Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Tips for the upcoming tax cuts Every Aussie taxpayer will receive a pay rise on July 1 with the new stage three tax cuts kicking in, and it couldn’t come at a better time as millions struggle with a cost of living crisis. No doubt some of this pay… Read more
You might have a mental image of data breaches happening only at big institutions like banks, password managers, or even government agencies. But the truth is, any website that stores personal information can be vulnerable to a breach. Now, not all breaches are created equal, and the impact on individuals and businesses can vary greatly. But hey, don’t panic just yet! We’re here to lend a helping hand and shed… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Treasurer knocks back recession concern but admits ‘uncertain times’ Treasurer Jim Chalmers has insisted Australia is not heading for a recession, despite the economy recording its weakest growth in nearly three years. GDP growth falls to just 0.1% as household cutbacks put handbrake on Australia’s economy Australia’s economy all… Read more
Financial models are invaluable tools designed to help you understand and project the financial health of your business. By simulating different scenarios and examining potential outcomes based on various inputs like sales growth, margins, and cash flow, these models provide a comprehensive picture that aids in informed decision-making. Practical steps for leveraging financial models: 1. Planning and forecasting Start by creating a base financial model incorporating your current financial data.… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Fair Work Commission increases minimum wage by 3.75% The Fair Work Commission (FWC) will increase the minimum wage for employees by 3.75%, factoring in tough economic conditions with long-term goals such as closing the gender pay gap. The new National Minimum Wage and awards wages will go into effect… Read more
As a small business owner, juggling multiple responsibilities is the norm. With June 30 fast approaching, understanding superannuation can save you a lot of headaches and potentially a lot of money. Let’s dive into the key aspects of superannuation you need to be aware of before the end of the financial year. Annual contribution limits for superannuation Concessional Contributions Concessional contributions are pre-tax contributions such as employer contributions and salary-sacrificed… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Have you made payments to non-residents? If you make interest, dividend or royalty payments to non-residents, you may need to pay and report withholding tax. Lendlease abandoning offshore markets to recycle $4.5b into Australian opportunities Development and construction giant Lendlease Group has taken a major step to scale back… Read more
Starting a business is a wild ride with its fair share of ups and downs. One hurdle many new entrepreneurs encounter is the difference between the profits they expected and the hard cash available at the financial year-end. This guide aims to alleviate these concerns by shedding light on where your missing revenue might be hiding. Possible causes of missing profits There may be several reasons why your business has… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. 2024 Federal Budget – NAB Economic Commentary The NAB Economics team has responded to the 2024 Federal Budget, providing commentary on what it means for health, small and medium business, education and individuals. Victoria passes legislation to phase out stamp duty on commercial and industrial properties Victoria’s transition from… Read more
When Treasurer Jim Chalmers handed down the 2024-25 Federal Budget on 14 May 2024, it was clear that the government had a diverse range of objectives. From offering tax cuts to supporting vulnerable groups, the budget is packed with measures aimed at stimulating economic growth and providing relief. Let’s unpack the key points from this year’s budget, focusing on how they impact small businesses. Tax Incentives and Extensions Instant Asset… Read more
Ever felt like the term “current ratio” sounds like something straight out of a high school mathematics class that you’d rather forget? You’re not alone. But here’s the thing – understanding the current ratio can be a game-changer for managing your business’s financial health. Here’s a simple breakdown. What is the Current Ratio? In the simplest terms, the current ratio measures your business’s ability to pay off its short-term obligations… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. ATO flags 3 key focus areas for this tax time As ‘tax time’ approaches, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has announced it will be taking a close look at 3 common errors being made by taxpayers: Incorrectly claiming work-related expenses; inflating claims for rental properties; failing to include all… Read more
Most businesses understand that customer satisfaction is crucial to their success. Happy customers are more likely to remain loyal, refer others, and leave positive reviews. This trend has only been amplified by social media and online review sites, where negative feedback can spread quickly and damage a company’s reputation. In an increasingly competitive marketplace, having an effective customer service system is no longer enough: you need to be able to… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. New report reveals concerning reality about superannuation accounts Two-thirds of Australians don’t feel that their superannuation is in a good position for their age, new research has revealed. Data from the Australian Retirement Trust (ART) found that only 37 per cent of Australians know how to manage their super investment… Read more
The working environment of the past 2 years has brought the concept of burnout to the forefront. Unexpected work-from-home situations, juggling the new normal, and mental fatigue have all contributed to the issue. Recognizing employee burnout and having a plan to address it will ensure you retain employees and keep your company healthy. 1. Ensure everyone takes their time off In an attempt to appear as though they can handle… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Australia’s economy ‘turned out stronger’ than expected AMP Chief Economist Shane Oliver says Australia’s economy has “turned out stronger” than expected. Annual inflation dipped to 3.6 per cent in the year to March. It is down from 4.1 per cent in the 12 months to December. Economists say the result… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Unemployment better than expected, dampening hopes of early rates cut Australia’s unemployment rate has risen slightly to 3.8 per cent after 6600 jobs were lost in March, a stronger-than-expected result that will likely end any chance of a mid-year interest rate cut. Macquarie Bank slapped with $10m fine after failing to… Read more
In the world of small businesses, positive cash flow is king. It’s the driving force that keeps your business engine running smoothly, covering all your liabilities. But what happens when outflow exceeds inflow? Cash flow problems ensue, threatening the survival and growth of your business. These cash flow problems can originate from a variety of sources including macroeconomic issues like recessions, natural disasters, and wars, as well as microeconomic issues… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Australia’s economy: A mixed bag with signs of slowdown Amidst a backdrop of economic intricacies and evolving market dynamics, Australia’s fiscal landscape is both nuanced and volatile. As the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) maintains a cautious stance, retaining the cash rate in its recent deliberations, the nation’s economic… Read more
The unfortunate reality is most business owners don’t take proper holidays. Usually this is because their business relies on them and they don’t have the support to keep the business running without them. As a business owner, have you ever considered what would happen to the business if you had to take a six months break because of a serious illness or injury? Would the business survive? How would the… Read more