial data isn't just a money problem—it's a mindset issue that leaks into every decision you make, from hiring to pricing to chasing shiny new solutions. I share real-world stories of clients who turned chaos into clarity, the hidden mental load of not knowing your figures, and a practical action step to take control. If you’ve ever found yourself avoiding your finances or making gut decisions instead of informed ones, this episode is your wake-up call.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why avoiding your numbers drains mental energy and confidence
• How financial avoidance leads to poor decision-making
• The cost of panic-hiring and undercharging
• The power of financial clarity and how it builds CEO confidence
• A simple weekly practice to build data confidence and track progress
• Client stories that prove clarity leads to more profit—not more hustle
• How to conduct a 30-minute mini-audit to start leading with numbers

Take Action:
Block 30 minutes this week to look at your money—review your P&L, compare last month to this month, and reflect: is profit going up, down, or flat? And why?

Subscribe & Review:
If this episode resonated, please hit subscribe and leave a 5-star review—it helps more business owners step into financial leadership.

🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!
If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Link to expense review

🔗 Where to Find Harman:
Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.au
Instagram: @blubookkeepers    

Facebook: @blubookkeepersau
TikTok: @profitwithharman
LinkedIn: Harman Johnston

📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?
Book a Free Discovery Call here

📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?
Email me directly at: [email protected]

In this solo episode, I finally break down the Profit First system—a concept I mention often but haven’t fully unpacked until now. Whether you’re brand new to Profit First or you’ve tried implementing it in your business, I walk you through exactly what it is, how it works, and why it’s been a game changer for me and so many of my clients.

I share the psychology behind the system, the key accounts to set up, tips for applying it in an Australian context (including GST and super), and how to get started even if things feel tight right now.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• What Profit First is and where it came from
• How to set up your business with Profit First bank accounts
• Why understanding your financials is crucial—even if numbers scare you
• How to create sustainable rhythms with your money
• How the system adapts to your lifestyle and industry
• Real examples from my clients and my own business

🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!
If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Link to expense review

🔗 Where to Find Harman:
Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.au
Instagram: @blubookkeepers    

Facebook: @blubookkeepersau
TikTok: @profitwithharman
LinkedIn: Harman Johnston

📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?
Book a Free Discovery Call here

📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?
Email me directly at: [email protected]