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In this episode, Stuart and Mena unpack the provocative, but crucial message behind the title “Don’t Trust Your Accountant.” It’s not about questioning your accountant’s integrity, but recognising the limits of what they can (and should) do for your business. Stuart explains why business owners must take full ownership of their financial understanding, because while accountants report the history, it’s up to you to fly the plane.

Mena highlights that accountants are compliance-driven, often focused on tax returns and financial statements after the fact, not strategy or real-time insights. Stuart delves into the core financial concepts every owner must grasp, including the difference between profit and cash flow, understanding unit economics, and knowing your break-even point. Mena then outlines why forecasting your tax position is vital and how to plan around different structures like trusts and companies.

They also discuss how growth consumes cash and why forward planning is essential for confident decision-making. Most importantly, they encourage business owners to treat their accountant as a partner, not a crutch.

If you're running a business and relying too heavily on your accountant to interpret your numbers, this episode is your wake-up call. Financial literacy isn’t optional; it’s your most powerful leadership tool.

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 why every business owner should conduct regular health checks, not just when things go wrong, but as a proactive strategy for long-term success. They break the health check process into six core areas, starting with financial health, where Mena explains how to assess profitability, cash flow strength, and balance sheet resilience. Stuart then examines client and market health, highlighting the importance of avoiding overreliance on key clients, staying relevant in your market, and keeping your lead pipeline strong.

Mena dives into operational health, discussing the need for scalable systems, up-to-date technology, and robust risk management, including cybersecurity. Stuart covers people and culture, identifying key person risk, the value of staff engagement, and building capability for the future. Mena also unpacks strategic health, asking whether your vision is still clear, your competitive edge is still relevant, and whether you're actually executing on your strategy. Finally, Stuart turns the spotlight on the owner’s health: is the business still serving your lifestyle, delivering a return on effort, and capable of running without you?

This episode is a practical, thought-provoking guide for stepping back from the day-to-day and making sure your business is truly fit for the future.

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 explore the lesser-known “1%ers” in business—small, smart strategies that can make a big difference to your personal lifestyle when implemented correctly. While most business owners focus solely on income, employees, and long-term value, Stuart challenges listeners to also think about how their business can improve everyday life, without crossing any lines.

Mena kicks things off by explaining how to maximise credit card reward programs through business expenses, turning points into luxury travel perks. Stuart dives into the electric vehicle (EV) Fringe Benefits Tax exemption and how owning an EV through your business can deliver both tax efficiency and personal enjoyment. Mena shares how combining work-related travel with leisure and leveraging loyalty programs can result in elite status benefits that flow through to your personal life.

They also touch on technology and education, how small businesses can supply multiple portable electronic devices tax-efficiently, and how conferences or leadership training can double as valuable personal development. Stuart wraps it all up by reminding business owners that with proper structuring and compliance, your business can support the lifestyle you want, not just your professional goals. A must-listen for business owners looking to get more value out of what they’ve built.

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 shift the focus to young entrepreneurs, those building businesses but wondering how to build wealth beyond them. It’s easy to pour everything into your business when it feels like your best asset. But what happens if growth slows down or plans change? The biggest risk for entrepreneurs is having all their wealth tied to a single venture. That’s why this episode is packed with the right questions to ask your accountant or financial adviser if you want to protect what you’ve built and set yourself up for long-term financial freedom.

Stuart and Mena cover a wide range of strategic questions, from whether to buy your own home or invest first, to choosing between property, shares, or a blend of both. They explore how to use your borrowing capacity wisely, where to hold your investments (personally, trust, or company), and how to balance reinvesting in your business with building a portfolio outside of it. They also discuss protecting assets, managing liquidity, using superannuation, and preparing for future generations.

If you’re a business owner asking “what’s next?” financially, this episode gives you a roadmap to start building freedom outside your core business, one smart decision at a time.

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 break down one of the most generous tax perks currently available to employees and employers alike: the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption for electric vehicles. With so few genuine “free kicks” in the tax system, understanding how to maximise this benefit is essential for anyone considering a new car or looking to enhance employee compensation packages.

Mena begins by outlining the eligibility rules: the vehicle must be a zero- or low-emissions car, first held and used after 1 July 2022, used by an employee or their associate, and fall below the luxury car tax threshold of $91,387. From there, Stuart and Mena compare financing methods, from outright purchases and chattel mortgages (which offer ~25% tax savings) to novated leases, which can deliver up to 47% tax savings by salary sacrificing the total cost of ownership.

They also explain how a novated lease works, its impact on taxable income, and why it’s often the most tax-effective structure. Stuart closes with practical ways to leverage this exemption, whether for your own car, to incentivise staff, or as a retention tool in your business. If you're in the market for a new EV, this episode is a must-listen.

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 uncover the most common accounting errors that can quietly cost business owners thousands in tax, compliance issues, or poor financial decisions. They begin by highlighting why your accountant plays a critical role as your de facto CFO, and how to spot red flags if things aren’t quite right. One of the biggest warning signs? A bank reconciliation that doesn’t match your records. Mena explains how overlooked discrepancies here can lead to under-reported profits, incorrect GST, or even missed fraud.

From there, Stuart and Mena alternate through a list of common accounting mistakes they frequently see, including poorly recorded director loans, unreconciled GST, misclassified expenses, inconsistent bookkeeping, and journal entries that go unreviewed. They also flag year-end issues like unadjusted stock levels or bad debts that can distort your true profit and tax position.

Mena wraps up with practical advice: if something feels off, ask questions, get a second opinion, or consider switching accountants. A short review could save tens of thousands in future headaches. Stuart closes with a reminder—your accountant should simplify decision-making, not make it harder. If they’re not adding value, it’s time to dig deeper. A must-listen for business owners who want more control over their financial outcomes.

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 the world of small-scale property development, highlighting both the potential rewards and the very real risks involved. Off the back of recent episodes about property spruikers selling uneconomical "development sites," they clarify what genuine small-scale development looks like, who it's suited to, and where it fits into a broader investment strategy.

Mena explains the typical scope of a small-scale project, think two to four dwellings, and outlines the knowledge, financial strength, and risk appetite required to execute one successfully. They discuss how to assess feasibility, the importance of zoning and council regulations, and how to target the right locations. Stuart and Mena also cover common red flags that indicate a project should be avoided entirely.

From financing and structuring to managing construction timelines, servicing loans, and avoiding costly mistakes, the episode offers practical advice for first-time developers. Stuart shares real-world insights on how to balance risk with potential returns, and Mena outlines actionable steps for those curious about getting started.

Whether you're seriously considering a small development or just want to understand the mechanics, this episode offers a grounded, evidence-based view on how to approach small-scale projects the right way.

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 follow-up episode on succession planning, Stuart and Mena explore the second path: selling your business to an external buyer. Unlike a transition strategy, this approach involves a clean break, often preferred by owners seeking speed, lifestyle change, risk reduction, or when no internal successors are available. Mena begins by outlining the different types of buyers: strategic buyers (such as competitors looking to scale), financial buyers (like private investors or P/E firms), and the key distinctions between industry insiders and outsiders. Stuart then breaks down what buyers are actually purchasing, whether assets or shares, and explains why this matters for both tax outcomes and deal structure.

Next, Mena shares what makes a business attractive to buyers, including having strong systems, clear profitability trends, clean structures, and staff retention strategies. These elements take time to build, which is why business owners should begin preparing 2–3 years in advance. Stuart closes with a look at common pitfalls, like poor planning, unrealistic earn-out clauses, and lack of professional advice, and highlights how communication with staff and clients can make or break a successful sale.

This episode is essential listening for business owners considering an exit. Whether it’s a transition or sale, early planning gives you the power to choose the best path forward.

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.