“Every time I think we’re ahead, something wipes it out.” If that sentence hit a nerve, you’re not alone. I hear this exact phrase from business owners all the time — especially hardworking, family-run businesses doing everything right… or so it feels.

Here’s the truth most people miss: Being busy and being ahead are not the same thing. What’s usually happening isn’t bad luck. It’s not the ATO picking on you. And it’s not that you’re bad with money. It’s this one thing:

There’s no buffer built into the system. So every time something pops up —
• a tax bill
• super or leave payouts
• BAS due earlier than expected
• equipment repairs
• a quiet month

…it feels like starting from zero again.

Here’s the shift that changes everything

You don’t get ahead by working harder.  You get ahead by creating certainty before you need it.

That means:

• Separating operating cash from future obligations
• Treating tax, super and leave like weekly expenses — not surprises
• Having one clear number that tells you: “This is safe to spend. This isn’t.”

When you do this, something powerful happens.  Instead of reacting… You’re anticipating.  Instead of stress…  You feel calm.  Instead of “something wiped it out again”… You finally stay ahead.

This week’s simple action

Ask yourself one question: If nothing unexpected happened for the next 90 days, would I still feel tight? If the answer is yes — that’s not a failure.  It’s a signal. And signals are useful when you act on them. 

That’s exactly what we help clients do:turn chaos into clarity, and stress into control.

If you want help building a cash flow buffer that actually sticks — not theory, not spreadsheets you never look at — just reply BUFFER and we’ll take it from there.

You don’t need to earn more to feel ahead.  You need a better system. And once you have it, everything changes. Take 5 minutes to complete our free Tough Times Business Health Diagnostic to get your free report.

Need Help with your Business, Bookkeeping, Tax or SMSF requirements?

If you would like a little help, please get in touch with us for assistance. We can help with your business, bookkeeping, tax and SMSF requirements.

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Please also note that many of the comments in this publication are general in nature and anyone intending to apply the information to practical circumstances should seek professional advice to independently verify their interpretation and the information’s applicability to their particular circumstances. Should you have any further questions, please get in touch with us for assistance with your SMSF, business, bookkeeping and tax requirements. All rights reserved. Based on content from Mindshop, a trusted resource for business advisors worldwide. Liability Limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.