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Most business owners glance at their financial statements and move on. CFOs do the opposite; they use them as a decision-making tool to spot risks early, improve performance, and protect cash flow.

In this episode, Stuart and Mena break down how CFOs actually read financial statements, in plain English, without jargon or accounting theory. They walk through the three core questions every set of numbers should answer: is the business profitable, is it financially healthy, and is it actually growing? You’ll learn why revenue is rarely the starting point, why gross profit margin tells you more about your business model than sales ever will, and how “subscription creep” quietly erodes profits over time.

They then unpack the balance sheet, the most misunderstood report, and explain how CFOs assess working capital, debt levels, asset quality, and whether a business can survive a downturn. From there, Mena shifts to the statement CFOs obsess over most: cash flow. Because many profitable businesses still fail, simply because cash comes in too late.

Finally, Stuart explores the CFO mindset itself, focusing on patterns, ratios, and trends rather than isolated numbers, and outlines a simple set of practical steps you can apply immediately to take control of your finances.

If you want to think more clearly, spot problems earlier, and run your business with confidence, this episode is essential listening.

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. It helps us reach more incredible listeners like you. Thank you for being a part of the journey!

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SPECIAL OFFER: Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog here.

Work with Mena & Stuart's team: At ProSolution Private Clients we encourage clients to adopt a holistic and evidence-based approach when making financial decisions. Visit our website.

Follow us: Stuart: Twitter/X and LinkedIn. Mena: LinkedIn

IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

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In this episode, Stuart and Mena explore one of the most common and misunderstood questions business owners face: how to tax-effectively get money into and out of a company. Whether you’re starting a business, investing in one, or managing retained profits, understanding the right structure from the outset can save you from costly mistakes later on.

They walk through the key ways to fund a company, either by loaning money in or contributing share capital, and explain when each method is most appropriate. If there are multiple owners involved, Stuart and Mena highlight the importance of setting clear expectations upfront to avoid confusion between lenders and shareholders.

They also cover how to extract profits tax-effectively, including dividend strategies, managing franking credits, and how using a discretionary trust as the shareholder can create valuable flexibility. Division 7A traps are explained in simple terms, with guidance on how to avoid triggering unintended tax liabilities when accessing company funds.

Finally, they compare company structures with trusts, and outline why companies may be ideal for trading businesses, despite their added complexity. This episode is packed with strategic tips and practical insights to help you set up and manage your company the smart way, right from day one.

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. It helps us reach more incredible listeners like you. Thank you for being a part of the journey!

Click here to subscribe to our weekly email.

SPECIAL OFFER: Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog here.

Work with Mena & Stuart's team: At ProSolution Private Clients we encourage clients to adopt a holistic and evidence-based approach when making financial decisions. Visit our website.

Follow us: Stuart: Twitter/X and LinkedIn. Mena: LinkedIn

IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

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In this episode, Mena and Stuart unpack the ins and outs of Australia’s often misunderstood 6-year CGT exemption rule for main residences. They explore how this powerful tax concession can help homeowners maximise profits when selling a property they no longer live in, particularly those who rent it out after moving. Listeners will learn the exact eligibility criteria, including how to ensure a property still qualifies as your main residence for tax purposes even while it’s earning rental income.

Stuart explains how the exemption resets if you move back in, while Mena walks through common scenarios, including how a full exemption applies if the sale occurs within six years, and how pro-rata tax is calculated if you exceed the threshold. They also highlight important strategies such as resetting the 6-year clock, obtaining accurate property valuations, and the critical CGT implications for couples with multiple properties.

The conversation also covers mistakes to avoid, like poor record keeping, incorrect main residence elections, and confusion around land tax. Finally, they issue a clear warning for expats: non-residents lose access to the CGT exemption entirely. It’s a must-listen for any property owner looking to sell smart and avoid unexpected tax bills.

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. It helps us reach more incredible listeners like you. Thank you for being a part of the journey!

Click here to subscribe to our weekly email.

SPECIAL OFFER: Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog here.

Work with Mena & Stuart's team: At ProSolution Private Clients we encourage clients to adopt a holistic and evidence-based approach when making financial decisions. Visit our website.

Follow us: Stuart: Twitter/X and LinkedIn. Mena: LinkedIn

IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

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In this episode, Stuart and Mena take a deep dive into one of the biggest and often most misunderstood taxes investors face, Capital Gains Tax (CGT). Whether you're dealing with property, shares, or business assets, they explain why the smartest CGT strategies begin not at the point of sale, but before you even buy the asset.

They start by breaking down how CGT works, who gets the 50% discount, and why holding structures, like companies, individuals, or discretionary trusts, make a huge difference in the final tax bill. Mena explores how to maximise your cost base by tracking all deductible expenses, while Stuart walks through the power of discretionary trusts to stream gains and reduce tax across beneficiaries.

Listeners will also learn about the generous small business CGT concessions, how to use financial year timing to their advantage, and when it may make sense to hold assets in a company structure. The duo highlights real-world examples, including property strategies that stagger gains over multiple years, and tactical planning tips for EOFY.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to reduce or eliminate CGT and understand why strategic ownership from the start is the real secret to long-term tax efficiency.

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. It helps us reach more incredible listeners like you. Thank you for being a part of the journey!

Click here to subscribe to our weekly email.

SPECIAL OFFER: Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog here.

Work with Mena & Stuart's team: At ProSolution Private Clients we encourage clients to adopt a holistic and evidence-based approach when making financial decisions. Visit our website.

Follow us: Stuart: Twitter/X and LinkedIn. Mena: LinkedIn

IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

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In this episode, Mena and Stuart unpack the latest tax updates for the 2025–26 financial year, helping listeners navigate changes that could impact their personal finances and business planning. They kick off with the Super Guarantee (SG) increase to 12%, highlighting what this means for employers and employees alike. Next, they discuss the end of deductions for ATO interest charges, a significant shift that removes tax relief on General Interest Charges (GIC) and Shortfall Interest Charges (SIC) from 1 July.

Listeners will learn about the $150 energy rebate, a 30% home battery discount, and the extended $20,000 instant asset write-off, with a caution that this may drop to $1,000 next year. Mena and Stuart also cover PAYG withholding cycle adjustments, Victorian payroll tax threshold increases, and changes to luxury car tax for fuel-efficient vehicles.

With the Transfer Balance Cap (TBC) rising to $2 million, the duo explains opportunities for superannuation strategy ahead of retirement. They also remind businesses of upcoming reporting deadlines, including Single Touch Payroll (STP) finalisation by 14 July and PAYG variations. It’s a must-listen for staying informed and proactive with your 2025–26 tax strategy

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. It helps us reach more incredible listeners like you. Thank you for being a part of the journey!

Click here to subscribe to our weekly email.

SPECIAL OFFER: Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog here.

Work with Mena & Stuart's team: At ProSolution Private Clients we encourage clients to adopt a holistic and evidence-based approach when making financial decisions. Visit our website.

Follow us: Stuart: Twitter/X and LinkedIn. Mena: LinkedIn

IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

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In this episode, Stuart and Mena unpack the five lessons that kept surfacing across 500+ founder interviews from The School of Hard Knocks, and translate them into actions for ambitious owners. First: persistence beats genius. Treat growth like a “game of doubles,” stacking small wins and showing up long after motivation fades. Second: reframe failure and take calculated risks; each “no” is a step closer to “yes,” provided you protect the downside and live to learn. Third: invest for freedom, not flash. Prioritise asset-building (real estate, equity, quality yield) over liabilities, use sensible leverage, and let compounding do the heavy lifting. Fourth: your circle sets your ceiling. Curate mentors and peers who compress your learning curve, explore joint ventures to scale, and stay generous because opportunity flows through trust. Fifth: mindset and meaning drive endurance. Align goals with values, optimise for time and energy, and build a business you actually want to run. Along the way, they share tactical plays, house-hack style sequencing, risk filters, weekly metric focus, and a simple “next best move” checklist to help you convert inspiration into outcomes. Different industries, same themes: the winners are consistent, coachable, owner-minded, and obsessed with building assets and relationships that outlast any single deal.

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. It helps us reach more incredible listeners like you. Thank you for being a part of the journey!

Click here to subscribe to our weekly email.

SPECIAL OFFER: Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog here.

Work with Mena & Stuart's team: At ProSolution Private Clients we encourage clients to adopt a holistic and evidence-based approach when making financial decisions. Visit our website.

Follow us: Stuart: Twitter/X and LinkedIn. Mena: LinkedIn

IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

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In this episode, Stuart and Mena unveil a strategic shortcut for time-poor founders: five questions that cut through noise and pinpoint the few moves that truly move the needle. They start with “Why frameworks matter,” showing how focusing on choosing one or two high-value projects beats juggling 27 “priorities.” Then they work the 5-Question framework: (1) Where will we play? Define tight boundaries (industry, geography, customer, offer) to sharpen positioning and margins. (2) Who’s on the team? Replace owner-dependence with a small bench of A-players, clear accountabilities, and smart tech. (3) How will we win? Translate your edge speed, experience, niche, reliability, and trust into behaviors, pricing, and service. (4) What could kill the business? Name single-point fragilities (cash flow, key-person risk, system gaps) and build buffers. (5) What must get done? Pick 1–3 non-negotiable priorities for the next 30–90 days, think about fixing lead gen, redesigning pricing, hiring a key operator, or systemising onboarding. Along the way, they stress weekly metrics over quarterly retrospectives and share practical examples for Australian SMEs to boost Return on Payroll, reduce bottlenecks, and convert strategy into execution. The takeaway: clarity first, then speed. Answer these five questions honestly, and you’ll know exactly where to aim your 99% focus for compounding growth.

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. It helps us reach more incredible listeners like you. Thank you for being a part of the journey!

Click here to subscribe to our weekly email.

SPECIAL OFFER: Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog here.

Work with Mena & Stuart's team: At ProSolution Private Clients we encourage clients to adopt a holistic and evidence-based approach when making financial decisions. Visit our website.

Follow us: Stuart: Twitter/X and LinkedIn. Mena: LinkedIn

IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

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In this episode, Stuart and Mena unpack ten punchy lessons from Verne Harnish’s Scaling Up, plus a sharp LinkedIn distillation by Jennifer Berkowitz, and translate them for Australian SMEs. They start with the big two: why speed wins (compress decision-to-execution with short cycles, guardrails, and rapid prototypes) and why simplicity scales (a one-page strategy everyone can explain). Then it’s “you can’t grow what you don’t measure”: weekly, not quarterly, tracking of lead flow, conversion, average order value, labour efficiency, delivery time, and retention. They tackle Goldratt’s core idea, fix the single biggest constraint before revealing the most overlooked growth lever: pricing power (a 5–10% lift can drive 20–40% more profit). You’ll hear how to raise Return on Payroll through clearer roles, better talent, automation, and ruthless prioritisation; why the “Moneyball stat” is your inbound ratio; and how AI supercharges A-Players instead of replacing them. They argue for being someone’s favourite niche dominance over bland mass appeal, and close on the kicker: speed is useless without direction. Stuart and Mena leave you with three clarifying questions (Where are we going? How will we win? What matters this quarter?) and a practical checklist to turn momentum into measurable results.

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. It helps us reach more incredible listeners like you. Thank you for being a part of the journey!

Click here to subscribe to our weekly email.

SPECIAL OFFER: Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog here.

Work with Mena & Stuart's team: At ProSolution Private Clients we encourage clients to adopt a holistic and evidence-based approach when making financial decisions. Visit our website.

Follow us: Stuart: Twitter/X and LinkedIn. Mena: LinkedIn

IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.