Running your own business means juggling a lot, sales, staff, operations, marketing, and more. But while you're busy growing the business, it's easy to overlook some of the financial traps that could put your personal assets or future at risk.

Many business owners don’t even realise they're vulnerable until something goes wrong, a tax issue, a client dispute, or a cash flow crisis.

For many small business owners, accounting is a necessary, but not always exciting part of running a company. Unfortunately, that mindset can lead to believing common myths that hurt your bottom line.

Whether it’s thinking bookkeeping can wait or assuming your software does all the work, these misunderstandings can lead to missed opportunities, compliance issues, or costly mistakes.

Bringing on a business partner can be one of the most exciting and risky decisions you’ll ever make in business. The right partner can bring skills, capital, and fresh energy to help you grow faster. Before you shake hands or sign anything, it’s crucial to step back and evaluate whether a partnership truly serves your goals and if so, how to make it work from the start.

Starting or growing a business comes with both opportunity and risk. While it’s easy to get caught up in sales, branding, and day-to-day operations, one critical area that often gets overlooked is asset protection.

Without the right structure, your personal savings, home, or other assets could be at risk if something goes wrong in your business.

If you’ve been following the headlines, you’ll know the US has just increased tariffs on New Zealand exports from 10% to 15% — a surprise change that puts us at a disadvantage compared to countries like Australia, the UK, Argentina, and Uruguay, who still sit at 10%.

While tariffs might feel like a “big business” problem, they can ripple through the entire economy and that includes small businesses here in New Zealand.

In today’s fast-moving business environment, small businesses face increasing pressure to make well-informed decisions quickly.

Whether you're running a local café, a boutique agency, or an e-commerce store, having a clear and accurate picture of your financial position is crucial. This is where better financial reporting comes into play.

While it may seem like just another administrative task, robust financial reporting can be a powerful tool for driving growth.

If you’re a business owner considering purchasing new equipment, tools, or technology, pause for a moment. A new tax incentive called the Investment Boost could help you save more than you think.

The rules around asset purchases are changing, and with it comes an opportunity to improve your cash flow and reduce your tax bill. But timing and eligibility are everything—so before you click “buy now,” here’s what you need to know.

You don’t need to be a finance expert to run a successful business, but understanding your key financial metrics can make a world of difference. Financial KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) help you measure how well your business is really doing, beyond just “money in, money out.”

By regularly tracking a small set of meaningful KPIs, you can make smarter decisions, catch problems early, and drive more consistent growth.

Every business, regardless of size or industry, has one essential number it must understand to operate sustainably, the break-even point. This figure shows the minimum revenue needed to cover all your costs, and without knowing it, you're essentially flying blind.

For small business owners, understanding your break-even point helps set realistic sales goals, price goods and services strategically, and manage financial risk with greater clarity and confidence.

When was the last time you checked how much interest your money is earning? If you’ve got a decent sum sitting in a transaction account, chances are you’re missing out on hundreds - if not thousands - of dollars in passive income.

Budget 2025 has been unveiled, and while it’s a lean one, it brings some important changes for businesses across Aotearoa. 

For Kiwi businesses, two key announcements stand out: the Investment Boost and changes to KiwiSaver. Let’s take a closer look at what these mean for you.

If you’re a contractor, it can be challenging to manage a hectic schedule and complex projects, all while ensuring your paperwork, documents, and contracts are in order.

It’s important to keep a paper trail of your work and practice due diligence. Keeping all your working documents in order shows that you treat your business, customers, and subcontractors responsibly.

Consumers today are looking for honesty and openness. A transparent pricing strategy not only builds trust but also positions your business as reliable and straightforward. Consumers are increasingly wary of manipulative marketing and opaque sales tactics.

As a small business owner, differentiating yourself by maintaining transparent pricing can be a game-changer.

Setting financial goals for your business may be one of your most important responsibilities as a leader and business owner. Your financial goals serve as far more than wishful projections, they form the backbone of your road map for success, internal and external. 

Let's explore how you can set and track financial goals that empower your business to thrive.

A no-cost opportunity to pause, reflect, and refocus your business strategy with expert support.

Running a business often means juggling a hundred things at once, and it’s easy to lose sight of your long-term goals. 

Our Complimentary Client Review Meeting is designed to give you the space and support to step back, reflect, and plan your next move. 

Profit doesn’t always mean more cash in the bank, many businesses learn that the hard way. That’s why we offer a Cashflow & Profit Improvement Meeting, designed to help you understand where your money’s going and what steps you can take to improve both profitability and cashflow.

Running a business can sometimes feel like a solo mission. Between putting out fires and handling day-to-day operations, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. That’s where our Quarterly Coaching service comes in — a structured programme designed to help you stay accountable, make informed decisions, and keep your goals front and centre.

Your Annual Accounts are more than just numbers—they tell the story of your business. Understanding them is key to making informed financial decisions and planning for the future. That’s why we offer an Annual Accounts Review Meeting, a dedicated session to help you interpret your financial reports, understand your tax commitments, and identify opportunities for improvement.

Running a business is demanding, and it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind. But have you taken the time to step back and think about where your business is headed? That’s why we offer The Affinity Discovery Meeting, a free, no-obligation consultation designed to help you gain clarity and explore how we can support your business.

Understanding financial statements might sound daunting, but it's crucial for small business owners to stay on top of their game. Each financial report offers unique insights into different aspects of your company's health. This listicle will break down the essentials, helping you make informed decisions and ultimately steer your business toward success.