"GST confuses me and what the hell is BAS? The only thing it’s good for is setting a man back...”
These lyrics from McAlister Kemp’s Blue Collar Night hit home for many rural business owners—and lately, we’ve been hearing it a lot: “I’m just so sick of paying tax.”

In this episode of The Rural Bookkeeping Podcast, we unpack where that frustration is really coming from, what you can do about it, and how strategic cash management through Profit First can ease the stress.

We’ll cover:
✅ What GST and BAS actually are (no jargon!)
✅ Why it feels like you’re always paying huge amounts
✅ How Profit First can help you get ahead of tax stress
✅ The cost of falling behind on your lodgements
✅ Why timely, regular BAS lodgement is good for cash flow - and your sanity

If you’ve ever groaned at your ATO statement or felt overwhelmed by tax bills, this episode is for you.

Are you the only one in your business or family who cares about keeping the paperwork up to date, paying the bills on time, reconciling the books, and keeping the business finances organised?

You’re not alone - and you’re not imagining it.

In this episode of The Rural Bookkeeping Podcast, we’re speaking directly to the rural women who are holding everything together. You manage the farm office, raise the kids, feed the workers, and still somehow remember the BAS deadline - and you do it without much recognition or help.

We’ll explore:
✅ Why this mental load exists (and how it affects you)
✅ What to do when no one else is stepping up
✅ How to set boundaries and ask for support
✅ Practical ways to lighten the load and feel less alone

This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever said: “If I don’t do it, it won’t get done.” 💛

EOFY is fast approaching, and if you're unsure what you can claim as a deduction, you're not alone. This episode of The Rural Bookkeeping Podcast breaks down the essential deductions small and rural businesses can consider before 30 June - and how to do it right.

We’ll walk through:
✅ Common and often-missed deductions you might be eligible for
✅ Prepaying expenses and how it works
✅ What to do before you make EOFY purchases
✅ How to claim business use of personal assets
✅ Why your records matter more than ever

Whether you're in the paddock or the office, this episode will help you make smart, strategic decisions before the financial year wraps up.

EOFY can be a stressful time - but it doesn’t have to be. The secret to navigating it calmly and confidently? Cash flow clarity.

In this episode of The Rural Bookkeeping Podcast, we unpack how to get on top of your cash before June 30 hits, so you can make smart decisions, avoid last-minute scrambles, and set yourself up for a stronger new financial year.

We’ll also break down one of the most misunderstood topics in financial planning: the difference between a budget and a cash flow forecast, and how using both together can transform how you manage your business finances.

If you want to breathe a little easier this EOFY, this episode is for you.

EOFY isn’t just about tax - it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and plan for a better year ahead. In this episode of The Rural Bookkeeping Podcast, we explore how our Business Dive Workshop can help you turn your numbers and insights into meaningful strategy - so you can build the business and life you truly want.

We’ll walk through the key areas we cover in the workshop and why now is the best time to book your session - before EOFY arrives. It’s not just about closing out the year... it’s about getting ahead of the next one.

Whether you need more profit, less overwhelm, or a plan to exit down the track, this episode will inspire you to be more proactive, more confident, and more strategic.

The end of the financial year is just around the corner, and that means it's time to get your books in order - before the stress hits. Whether you’ve kept up all year or you’re staring down a backlog, now is the time to catch up, clean up, and prepare.

In this episode of The Rural Bookkeeping Podcast, we’ll guide you through exactly what to do now to make EOFY less overwhelming and more empowering.

You’ll learn:
✅ What you need to tidy up in your Xero or accounting software
✅ The key reports to review before meeting with your accountant or tax agent
✅ How to handle missing data, messy bank feeds, or reconciling issues
✅ Why EOFY is more than just a compliance deadline - it’s a chance to plan ahead
✅ What support options are available if you feel behind or overwhelmed

Tune in and take the first step toward a smoother, smarter end of financial year.

Think bookkeeping is just about staying on the right side of the ATO? Think again!

In this episode of The Rural Bookkeeping Podcast, we’re exploring the real purpose of bookkeeping—and how it can become your most powerful tool for running and growing a successful rural business.

We’ll cover:
✅ Why good bookkeeping is about more than compliance
✅ How it helps you track business performance and make confident decisions
✅ The connection between bookkeeping and profitability
✅ What you’re missing out on when your books are only “tax-time ready”

If you’ve ever thought of bookkeeping as a boring chore or a cost centre, this episode will help you see it as a strategic asset for your business success.

Want help with your bookkeeping? Reach out via our website www.ejsbusinessservices.com

If you want to grow your business with intention - not guesswork - you need to start by knowing your numbers. In this episode of The Rural Bookkeeping Podcast, we’re digging into the numbers that matter and how understanding them can unlock strategic growth in your business.

Whether you're running a farm, a rural service business, or juggling both with family life, your numbers hold the answers to better decisions, better cash flow, and less stress.

In this episode, we cover:
- What it really means to "know your numbers"
- Why checking your bank balance isn’t enough
- Key reports and metrics to start reviewing regularly
- How numbers support business growth (not just compliance!)
- Tips to build confidence with your financials

No jargon—just practical tips to help you take control of your finances and grow your rural business with confidence.

If you’ve ever looked at a financial report and thought, “What does all this actually mean?”—you’re not alone!

In this episode of The Rural Bookkeeping Podcast, we’re breaking down financial ratios in a simple, jargon-free way so you can better understand how your business is performing.

We’ll cover:
- What financial ratios are and why they matter
- The key ratios all business owners should keep an eye on
- A few extra ratios that are particularly useful for farmers
- How to get started using ratios in Xero or similar software

This is a great episode for rural business owners who want to take the guesswork out of decision-making and build more confidence in their numbers. Whether you’re just starting out or want to deepen your understanding—this one’s for you!

Want more support with this? Reach out for 1:1 support, or join The Rural Growth Collective. Learn more here: https://www.ejsbusinessservices.com/rural-growth-collective

When business owners talk about "freedom," they’re usually thinking of:
✅ More time to spend with family or on passions
✅ More financial stability and profit without working harder
✅ More control over their business instead of feeling stuck in it

The key to achieving true freedom in business isn’t just working harder—it’s strategic planning. In this episode, we’ll dive into how to build a business that gives you freedom, not just more work.

Want support from Emily and her team? Join The Rural Growth Collective! Learn more here: https://www.ejsbusinessservices.com/rural-growth-collective