Money Secrets

The doors to Good Money Club are open right now. You deserve your own Board of Directors, and you'll get that and more inside this community for women business owners.  This episode is a practical reset on how to think about money in your business. Want a quick refresh of the best money advice we’ve shared so far? In this special remix edition of the Money Secrets podcast, Fi pulls together 10 of the most powerful takeaways from past episodes — in one juicy mixtape. Pulling from episodes on business model, pricing, financial goals, ideal clients, money mindset, strategy, managing your money, time, and revenue growth, this remix brings the core ideas together in one place. It’s designed to help you step back, see the bigger picture, and focus on the fundamentals that actually drive profitability and long-term success in small business. 🎧 Tune in to understand what’s really driving your results, where your attention is best spent, and how to build a more profitable and sustainable business.    What you'll learn in this episode:  Why your business model underpins everything. Strong, profitable businesses are built on clear structure, not just good ideas or marketing.   Why most small business owners are underpricing. Pricing is shaped by value, demand, and confidence, not just numbers.   How to approach financial goals in a practical way. Goals are about designing your business, not predicting the future.   What it takes to increase your prices. Moving to higher pricing requires clearer positioning and stronger communication.   The most common money challenges female business owners face. Undercharging, lack of confidence, and lack of strategy continue to hold many founders back.   Why strategy should be simple and focused. Doing fewer things, more intentionally, leads to better outcomes.   How managing your money builds confidence. Clear systems and visibility make better decision-making possible.   Why time is your most valuable resource. How you spend your time directly impacts your revenue and growth.   The difference between $30 decisions and $30,000 decisions. Focusing on high-impact decisions is what drives real progress.   Why long-term thinking matters for growth. Investing time in your business, not just client work, is key to increasing revenue sustainably.   💡 If this conversation resonates and you want hands-on support, you can work with Fi one-on-one or join Good Money Club, where small business owners learn how to make and manage money with clarity, confidence, and impact. - Good Money Club (doors are open now)   Say hi: hello@peachbm.com.au  ________________________________________________________________________ We’ve come so far as a society in many ways, but money is one of the areas where progress hasn’t been enough. If we want to tip the scales in favour of marginalised people, it starts with understanding the secret: money in small business. In this podcast, Money Secrets, host Fiona (Fi) Johnston, Chartered Accountant, small business advocate, and impact enthusiast, dives into the conversations we need to have about money. The secrets that once stayed behind closed doors (or on the golf course) are finally out in the open. Fi’s mission? To get more money into the hands of good people, like you. She believes small businesses have the power to change the world, and the key to making a bigger impact is to make, and manage, more money. ________________________________________________________________________ Thank you to everyone involved for bringing this podcast together. We are excited to hear from you with any questions, feedback or suggestions for future episodes that you might have. Send a Direct Message to @peach.businessIf you are excited for what’s to come, please like this episode, follow the podcast and share it with your friends. We are thrilled you're here. Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability. ________________________________________________________________________  This podcast episode was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation and I'd like to acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and water that I live, work and play on. I'd like to pay respect to elders both past and present, and note that sovereignty has never been ceded. This always was and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land.   

The doors to Good Money Club are open right now. You deserve your own Board of Directors, and you'll get that and more inside this community for women business owners. Business isn’t linear. Neither is money. In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi challenges one of the most persistent myths in business: that success follows a neat, logical, step-by-step path. Drawing on 25 years as a Chartered Accountant working closely with small business owners, she explains why real businesses don’t grow in straight lines, and why money decisions rarely come from pure logic. Humans are emotional, messy, and influenced by past experiences, responsibilities, and mental load, especially women who are often carrying far more than just their businesses. 🎧 Tune in to understand why “perfect strategies” fail in the real world, how money behaviour shapes business outcomes, and what actually leads to sustainable profitability.  What you'll learn in this episode:  The “linear success story” is a myth. Popular business narratives often show tidy upward growth, but real businesses move through messy cycles, setbacks, and pivots. How emotions drive financial decisions. Even experienced founders make money decisions based on instinct, fear, past experiences, and current stress, not just data. The invisible scaffolding behind many (male) success stories. Fi speaks to the unspoken support enabling some founders to focus fully on business, particularly female unpaid labour. Perfect plans don’t guarantee results. A flawless strategy won’t work if human behaviour, motivation, and circumstances aren’t aligned with it. Money beliefs from childhood still influence your business. The messages you absorbed about money can quietly shape pricing, spending, risk tolerance, and decision-making. Common money behaviours founders fall into. Avoiding finances, overspending, hoarding cash, underpricing, or struggling to receive money, all patterns Fi sees regularly. Expecting consistency sets you up for disappointment. Business owners don’t show up perfectly every day, and neither does the market. Success comes from navigating the fluctuations. The difference between strategy and implementation. Plans provide direction, but habits, mindset, and behaviour determine whether those plans actually work. How profitable businesses reduce life stress. Financial stability can ease the mental load many women carry outside of work, from caregiving to household responsibilities.   Why support and community matter for financial success. Safe spaces to talk about money help business owners unpack limiting beliefs and make clearer decisions. 💡 If this conversation resonates and you want hands-on support, you can work with Fi one-on-one or join Good Money Club, where small business owners learn how to make and manage money with clarity, confidence, and impact. - Good Money Club (doors are open now)   Say hi: hello@peachbm.com.au  ________________________________________________________________________ We’ve come so far as a society in many ways, but money is one of the areas where progress hasn’t been enough. If we want to tip the scales in favour of marginalised people, it starts with understanding the secret: money in small business. In this podcast, Money Secrets, host Fiona (Fi) Johnston, Chartered Accountant, small business advocate, and impact enthusiast, dives into the conversations we need to have about money. The secrets that once stayed behind closed doors (or on the golf course) are finally out in the open. Fi’s mission? To get more money into the hands of good people, like you. She believes small businesses have the power to change the world, and the key to making a bigger impact is to make, and manage, more money. ________________________________________________________________________ Thank you to everyone involved for bringing this podcast together. We are excited to hear from you with any questions, feedback or suggestions for future episodes that you might have. Send a Direct Message to @peach.businessIf you are excited for what’s to come, please like this episode, follow the podcast and share it with your friends. We are thrilled you're here. Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability. ________________________________________________________________________  This podcast episode was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation and I'd like to acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and water that I live, work and play on. I'd like to pay respect to elders both past and present, and note that sovereignty has never been ceded. This always was and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land. 

The doors to Good Money Club are open right now. If you want practical support to make more money and manage it well, now is the time to join.Women in business aren’t making enough money.  We need a different conversation this International Women's Day. In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi talks about something that doesn’t get said often enough: many women business owners simply aren’t making enough money. Despite being busy, capable, and doing "all the right things”. As International Women’s Day conversations ramp up, Fi moves beyond the usual statistics to talk about what she sees inside real businesses every day. The problem isn’t just pay gaps or access to funding. It’s that many women are undercharging, overdelivering, and carrying the weight of everyone else’s expectations. At the expense of their own income and sustainability. Drawing on 25 years of experience working with small business owners, Fi explains why this pattern happens, how it shows up in pricing and client work, and what actually needs to change if you want a business that pays you properly. 🎧 Listen in to understand why earning more isn’t about confidence hacks or hustle. It’s about making clearer decisions, setting boundaries, charging properly, and surrounding yourself with the kind of support that helps you do the hard things that actually move the needle.  What you'll learn in this episode:  Why revenue is what most women in business need, not venture capital funding. While venture capital inequality gets attention, most small business owners don’t need funding, they need sustainable income. The hidden “gender revenue gap”. Fi shares her perspective from decades in the numbers: women business owners earn significantly less than men, but this gap is rarely measured or discussed. How social conditioning impacts pricing and boundaries. From a young age, many women are taught to be agreeable and accommodating. Traits that lead to underpricing and difficulty holding boundaries with clients. Why underpricing and over-servicing go hand in hand. Working harder to avoid uncomfortable conversations may feel easier in the moment, but it leads to burnout, resentment, and unsustainable businesses. The real cost of scope creep. Delivering more than promised (often unpaid) doesn’t just hurt profitability, it damages client relationships and personal wellbeing. Difficult conversations are essential for growth. Raising prices, reinforcing scope, and setting boundaries are uncomfortable, but they are what create work-life balance and financial stability. The importance of paying yourself properly, including superannuation. Many women business owners neglect their own long-term financial security, creating future inequality even when their businesses appear successful. Strategy alone isn’t enough. Advice and plans don’t change businesses. Implementation does. And implementation often requires support, accountability, and courage. What meaningful support actually looks like. Not cheerleading or empty positivity, but communities that challenge you, hold you accountable, and help you move through fear and doubt. Discomfort is part of building a successful business. Growth often requires actions that feel deeply uncomfortable, but those actions create freedom, stability, and better outcomes over time. 💡 If this conversation resonates and you want hands-on support, you can work with Fi one-on-one or join Good Money Club, where small business owners learn how to make and manage money with clarity, confidence, and impact. - Good Money Club (Doors are open now)  ________________________________________________________________________ We’ve come so far as a society in many ways, but money is one of the areas where progress hasn’t been enough. If we want to tip the scales in favour of marginalised people, it starts with understanding the secret: money in small business. In this podcast, Money Secrets, host Fiona (Fi) Johnston, Chartered Accountant, small business advocate, and impact enthusiast, dives into the conversations we need to have about money. The secrets that once stayed behind closed doors (or on the golf course) are finally out in the open. Fi’s mission? To get more money into the hands of good people, like you. She believes small businesses have the power to change the world, and the key to making a bigger impact is to make, and manage, more money. ________________________________________________________________________ Thank you to everyone involved for bringing this podcast together. We are excited to hear from you with any questions, feedback or suggestions for future episodes that you might have. Send a Direct Message to @peach.businessIf you are excited for what’s to come, please like this episode, follow the podcast and share it with your friends. We are thrilled you're here. 👉 Try Rounded free for 30 days The link is for users new to Rounded only and offers a free, unrestricted 30-day free trial of Rounded for users who pay tax in Australia or New Zealand. No credit card needed. Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability. ________________________________________________________________________  This podcast episode was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation and I'd like to acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and water that I live, work and play on. I'd like to pay respect to elders both past and present, and note that sovereignty has never been ceded. This always was and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land. 

Five ways to improve your cash flow — and stop money stress from ruining your business Poor cash flow is one of the biggest reasons small businesses go under — and it’s also one of the most stressful things to live with as a business owner. In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi breaks down five practical, proven ways to improve your cash flow, so you can stop feeling constantly on edge and start running a business that actually supports you. Drawing on 25 years of experience as a chartered accountant and business strategist, Fi explains what cash flow really is, why so many businesses struggle with it (even profitable ones), and the simple shifts you can make to create more stability, confidence, and breathing room in your business finances. 🎧 Tune in to learn how to spot the warning signs of poor cash flow, why growth can sometimes make things worse, and how to build systems that keep money moving — without burning yourself out.    What you'll learn in this episode:  What cash flow actually is (and why profit isn’t the same thing)Understanding the difference between money coming in and out of your bank account — and why businesses can be “profitable” but still broke. The difference between temporary and chronic cash flow problemsHow to tell whether you’re dealing with a short-term cash squeeze or a deeper structural issue in your business. Why paying attention is the first (and most important) stepYou can’t fix what you’re avoiding. Fi explains simple ways to start tracking cash flow without overwhelm. How pricing directly impacts your cash flowNot raising prices is one of the fastest ways to create cash flow problems — and how underpricing sneaks in over time. Why your systems matter more than your revenueThe businesses that last aren’t always the ones making the most money — they’re the ones managing it well. How systems like Profit First support better cash flowWhy separating your money into clear “buckets” helps you stay solvent, pay the ATO, and actually keep some profit. Why growing too fast can break your cash flowHow rapid growth puts pressure on wages, stock, and systems — and why slower, steadier growth is often healthier. The concept of fast, medium, and slow moneyHow having multiple income timelines protects your business and smooths cash flow across the month. Why relying on one revenue stream is riskyHow diversifying income sources and payment timing can stabilise your business long-term. How to build cash flow that supports your life — not just your businessWhy the goal isn’t just “more money,” but calmer, more sustainable financial momentum. 💡 If this conversation resonates and you want hands-on support, you can work with Fi one-on-one or join Good Money Club, where small business owners learn how to make and manage money with clarity, confidence, and impact.   - Good Money Club (a few spots will open in 2026) - Signature 1:1 Program (spaces available from Jan 2026 onwards) - VIP Day (only one per month, these are powerful strategy sessions) On-demand training is available any time: Business Model Design | Good Money Challenge   ________________________________________________________________________ We’ve come so far as a society in many ways, but money is one of the areas where progress hasn’t been enough. If we want to tip the scales in favour of marginalised people, it starts with understanding the secret: money in small business. In this podcast, Money Secrets, host Fiona (Fi) Johnston, Chartered Accountant, small business advocate, and impact enthusiast, dives into the conversations we need to have about money. The secrets that once stayed behind closed doors (or on the golf course) are finally out in the open. Fi’s mission? To get more money into the hands of good people, like you. She believes small businesses have the power to change the world, and the key to making a bigger impact is to make, and manage, more money. ________________________________________________________________________ Thank you to everyone involved for bringing this podcast together. We are excited to hear from you with any questions, feedback or suggestions for future episodes that you might have. Send a Direct Message to @peach.businessIf you are excited for what’s to come, please like this episode, follow the podcast and share it with your friends. We are thrilled you're here. 👉 Try Rounded free for 30 days The link is for users new to Rounded only and offers a free, unrestricted 30-day free trial of Rounded for users who pay tax in Australia or New Zealand. No credit card needed. Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability. ________________________________________________________________________  This podcast episode was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation and I'd like to acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and water that I live, work and play on. I'd like to pay respect to elders both past and present, and note that sovereignty has never been ceded. This always was and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land. 

Growing vs. scaling your business — What’s the fifference (and why it matters) In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi tackles a question that comes up constantly in small business conversations — should you be growing your business, or scaling it? These terms are often used interchangeably online, but they mean very different things. And misunderstanding the difference can lead to unrealistic expectations, cash flow stress, and chasing strategies that were never right for your business model in the first place. Fi breaks down what scaling actually means, why not every business is built to scale, and how growth can be just as powerful — and far more sustainable — when done intentionally. She also explores how service-based businesses can introduce leveraged income streams without chasing the myth of “passive income.” 🎧 Tune in to learn how to make smarter decisions about revenue, profitability, and business structure — based on what your business is truly designed to do.    What you'll learn in this episode:  The real difference between growing and scaling a businessWhy these concepts aren’t interchangeable — and why it matters which one you’re pursuing. What “scaling” actually means in practiceHow scalable businesses increase income without increasing costs, and why this usually applies to tech, digital products, and one-to-many offers. Why most service businesses grow (not scale)And why that’s not a failure — it’s simply a different financial model. The myth of passive incomeWhy all income requires effort somewhere, and where the work actually sits in scalable businesses. How growth impacts cash flow and expensesWhy growing revenue often means growing costs — and how poor expense control can sink otherwise healthy businesses. Why agencies and service providers struggle to “scale”And how chasing scalability can create unrealistic profit expectations. How to add leveraged income inside a service businessIncluding group programs, digital products, licensing IP, referrals, and affiliate revenue. What profit margins really look likeThe difference between typical growth-based margins (10–25%) and scalable business margins (50%+). How to choose the right strategy for your businessBased on your goals, values, capacity, and desired lifestyle — not internet hype. 💡 If this conversation resonates and you want hands-on support, you can work with Fi one-on-one or join Good Money Club, where small business owners learn how to make and manage money with clarity, confidence, and impact.  - Good Money Club (a few spots will open in 2026) - Signature 1:1 Program (spaces available from Jan 2026 onwards) - VIP Day (only one per month, these are powerful strategy sessions) On-demand training is available any time: Business Model Design | Good Money Challenge ________________________________________________________________________ We’ve come so far as a society in many ways, but money is one of the areas where progress hasn’t been enough. If we want to tip the scales in favour of marginalised people, it starts with understanding the secret: money in small business. In this podcast, Money Secrets, host Fiona (Fi) Johnston, Chartered Accountant, small business advocate, and impact enthusiast, dives into the conversations we need to have about money. The secrets that once stayed behind closed doors (or on the golf course) are finally out in the open. Fi’s mission? To get more money into the hands of good people, like you. She believes small businesses have the power to change the world, and the key to making a bigger impact is to make, and manage, more money. ________________________________________________________________________ Thank you to everyone involved for bringing this podcast together. We are excited to hear from you with any questions, feedback or suggestions for future episodes that you might have. Send a Direct Message to @peach.businessIf you are excited for what’s to come, please like this episode, follow the podcast and share it with your friends. We are thrilled you're here. 👉 Try Rounded free for 30 days The link is for users new to Rounded only and offers a free, unrestricted 30-day free trial of Rounded for users who pay tax in Australia or New Zealand. No credit card needed. Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability. ________________________________________________________________________  This podcast episode was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation and I'd like to acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and water that I live, work and play on. I'd like to pay respect to elders both past and present, and note that sovereignty has never been ceded. This always was and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land. 

We created a free workbook to go with this podcast episode. Grab it here :) Before you market anything… listen to this In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi wraps up Part 4 of the four-part From Maybe to Yes series — and she’s tackling one of the most avoided (and emotionally loaded) parts of business: following up your proposals. Most business owners pour their energy into attracting the lead, running a beautiful discovery call, writing a thoughtful proposal… and then freeze. The proposal goes out. The excitement fades. And when there’s no reply? Panic, shame, avoidance, and second-guessing take over. Fi flips this pattern entirely. She shows you why the follow-up is the sales process — and how to approach it with intention, empathy, structure, and self-respect. Instead of feeling clingy or awkward, Fi teaches you how to create a clear, confident follow-up plan that respects both you and the potential client. If you’ve ever hit “send”, waited, spiralled, and silently hoped someone would magically say yes — this episode will feel like a breath of fresh clarity. 🎧 Tune in to learn how to build a follow-up sequence that feels warm, ethical, and effective — and finally stop ghosting your own proposals.   What you'll learn in this episode:  Why most proposals die (and it’s not because they don’t want you): Fi breaks down why clients often don’t respond — and how their silence usually has nothing to do with your worth, your offer, or your abilities. Timing, capacity, life admin, and decision fatigue are far more common than rejection. Instead of spiralling after you hit send, Fi explains why you should have a pre-written, pre-thought-out follow-up sequence ready before emotions get involved. This is your most powerful sales asset — not an afterthought. How to get clients talking about their goals, not just their problems: You'll learn how to uncover what clients really want, what’s currently not working for them, and how to reflect that back so they feel understood, seen, and supported. How to follow up without being annoying: Fi walks through how to create thoughtful, varied follow-ups that add value — not irritation. You’ll learn how to avoid the “Hi, just checking in again?” emails and instead craft messages that genuinely move someone toward a decision. How to keep the door open without creating shame: Fi explains how to craft follow-ups that make people feel welcome to reply at any time — even weeks or months later — instead of feeling embarrassed that they “left it too long.” When (and how) to close the loop without burning the bridge: You’ll learn how to write a final follow-up that respectfully closes the proposal conversation while still keeping the relationship open for the future. Because sales is long-game relationship building — not just one yes/no moment. How often to follow up (and when to stop): Fi shares realistic timelines for different price points, how many follow-ups most people need, and why your “yes” might come on the 4th… 7th… or even 12th email. Why following up is an act of care, not clinginess: Fi reframes follow-up as service: clarity, support, reminders, and relationship — not harassment. When done well, it helps people make decisions that move them closer to their goals. Fi reframes follow-up as service – clarity, support, reminders, and relationship — not harassment. When done well, it helps people make decisions that move them closer to their goals.   Check out Renee Wallace's Masterclass: Post-Proposal Email Nurture Sequence ________________________________________________________________________ We’ve come so far as a society in many ways, but money is one of the areas where progress hasn’t been enough. If we want to tip the scales in favour of marginalised people, it starts with understanding the secret: money in small business. In this podcast, Money Secrets, host Fiona (Fi) Johnston, Chartered Accountant, small business advocate, and impact enthusiast, dives into the conversations we need to have about money. The secrets that once stayed behind closed doors (or on the golf course) are finally out in the open. Fi’s mission? To get more money into the hands of good people, like you. She believes small businesses have the power to change the world, and the key to making a bigger impact is to make, and manage, more money. ________________________________________________________________________ Thank you to everyone involved for bringing this podcast together. We are excited to hear from you with any questions, feedback or suggestions for future episodes that you might have. Send a Direct Message to @peach.businessIf you are excited for what’s to come, please like this episode, follow the podcast and share it with your friends. We are thrilled you're here. 👉 Try Rounded free for 30 days The link is for users new to Rounded only and offers a free, unrestricted 30-day free trial of Rounded for users who pay tax in Australia or New Zealand. No credit card needed. Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability. ________________________________________________________________________  This podcast episode was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation and I'd like to acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and water that I live, work and play on. I'd like to pay respect to elders both past and present, and note that sovereignty has never been ceded. This always was and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land. 

We created a free workbook to go with this podcast episode. Grab it here :)Before you market anything… listen to this. In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi continues Part 3 of the four-part From Maybe to Yes series — and this time, she’s diving into one of the most overlooked but high-impact parts of your sales process: your proposal. Most business owners treat proposals like an administrative formality — a quote, a scope, a document they send because they “have to.” Fi flips that completely. She shows you how to create a proposal that actually sells your work: one that reflects your expertise, demonstrates your value, builds trust, and makes it easy for clients to say yes. If you’ve ever wondered what to include, how detailed your proposal should be, how to personalise it, or how to make it feel premium… this episode will give you clarity, direction, and a structure that works every time. 🎧 Tune in to learn Fi’s framework for creating confident, compelling, high-converting proposals that support your clients and your business.   What you'll learn in this episode:  Why proposals are a key sales tool, not paperwork. Often, the person reading your proposal wasn’t on the discovery call — meaning this document must stand alone and clearly communicate your value, process, and expertise. The difference between: Template sections (the beautifully designed, always-consistent foundations), and Custom sections (tailored specifically to that client’s goals, challenges, and context). How to show “what’s in it for them”:  A strong proposal doesn’t jump straight to pricing. Fi shares how to help your client imagine what their future looks like after working with you — and why this emotional connection drives conversion. What to customise — and why personalisation matters: From goals to scope, timelines to inclusions, Fi explains the exact elements you should tailor so your client feels seen, understood, and supported. Why you should recommend one option — not 14: Too much choice overwhelms clients. Fi explains how to confidently recommend the best-fit option, backed by what you learned in the discovery call. How to tailor proposal length to the investment: A $500 offer doesn’t need a six-page PDF. A $5,000 project deserves depth. Fi walks you through how to match your proposal’s complexity to the decision your client is making. How to identify when someone is not the right fit — and still build the relationship: Learn how to gracefully redirect, recommend someone else, and stay in integrity without burning bridges (because referrals and future work often come from these calls). Why a second discovery call is sometimes the right next step: For complex or custom work, Fi shares how to re-engage thoughtfully so you can refine scope, recommend the right path forward, and build trust. Get the free downloadable workbook HERE to help you apply this Sales Sprint training directly to your business. ________________________________________________________________________ We’ve come so far as a society in many ways, but money is one of the areas where progress hasn’t been enough. If we want to tip the scales in favour of marginalised people, it starts with understanding the secret: money in small business. In this podcast, Money Secrets, host Fiona (Fi) Johnston, Chartered Accountant, small business advocate, and impact enthusiast, dives into the conversations we need to have about money. The secrets that once stayed behind closed doors (or on the golf course) are finally out in the open. Fi’s mission? To get more money into the hands of good people, like you. She believes small businesses have the power to change the world, and the key to making a bigger impact is to make, and manage, more money. ________________________________________________________________________ Thank you to everyone involved for bringing this podcast together. We are excited to hear from you with any questions, feedback or suggestions for future episodes that you might have. Send a Direct Message to @peach.businessIf you are excited for what’s to come, please like this episode, follow the podcast and share it with your friends. We are thrilled you're here. 👉 Try Rounded free for 30 days The link is for users new to Rounded only and offers a free, unrestricted 30-day free trial of Rounded for users who pay tax in Australia or New Zealand. No credit card needed. Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability. ________________________________________________________________________  This podcast episode was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation and I'd like to acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and water that I live, work and play on. I'd like to pay respect to elders both past and present, and note that sovereignty has never been ceded. This always was and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land. 

We created a free workbook to go with this podcast episode. Grab it here :) Before you market anything… listen to this In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi continues Part 2 of the four-part From Maybe to Yes series. In this episode she’s diving into one of the most misunderstood, high-impact skills in small business: running a great discovery call. Most business owners treat discovery calls like a rushed introduction, a free coaching session, or an awkward pitch. Fi flips that completely. She shows you how to approach the call as an expert, create a calm and welcoming experience, guide the conversation with intention, and recommend the best-fit solution based on your client’s goals, not your guesses. If you’ve ever felt nervous, rambly, or unsure of “what to say” on a discovery call… or if you want to increase your conversion rate without feeling salesy… this episode will feel like a deep exhale. 🎧 Tune in to learn Fi’s framework for confident, ethical, high-conversion discovery calls that turn interested people into enthusiastic clients.   What you'll learn in this episode:  Why discovery calls start before the actual call: Fi breaks down why your sales process begins the moment someone books. From filtering ideal clients to preparing questions, research, and setting expectations: the groundwork is what determines whether the call leads to a yes. How to position yourself as the expert (without being pushy): Fi explains how to confidently lead the conversation, set an agenda at the start of the call, and create a calm, guided experience that helps clients trust your expertise. How to get clients talking about their goals, not just their problems: You'll learn how to uncover what clients really want, what’s currently not working for them, and how to reflect that back so they feel understood, seen, and supported. The power of recommending packages instead of custom quotes: Fi shares why bespoke quoting slows down your sales process, and how having clear packages allows you to confidently recommend the right option on the call. How to handle objections with clarity and ease: Instead of avoiding hesitation, Fi teaches how to invite objections, let clients express all of them openly, and walk through each one with reassurance and expertise. Why discovery calls are also market research gold: Fi explains how to use the language your leads naturally use, their words for their problems, goals, and fears, to strengthen your marketing and improve conversions. How to identify when someone is not the right fit, and still build the relationship: Learn how to gracefully redirect, recommend someone else, and stay in integrity without burning bridges (because referrals and future work often come from these calls). Get the free downloadable workbook HERE to help you apply this Sales Sprint training directly to your business.   ________________________________________________________________________ We’ve come so far as a society in many ways, but money is one of the areas where progress hasn’t been enough. If we want to tip the scales in favour of marginalised people, it starts with understanding the secret: money in small business. In this podcast, Money Secrets, host Fiona (Fi) Johnston, Chartered Accountant, small business advocate, and impact enthusiast, dives into the conversations we need to have about money. The secrets that once stayed behind closed doors (or on the golf course) are finally out in the open. Fi’s mission? To get more money into the hands of good people, like you. She believes small businesses have the power to change the world, and the key to making a bigger impact is to make, and manage, more money. ________________________________________________________________________ Thank you to everyone involved for bringing this podcast together. We are excited to hear from you with any questions, feedback or suggestions for future episodes that you might have. Send a Direct Message to @peach.businessIf you are excited for what’s to come, please like this episode, follow the podcast and share it with your friends. We are thrilled you're here. 👉 Try Rounded free for 30 days The link is for users new to Rounded only and offers a free, unrestricted 30-day free trial of Rounded for users who pay tax in Australia or New Zealand. No credit card needed. Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability. ________________________________________________________________________  This podcast episode was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation and I'd like to acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and water that I live, work and play on. I'd like to pay respect to elders both past and present, and note that sovereignty has never been ceded. This always was and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land. 

We created a free workbook to go with this podcast episode. Grab it here :) Before you market anything… listen to this In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi kicks off a brand-new four-part series called From Maybe to Yes (Sales Sprint), designed to help small business owners boost revenue with clarity, confidence, and strategy. This series begins with one of the most foundational topics: how to attract the right clients. Instead of focusing on tactical marketing tasks, Fi zooms out to the strategic layer: understanding your ideal client, defining the value you provide, and communicating that value in language your customers actually use. Because when you’re crystal clear on who you serve and what they’re trying to achieve, everything in your business becomes easier, from marketing and messaging to sales and conversions. 🎧 Tune in to learn how to define your ideal client, craft an offer they genuinely want, and communicate in a way that makes them immediately recognise that you’re the right fit for them.   What you'll learn in this episode:  Why your ideal client sits at the heart of your business strategy: Fi explains why knowing exactly who you’re speaking to: their goals, challenges, desires, and language, lays the foundation for every decision you make in your business. How to identify the problems your clients are trying to solve: Great offers don’t start with what you do. They start with the transformation your clients want. Fi shows how to look beyond surface-level problems and understand what’s truly getting in their way. The real purpose of your value proposition: Before you talk about features or inclusions, you must be able to articulate the outcome your client is chasing, and how your service or product removes the barriers between them and that outcome. Why jargon kills conversions: Your clients are on page 1, not page 100. Fi breaks down how to communicate in the voice of your customer and why using their own words leads to faster, easier sales. How to make your website actually work for you: Most business owners focus their website on themselves. Fi explains why your homepage and about page should centre your client - who they are, why they’re here, and what they want - and how to make your pricing and call-to-action clear and compelling. The brave move of putting your prices on your website: Fi shares why transparent pricing saves everyone time and why premium pricing requires premium communication, visuals, and brand experience. The crucial step most small business owners miss: You must test your offer in the real world. Fi explores product-market fit and why talking to real people matters more than tinkering behind the scenes. Get the free downloadable workbook HERE to help you apply this Sales Sprint training directly to your business.   ________________________________________________________________________ We’ve come so far as a society in many ways, but money is one of the areas where progress hasn’t been enough. If we want to tip the scales in favour of marginalised people, it starts with understanding the secret: money in small business. In this podcast, Money Secrets, host Fiona (Fi) Johnston, Chartered Accountant, small business advocate, and impact enthusiast, dives into the conversations we need to have about money. The secrets that once stayed behind closed doors (or on the golf course) are finally out in the open. Fi’s mission? To get more money into the hands of good people, like you. She believes small businesses have the power to change the world, and the key to making a bigger impact is to make, and manage, more money. ________________________________________________________________________ Thank you to everyone involved for bringing this podcast together. We are excited to hear from you with any questions, feedback or suggestions for future episodes that you might have. Send a Direct Message to @peach.businessIf you are excited for what’s to come, please like this episode, follow the podcast and share it with your friends. We are thrilled you're here. 👉 Try Rounded free for 30 days The link is for users new to Rounded only and offers a free, unrestricted 30-day free trial of Rounded for users who pay tax in Australia or New Zealand. No credit card needed. Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability. ________________________________________________________________________  This podcast episode was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation and I'd like to acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and water that I live, work and play on. I'd like to pay respect to elders both past and present, and note that sovereignty has never been ceded. This always was and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land. 

From $10 a day to agency CEO: Jarrah Brailey on content, confidence & charging more In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi sits down with social media obsessed agency founder Jarrah Brailey from Jampacked Agency for a behind-the-scenes look at how content, strategy and clever engagement build online communities that make strong businesses.  From secretly setting up a Facebook account at 10 years old and charging $10 a day for her social media services, to leading a fully-remote content and ads agency working with product-based brands around Australia. Jarrah shares what really moves the needle on platforms like Instagram and TikTok – and why your creative is your most important currency.🎧 Tune in for a refreshingly real conversation about organic vs paid, content that actually converts, learning to love your numbers, and the uncomfortable-but-essential process of putting your prices up so you can do your best work. What you'll learn in this episode: Why “one size fits all” content is costing you time and money. How copying the same post across Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and Pinterest signals you “don’t get” the platform. Platform culture 101: TikTok vs Instagram. The key differences in pace, polish and “native” feel between TikTok and Instagram, and why branding-heavy carousels don’t fly everywhere. Organic social as brand builder, not an instant ATM. How to think about organic content as top-of-funnel brand building, and which metrics actually matter (hint: it’s not just sales). Paid ads as a multiplier, not a magic tap. Why ads can’t fix a leaky offer, clunky website or unclear messaging, and what foundations to have in place before you start spending. Creative is currency in paid ads. Why the quality, concept and “scroll-stopping” power of your creative now matters more than ever. Making social media actually sell. Where organic, paid and email each sit in helping people move from curious to converted. Becoming the kind of business owner who can read their numbers. Jarrah’s journey from crying in a meeting with her accountant to confidently logging into Xero, reading her Profit & Loss and making decisions without waiting for permission. Pricing as the unlock for better work and better clients. What happened when Jam Packed’s retainers increased, and why higher prices often mean better results, not just more revenue. Dropping the ego and embracing beginner energy. How allowing yourself to be “the three-year-old on a skateboard” with money and metrics can transform your business faster than pretending you already know it all.  Connect with Jarrah Brailey: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jampacked.agency/ Web: https://jampackedagency.com.au/about-us/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarrah-brailey/________________________________________________________________________ We’ve come so far as a society in many ways, but money is one of the areas where progress hasn’t been enough. If we want to tip the scales in favour of marginalised people, it starts with understanding the secret: money in small business. In this podcast, Money Secrets, host Fiona (Fi) Johnston, Chartered Accountant, small business advocate, and impact enthusiast, dives into the conversations we need to have about money. The secrets that once stayed behind closed doors (or on the golf course) are finally out in the open. Fi’s mission? To get more money into the hands of good people, like you. She believes small businesses have the power to change the world, and the key to making a bigger impact is to make—and manage—more money. ________________________________________________________________________ Thank you to everyone involved for bringing this podcast together. We are excited to hear from you with any questions, feedback or suggestions for future episodes that you might have. Send a DM to @peach.businessIf you are excited for what’s to come, please like this episode, follow the podcast and share it with your friends. We are thrilled you're here. 👉 Try Rounded free for 30 days The link is for users new to Rounded only and offers a free, unrestricted 30-day free trial of Rounded for users who pay tax in Australia or New Zealand. No credit card needed. Want to find out more about Good Money Club? It's for female and non-binary business owners ready to make more money and impact. Join us? Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability. ________________________________________________________________________  This podcast episode was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation and I'd like to acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and water that I live, work and play on. I'd like to pay respect to elders both past and present, and note that sovereignty has never been ceded. This always was and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land.  ________________________________________________________________________

Why you’re not making enough money — and how to fix it In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi breaks down something that if you’re not making enough money, it usually traces back to one of three things: - your pricing, - your business model, - or your money mindset. And the good news? Every one of these three areas is completely fixable. Drawing on 25 years of experience helping small business owners increase their income, improve profitability, and create businesses that support their life and their impact goals, Fi unpacks exactly why these issues show up and the practical steps you can take today to change it. 🎧 Tune in to learn why so many small business owners undercharge, how your business model shapes your earning capacity, and why your thoughts and beliefs about money directly influence your financial results.    What you'll learn in this episode:  Why most small business owners undercharge: The myth of needing to be “affordable” is holding you back more than you think. How your pricing affects everything: A small price change can have a big impact on your profitability. Why you should raise your prices yearly: Not just for inflation, but because your skills, processes, and client results improve every year. How unclear billable vs. non-billable time leads to underpricing: If you don’t know what your work really costs, you can’t price it properly. What your business model actually is: The structure of your products, customers, value, and revenue streams, and why it's the backbone of your strategy. Why “different” matters more than “better”: Positioning yourself uniquely is more powerful than trying to be the best. How client type influences your pricing: The right clients expect to pay more, and your price is a signal that attracts (or repels) them. Why money mindset affects your income: Your beliefs about money influence almost every decision in your business. How to spot your hidden money beliefs: Your behaviours (discounting, hesitating, undercharging) reveal what you really believe. Why you can change your money psychology: Once you understand your patterns, you can shift them and change your financial results.  Resources mentioned in this episode: FREE: 13 Lessons from 13 Years – Learn the Business Rules to Break FREE: How to Price Your Product or Service Business Model Design Program Join the Good Money Club waitlist ________________________________________________________________________ We’ve come so far as a society in many ways, but money is one of the areas where progress hasn’t been enough. If we want to tip the scales in favour of marginalised people, it starts with understanding the secret: money in small business. In this podcast, Money Secrets, host Fiona (Fi) Johnston, Chartered Accountant, small business advocate, and impact enthusiast, dives into the conversations we need to have about money. The secrets that once stayed behind closed doors (or on the golf course) are finally out in the open. Fi’s mission? To get more money into the hands of good people, like you. She believes small businesses have the power to change the world, and the key to making a bigger impact is to make, and manage, more money. ________________________________________________________________________ Thank you to everyone involved for bringing this podcast together. We are excited to hear from you with any questions, feedback or suggestions for future episodes that you might have. Send a Direct Message to @peach.businessIf you are excited for what’s to come, please like this episode, follow the podcast and share it with your friends. We are thrilled you're here. 👉 Try Rounded free for 30 days The link is for users new to Rounded only and offers a free, unrestricted 30-day free trial of Rounded for users who pay tax in Australia or New Zealand. No credit card needed. Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability. ________________________________________________________________________  This podcast episode was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation and I'd like to acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and water that I live, work and play on. I'd like to pay respect to elders both past and present, and note that sovereignty has never been ceded. This always was and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land. 

Stop guessing, start knowing: Kate Toon on money, mistakes & momentum In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi sits down with author, business mentor and digital marketing misfit Kate Toon for a funny, frank, and very real conversation about money, risk, and what success actually looks like over the long haul. From tax debt and fear of being “eaten by cats” in retirement, to hitting seven figures and choosing to scale back for sanity and profit, Kate shares the decisions, mistakes, and mindset shifts that have shaped her business over 16+ years. 🎧 Tune in for a refreshingly honest look at numbers, safety nets, naivety, reinvention and why you should always know (roughly) what’s in your bank account.   What you'll learn in this episode: Know your numbers, know your business: Why Kate believes you should have a rough idea of every bank balance and key monthly expense at all times. From tax debt to clarity: How a painful ATO bill and “end-of-year police” accountant experience pushed her toward Profit First, bookkeepers and daily money dates. Revenue vs profit (and why seven figures isn’t the goal): What happened when Kate crossed $1M in revenue, and why she deliberately chose to earn less but keep more. Minimal Viable Income: How working out “the least I can live on and still feel okay” can make pivots, experiments and downshifting feel safer. Good debt vs bad debt (aka avocado debt): How Kate thinks about mortgages, investment and risk without sliding back into credit-card chaos. Building assets, not just hours: The long game behind her SEO courses, memberships, books and shop, and why most people give up on digital products way too early. Marketing stamina: Why following up more than twice, repeating your offers, and playing the long game matters when it can take years for someone to finally buy. Financial independence after separation: What it took to buy out a partner, hold onto the house, and decide never to outsource money decisions again. Success by ideal day, not by hype: How Kate now defines “enough” as low stress, reasonable profit, variety, and time to float in her beloved backyard pool.   Connect with Kate Toon: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katetoon/?originalSubdomain=au Web: https://www.katetoon.com/ ________________________________________________________________________ We’ve come so far as a society in many ways, but money is one of the areas where progress hasn’t been enough. If we want to tip the scales in favour of marginalised people, it starts with understanding the secret: money in small business. In this podcast, Money Secrets, host Fiona (Fi) Johnston, Chartered Accountant, small business advocate, and impact enthusiast, dives into the conversations we need to have about money. The secrets that once stayed behind closed doors (or on the golf course) are finally out in the open. Fi’s mission? To get more money into the hands of good people, like you. She believes small businesses have the power to change the world, and the key to making a bigger impact is to make—and manage—more money. ________________________________________________________________________ Thank you to everyone involved for bringing this podcast together. We are excited to hear from you with any questions, feedback or suggestions for future episodes that you might have. Send a Direct Message to @peach.businessIf you are excited for what’s to come, please like this episode, follow the podcast and share it with your friends. We are thrilled you're here. 👉 Try Rounded free for 30 days The link is for users new to Rounded only and offers a free, unrestricted 30-day free trial of Rounded for users who pay tax in Australia or New Zealand. No credit card needed. Want to find out more about Good Money Club? It's for female and non-binary business owners ready to make more money and impact. Join us? Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability. ________________________________________________________________________  This podcast episode was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation and I'd like to acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and water that I live, work and play on. I'd like to pay respect to elders both past and present, and note that sovereignty has never been ceded. This always was and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land.  ________________________________________________________________________

Manifesting for small business: how clarity + action create real results In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi lifts the veil on a topic that people often misunderstand: manifesting. But instead of the fluffy, magical thinking you might see on Instagram, Fi brings 25 years of real small-business experience and the neuroscience-backed approach that explains why manifesting works, and how to use it strategically.Fi breaks down the difference between wishful thinking and the powerful combination of clarity, intentional thought, and consistent action. Whether you’re manifesting your first $100K year, more confidence, or better business opportunities, this episode shows how to turn your thoughts into movement, and movement into results.🎧 Tune in to explore the science of focus, the power of speaking goals out loud, and why small business owners must pair mindset with action to create the outcomes they want.  What you'll learn in this episode:  Why manifesting does work: Fi explains how manifesting is really a clarity practice + behavioural shift, not a lightning bolt from the universe. The neuroscience behind manifesting: Dr Tara Swart’s work shows that when you repeat a goal often, in your mind, writing, or voice, your brain starts noticing opportunities that were always there (Hello, white Toyota Corolla effect). Why clarity is the true foundation: You cannot manifest what you cannot name. Fi shares why speaking your goals out loud to a trusted person can fast-track clarity. How repeating your goals changes your behaviour: When you keep telling yourself, “I want to make $100K this year,” you show up differently. You market more, network more, back yourself more, and take smarter action. Why community and coaching make manifesting more powerful: Speaking your goals out loud helps create clarity, accountability, and momentum, which is why Good Money Club is built around thinking, planning, and acting together. The importance of mapping out the how: Once you know the goal, the next step is breaking down the actions that get you there, something Fi teaches and supports inside Good Money Club. Free Resources mentioned in this episode: 13 Lessons from 13 Years – Learn the Business Rules to Break How to Price Your Product or Service ________________________________________________________________________ We’ve come so far as a society in many ways, but money is one of the areas where progress hasn’t been enough. If we want to tip the scales in favour of marginalised people, it starts with understanding the secret: money in small business. In this podcast, Money Secrets, host Fiona (Fi) Johnston, Chartered Accountant, small business advocate, and impact enthusiast, dives into the conversations we need to have about money. The secrets that once stayed behind closed doors (or on the golf course) are finally out in the open. Fi’s mission? To get more money into the hands of good people, like you. She believes small businesses have the power to change the world, and the key to making a bigger impact is to make, and manage, more money. ________________________________________________________________________ Thank you to everyone involved for bringing this podcast together. We are excited to hear from you with any questions, feedback or suggestions for future episodes that you might have. Send a Direct Message to @peach.businessIf you are excited for what’s to come, please like this episode, follow the podcast and share it with your friends. We are thrilled you're here. 👉 Try Rounded free for 30 days The link is for users new to Rounded only and offers a free, unrestricted 30-day free trial of Rounded for users who pay tax in Australia or New Zealand. No credit card needed. Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability. ________________________________________________________________________  This podcast episode was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation and I'd like to acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and water that I live, work and play on. I'd like to pay respect to elders both past and present, and note that sovereignty has never been ceded. This always was and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land. 

Turning Big Ideas into Reality In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi pulls back the curtain on the biggest project she’s ever brought to life: Ripple Festival. What began as a wild idea over coffee with her business bestie, Mia Fileman, became a full-scale celebration of small business, creativity, and community. Fi shares what it really took to transform an optimistic dream into a two-day festival, from over-programming and sleepless nights to building in public and learning from every misstep. She reflects on the joy, stress, and sheer courage it takes to create something completely new for small business owners who crave more than another predictable conference. If you’re listening in real time, Ripple Festival is happening today and tomorrow, and there’s still time to join us. Tickets are available for both days at ripplefestival.au, and you can grab yours right up until the gates open. 🎧 Tune in to hear what it takes to turn an idea into impact — and how Fi and Mia built a festival that celebrates the heart, diversity, and brilliance of small business.   What you'll learn in this episode:  The story behind Ripple Festival, and how it evolved from a spark of optimism into a full-scale event. What “building in public” really means and how it can build trust, courage, and community. The lessons Fi learned from getting things wrong, and why iteration matters more than perfection. How Ripple’s program was designed to serve established small business owners with purpose and profit in mind. The importance of embedding impact and inclusivity into every stage of business growth. Why creativity and community are the future of small business, not hustle and hype. The emotional reality of leading a large-scale project: pressure, risk, and deep pride. What Fi hopes every attendee takes away from Ripple: clarity, connection, and confidence to do business differently.  ________________________________________________________________________ We’ve come so far as a society in many ways, but money is one of the areas where progress hasn’t been enough. If we want to tip the scales in favour of marginalised people, it starts with understanding the secret: money in small business. In this podcast, Money Secrets, host Fiona (Fi) Johnston, Chartered Accountant, small business advocate, and impact enthusiast, dives into the conversations we need to have about money. The secrets that once stayed behind closed doors (or on the golf course) are finally out in the open. Fi’s mission? To get more money into the hands of good people, like you. She believes small businesses have the power to change the world, and the key to making a bigger impact is to make—and manage—more money. ________________________________________________________________________ Thank you to everyone involved for bringing this podcast together. We are excited to hear from you with any questions, feedback or suggestions for future episodes that you might have. Send a Direct Message to @peach.businessIf you are excited for what’s to come, please like this episode, follow the podcast and share it with your friends. We are thrilled you're here. 👉 Try Rounded free for 30 days The link is for users new to Rounded only and offers a free, unrestricted 30-day free trial of Rounded for users who pay tax in Australia or New Zealand. No credit card needed. Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability. ________________________________________________________________________  This podcast episode was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation and I'd like to acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and water that I live, work and play on. I'd like to pay respect to elders both past and present, and note that sovereignty has never been ceded. This always was and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land. 

The $30,000 mindset shift every small business owner needs In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi digs into one of the biggest mindset and strategy gaps in small business: paying yourself properly. If you’ve ever caught yourself working hard but not seeing it reflected in your bank account, this one’s for you.Fi breaks down why obsessing over $30 subscriptions won’t move the needle, and how focusing on $30,000 decisions (the kind that grow revenue and build assets) changes everything. She shares practical advice from the Profit First framework, explains which expenses actually matter, and shows how to make smarter, higher-impact moves in your business.🎧 Tune in to learn how to shift from survival mode to sustainable profit, and finally start paying yourself what you deserve.   What you'll learn in this episode:  Why paying yourself first isn’t selfish, it’s smart business strategy. How Profit First helps you see money clearly by splitting income into multiple accounts for people, profit, expenses, and tax. The 25% rule: why no more than a quarter of your income should go to operating expenses (excluding wages or product). Why reducing costs only takes you so far, and increasing revenue takes you much further. $30 vs $30,000 decisions: how to stop overthinking small costs and start engineering big, strategic wins. What smarter spending looks like: investing in assets that compound, like branding, training, and marketing. The “revenue-first” mindset shift that turns stress into momentum and growth. How to attract premium clients who value your work and pay accordingly. Why long-term thinking (not penny-pinching) is the key to sustainable profit.  ________________________________________________________________________ We’ve come so far as a society in many ways, but money is one of the areas where progress hasn’t been enough. If we want to tip the scales in favour of marginalised people, it starts with understanding the secret: money in small business. In this podcast, Money Secrets, host Fiona (Fi) Johnston, Chartered Accountant, small business advocate, and impact enthusiast, dives into the conversations we need to have about money. The secrets that once stayed behind closed doors (or on the golf course) are finally out in the open. Fi’s mission? To get more money into the hands of good people, like you. She believes small businesses have the power to change the world, and the key to making a bigger impact is to make—and manage—more money. ________________________________________________________________________ Thank you to everyone involved for bringing this podcast together. We are excited to hear from you with any questions, feedback or suggestions for future episodes that you might have. Send a Direct Message to @peach.businessIf you are excited for what’s to come, please like this episode, follow the podcast and share it with your friends. We are thrilled you're here. 👉 Try Rounded free for 30 days The link is for users new to Rounded only and offers a free, unrestricted 30-day free trial of Rounded for users who pay tax in Australia or New Zealand. No credit card needed. Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability. ________________________________________________________________________  This podcast episode was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation and I'd like to acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and water that I live, work and play on. I'd like to pay respect to elders both past and present, and note that sovereignty has never been ceded. This always was and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land. 

Profit First, Cashflow Reality, and Trusting Yourself with Money Psst! Ever wondered what it’s really like inside Good Money Club? In this sneak peek episode of Money Secrets, Fi gets real about the thing that breaks (and builds) small businesses: cashflow. If you’ve ever obsessed over cutting costs while quietly avoiding the bigger question: how do I bring in more? this insight to one of our recent club sessions, “How to Manage Your Money” is the perspective shift you need. Fi explains why revenue can be vanity, profit is sanity, and cash (money in the bank) is reality. She shares a practical walk-through of Profit First — the simple system that helps you pay yourself first, reduce stress, and make confident decisions about where every dollar goes. 🎧 Tune in to hear how a few weekly habits, a handful of bank accounts, and a mindset reset can turn “mo’ money, mo’ problems” into clarity, control, and sustainable growth. What you’ll learn in this episode:  Cash ≠ revenue: Why “money in the bank and how it moves” is the metric that matters most. The growth trap: How fast growth (new team, inventory, expansion) creates cashflow crunches, and how to plan for the lag between expenses and income. Self-trust with money: The subtle ways we sabotage revenue (discounting, slow follow-ups) and how to build evidence that you are good with money. Profit First 101: Flip the formula to Income - Profit = Expenses. Use multiple bank accounts (Income, People/Owner’s Pay, Expenses, Tax, Profit). Pay yourself first, then profit, then expenses; the ATO last (allocated weekly). Make temptation harder: Keep profit/tax out of sight (even in a separate bank) if you tend to spend what you see. Enforce a rhythm: Why weekly transfers make the system stick (habits > heroic bursts). Credit cards = muddy water: How available credit blurs your true expense limits and fuels overspend. Toothpaste rule: Use only what’s needed — even when the tube’s full, so you invest intentionally, not impulsively. Slice the pie with percentages: Clear Monday-morning allocations so you always know what you can actually spend. Think bigger than $30 decisions: Spend less time agonising over micro-costs and more time engineering $30k decisions that grow revenue.    ________________________________________________________________________ We’ve come so far as a society in many ways, but money is one of the areas where progress hasn’t been enough. If we want to tip the scales in favour of marginalised people, it starts with understanding the secret: money in small business. In this podcast, Money Secrets, host Fiona (Fi) Johnston, Chartered Accountant, small business advocate, and impact enthusiast, dives into the conversations we need to have about money. The secrets that once stayed behind closed doors (or on the golf course) are finally out in the open. Fi’s mission? To get more money into the hands of good people, like you. She believes small businesses have the power to change the world, and the key to making a bigger impact is to make—and manage—more money. ________________________________________________________________________ Thank you to everyone involved for bringing this podcast together. We are excited to hear from you with any questions, feedback or suggestions for future episodes that you might have. Send a Direct Message to @peach.businessIf you are excited for what’s to come, please like this episode, follow the podcast and share it with your friends. We are thrilled you're here. 👉 Try Rounded free for 30 days The link is for users new to Rounded only and offers a free, unrestricted 30-day free trial of Rounded for users who pay tax in Australia or New Zealand. No credit card needed. Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability. ________________________________________________________________________  This podcast episode was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation and I'd like to acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and water that I live, work and play on. I'd like to pay respect to elders both past and present, and note that sovereignty has never been ceded. This always was and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land. 

The most misunderstood resource in small business: Time In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi dives into one of the biggest struggles small business owners face:  time. If you’ve ever said, “I just don’t have time to work on my business,” this one’s for you. Drawing from 25 years of experience working with small business owners, Fi shares why time is not just a resource but the most valuable (and most misunderstood) asset you have. She explains how shifting focus from doing more to doing less, intentionally can create space for clarity, growth, and better financial outcomes. From undercharging and over-servicing to prioritising short-term client work over long-term brand building, Fi unpacks the patterns that keep business owners stuck in survival mode and offers a roadmap to reclaiming your time. 🎧 Tune in to learn how investing time in strategy, mentoring, and self-reflection can free you from the overwhelm, and why doing less might just be the smartest move for your business. What you'll learn in this episode:  Why time is the most valuable (and misunderstood) resource in small business. How investing time in strategy, mentoring, and reflection actually reduces your workload. The financial impact of prioritising client work over your own business growth. How to identify when you’re undercharging or over-servicing, and how to stop. The importance of building boundaries, pricing for value, and working with the right clients. Why talking about your business (in a mastermind, mentoring, or group setting) delivers exponential return on effort. How long-term thinking (not constant hustle) leads to more profit, more freedom, and more impact.  ________________________________________________________________________ We’ve come so far as a society in many ways, but money is one of the areas where progress hasn’t been enough. If we want to tip the scales in favour of marginalised people, it starts with understanding the secret: money in small business. In this podcast, Money Secrets, host Fiona (Fi) Johnston, Chartered Accountant, small business advocate, and impact enthusiast, dives into the conversations we need to have about money. The secrets that once stayed behind closed doors (or on the golf course) are finally out in the open. Fi’s mission? To get more money into the hands of good people, like you. She believes small businesses have the power to change the world, and the key to making a bigger impact is to make—and manage—more money. ________________________________________________________________________ Thank you to everyone involved for bringing this podcast together. We are excited to hear from you with any questions, feedback or suggestions for future episodes that you might have. Send a Direct Message to @peach.businessIf you are excited for what’s to come, please like this episode, follow the podcast and share it with your friends. We are thrilled you're here. 👉 Try Rounded free for 30 days The link is for users new to Rounded only and offers a free, unrestricted 30-day free trial of Rounded for users who pay tax in Australia or New Zealand. No credit card needed. Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability. ________________________________________________________________________  This podcast episode was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation and I'd like to acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and water that I live, work and play on. I'd like to pay respect to elders both past and present, and note that sovereignty has never been ceded. This always was and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land. 

Why naivety might just be the secret ingredient to big ideas In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi takes us behind the scenes of Ripple Festival, a two-day event born from an idea over coffee that’s grown into an impact led mission to celebrate small business in a way that feels nothing like a traditional conference. Fi reflects on what it really takes to bring big ideas to life, why naivety is a gift (not a weakness), and how she and co-founder Mia Fileman have navigated the chaos, creativity, and courage that come with building something from scratch. From ethics and branding to programming, partnerships, and paying everyone fairly. Fi shares the messy, meaningful reality of doing business differently. If you’ve ever launched something ambitious and thought, “Wow, this is harder than I imagined,”  this one’s for you. 🎧 Tune in to hear Fi share the real story behind Ripple Festival — the late nights, bold decisions, and beautiful chaos that prove naivety might just be a business superpower.   What you'll learn in this episode:  The power (and purpose) of naivety when starting something new. What it really takes to build a two-day festival from the ground up. How Fi and Mia built Ripple Festival’s ethical framework and stuck to it. The behind-the-scenes of running an event that pays everyone fairly. Why optimism and grit are essential ingredients for small business owners. The importance of building community, not just events. Big ideas always take more time, money, and courage than you think,  but they’re worth it.  ________________________________________________________________________ We’ve come so far as a society in many ways, but money is one of the areas where progress hasn’t been enough. If we want to tip the scales in favour of marginalised people, it starts with understanding the secret: money in small business. In this podcast, Money Secrets, host Fiona (Fi) Johnston, Chartered Accountant, small business advocate, and impact enthusiast, dives into the conversations we need to have about money. The secrets that once stayed behind closed doors (or on the golf course) are finally out in the open. Fi’s mission? To get more money into the hands of good people, like you. She believes small businesses have the power to change the world, and the key to making a bigger impact is to make—and manage—more money. ________________________________________________________________________ Thank you to everyone involved for bringing this podcast together. We are excited to hear from you with any questions, feedback or suggestions for future episodes that you might have. Send a Direct Message to @peach.businessIf you are excited for what’s to come, please like this episode, follow the podcast and share it with your friends. We are thrilled you're here. 👉 Try Rounded free for 30 days The link is for users new to Rounded only and offers a free, unrestricted 30-day free trial of Rounded for users who pay tax in Australia or New Zealand. No credit card needed. Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability. ________________________________________________________________________  This podcast episode was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation and I'd like to acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and water that I live, work and play on. I'd like to pay respect to elders both past and present, and note that sovereignty has never been ceded. This always was and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land.  ________________________________________________________________________

Software that is here to actually fit your business, thanks to Rounded. In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi sits down with Grant McCall — founder and Head of Product at Rounded, the beautifully simple accounting and invoicing app built specifically for Australian freelancers and sole traders. From teenage garage coder to UX-led product leader, Grant shares how he turned spreadsheet pain into a purpose-built tool, why words matter as much as code, and what it actually takes to build (and keep improving) software for real humans. 🎧 Tune in for a refreshingly candid look at product, pricing, team, emotions, and the future of simple money tools for sole traders.    What you'll learn in this episode:  From spreadsheets to software: Why the big incumbents weren’t cutting it for sole traders — and how Rounded was designed around money in / money out simplicity. Language > jargon: How UX copy and plain English reduce fear, build confidence, and help non-accountants actually use their numbers. The rise of the sole trader: What Grant’s seeing across the Australian market, and how tech is making independence more accessible. Build the right thing (and say no): The art of choosing features, resisting bloat, and staying laser-focused on one customer: sole traders. Integrations & consolidation: Why subscription fatigue is real — and how Rounded thinks about bringing key workflows under one roof. Remote team, real rhythm: How a fully distributed crew ships product asynchronously across time zones (and keeps customers front and centre). Lessons from 10 years in SaaS: Everything takes longer than you think, tech debt is real, and customer focus is a moat. The human side of founding: Stress happens — why talking it out, naming the problem, and leaning on your team changes everything. What’s next for Rounded: Continuous invoicing improvements, practical additions (think mileage tracking), and smarter data flows that keep things simple at EOFY and BAS time.   Connect with Grant: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantmccall/ ________________________________________________________________________ We’ve come so far as a society in many ways, but money is one of the areas where progress hasn’t been enough. If we want to tip the scales in favour of marginalised people, it starts with understanding the secret: money in small business. In this podcast, Money Secrets, host Fiona (Fi) Johnston, Chartered Accountant, small business advocate, and impact enthusiast, dives into the conversations we need to have about money. The secrets that once stayed behind closed doors (or on the golf course) are finally out in the open. Fi’s mission? To get more money into the hands of good people, like you. She believes small businesses have the power to change the world, and the key to making a bigger impact is to make—and manage—more money. ________________________________________________________________________ Thank you to everyone involved for bringing this podcast together. We are excited to hear from you with any questions, feedback or suggestions for future episodes that you might have. Send a Direct Message to @peach.businessIf you are excited for what’s to come, please like this episode, follow the podcast and share it with your friends. We are thrilled you're here. 👉 Try Rounded free for 30 days The link is for users new to Rounded only and offers a free, unrestricted 30-day free trial of Rounded for users who pay tax in Australia or New Zealand. No credit card needed. Want to find out more about Good Money Club? It's for female and non-binary business owners ready to make more money and impact. Join us? Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability. ________________________________________________________________________  This podcast episode was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation and I'd like to acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and water that I live, work and play on. I'd like to pay respect to elders both past and present, and note that sovereignty has never been ceded. This always was and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land.  ________________________________________________________________________

Making more money starts with managing what you already have. The doors to Good Money Club are open now. In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi shares why learning to manage your money is actually the key to making more of it — and how simple systems like Profit First can transform your confidence, clarity, and pricing. So many small business owners think they need to be making more money before learning how to manage it… but the truth is, learning to manage your money is what unlocks your ability to earn more. 🎧 Tune in for mindset shifts, money management tools, and practical strategies to help you feel confident, calm, and in control of your finances. Want to find out more about Good Money Club? It's designed for female and non-binary business owners ready to make more money and impact. The doors to Good Money Club are open now. It's the last time the program will open this year, and the only way to work with Fi until next year. Join us? What you'll learn in this episode:  Why learning to manage your money is the key to making more — and how fear of money can quietly block your revenue. How the Profit First method works (and why it brings calm and clarity to your finances). The power of using percentages to plan your income — and see instantly if your pricing is sustainable. Separating your money into different bank accounts creates confidence and clarity about where your money goes. How understanding your real take-home pay can help you set brave, sustainable prices. Why building money confidence often starts with simply trusting yourself to manage the money you already have. ________________________________________________________________________ We’ve come so far as a society in many ways, but money is one of the areas where progress hasn’t been enough. If we want to tip the scales in favour of marginalised people, it starts with understanding the secret: money in small business. In this podcast, Money Secrets, host Fiona (Fi) Johnston, Chartered Accountant, small business advocate, and impact enthusiast, dives into the conversations we need to have about money. The secrets that once stayed behind closed doors (or on the golf course) are finally out in the open. Fi’s mission? To get more money into the hands of good people, like you. She believes small businesses have the power to change the world, and the key to making a bigger impact is to make—and manage—more money. ________________________________________________________________________ Thank you to everyone involved for bringing this podcast together. We are excited to hear from you with any questions, feedback or suggestions for future episodes that you might have. Send a Direct Message to @peach.businessIf you are excited for what’s to come, please like this episode, follow the podcast and share it with your friends. We are thrilled you're here. 👉 Try Rounded free for 30 days The link is for users new to Rounded only and offers a free, unrestricted 30-day free trial of Rounded for users who pay tax in Australia or New Zealand. No credit card needed. Check out my FREE Pricing Training you need to set your prices for profitability. ________________________________________________________________________  This podcast episode was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation and I'd like to acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and water that I live, work and play on. I'd like to pay respect to elders both past and present, and note that sovereignty has never been ceded. This always was and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land.  ________________________________________________________________________