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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to subscribe to our weekly email.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to subscribe to our weekly email.

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

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

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

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