Does this sound familiar? “Christmas and New Year caught us off guard.” Bills were bigger than expected.   Annual leave payouts landed all at once.  Super had to be paid.  And now BAS and IAS are due in February. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—but here’s the good news: this is 100% avoidable.

Today’s Tip: Plan for Predictable Pressure Points

These costs aren’t surprises. They happen every single year. The problem isn’t the bills.  The problem is not ring-fencing cash ahead of time.  Smart business owners do one simple thing differently: They treat known obligations like non-negotiables—not afterthoughts.

What to Do (Simple and Effective)

Set up a separate “tax and obligations” buffer account and drip-feed it weekly or monthly for:

• Superannuation
• PAYG and GST
• Annual leave and long-service leave
• Income tax

That way, when February (or June) arrives, the money is already there—no stress, no scrambling, no sleepless nights.

The Real Win

This isn’t about being good at numbers.  It’s about buying yourself peace of mind.  When your obligations are funded in advance:

• Cash flow feels calmer
• Decisions get clearer
• You stop reacting and start leading your business

And that’s where real confidence comes from.

If you’re not sure what your regular set-aside amount should be, or you’d like help building a simple cash flow plan that works around your business (not against it), that’s exactly what we help clients with every day.  Plan early. Stay calm. Run your business on your terms. Watch out for tomorrow’s tip: what to do if you haven’t planned ahead.

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.