Money Secrets

In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi shares a real behind-the-scenes story from planning the Ripple Retreat and how a frustrating customer experience sparked this episode about sales, communication, and the way small business owners make things harder for themselves. After trying to book a winery tour for a group retreat, Fi found herself receiving a $5,000 invoice before her questions had even been answered, followed by repeated payment reminders and no follow up info. This is a powerful example of how many businesses unintentionally lose trust, connection, and sales momentum during the inquiry process. From proposals and follow-ups to personalisation and communication, this episode is packed with practical reminders about what actually helps people feel confident enough to buy. 🎧 Tune in to learn how thoughtful communication, stronger sales processes, and a more intentional customer experience can make making money feel easier. 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.   What you'll learn in this episode: Why leads should be treated with more care and attention. A new enquiry is a real opportunity, and communication shapes whether someone chooses to work with you. How poor communication can quietly lose sales. Sending invoices too early or failing to answer questions can create friction and reduce trust. Why a proposal can strengthen your sales process. A thoughtful proposal helps clients feel confident and understand what makes your business different. The importance of making clients feel seen and understood. Personalised communication and thoughtful follow-up help clients feel supported and respected. How follow-ups can build trust instead of pressure. Great follow-ups answer questions, offer reassurance, and strengthen the relationship. How small tweaks can make making money easier. Simple improvements to your systems and communication can significantly improve the client experience. The role of customer experience in standing out from competitors. The way you guide people through the enquiry process matters more than you think. How small business owners unintentionally make things harder for themselves. Many businesses focus on getting leads, but not enough on nurturing them. Why respecting the size of a client investment matters. Clients spending thousands of dollars want to feel informed, reassured, and looked after. How better systems can create calmer, more sustainable growth. Thoughtful sales processes reduce confusion and help business feel more intentional. 💡 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)Peach Weekly - Sign up for sharp, practical business thinking delivered straight to your inbox. Say hi: [email protected]  ________________________________________________________________________ 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 can change the world, but only if we're making money and managing it well. ________________________________________________________________________ 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. 

In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi breaks dives into something so many business owners experience: making money is not the same as having money. Even when revenue is strong, it’s common to still feel stressed, stretched, and unsure where the money is actually going. Fi explains why this happens, especially during busy or growth periods, and shares practical ways to manage your money more intentionally. From understanding your ideal client to implementing Profit First, creating spaciousness in your day, and addressing scope creep, this episode is packed with tested advice to help you make money, and keep it. 🎧 Tune in to learn how to manage your money while your business and your wellbeing. 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.  What you'll learn in this episode:  Making money is not the same as having money. Bringing in revenue doesn’t guarantee financial stability, how you manage that money is what creates profit and security. How to increase revenue by focusing on the right clients. The clients you can do your best work for, and who value it most, are how to make more money with less effort. Why business growth can lead to financial stress. Growth periods bring higher revenue, but also more pressure, longer hours, and increased (often unseen) spending. How stress and busyness impact your spending habits. When you’re overwhelmed, it’s easy to make quick, reactive decisions that lead to higher expenses and less profit. How Profit First helps you manage your money more effectively. Setting clear percentages for profit, pay, and expenses creates structure and helps you keep more of what you earn. Why slowing down leads to better financial decisions. Creating space in your day, your schedule, and your thinking helps you move from reactive spending to intentional choices. How over-delivering and scope creep affect profitability. Doing more than what clients are paying for can quietly reduce your margins and increase stress. The connection between your nervous system and your money. Feeling frantic or overwhelmed can drive spending, learning to regulate yourself is part of managing your finances. How to build a business that actually keeps money. With the right systems, pricing, and pace, you can move from just making money to creating real financial stability. 💡 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)Peach Weekly - Sign up for sharp, practical business thinking delivered straight to your inbox. Say hi: [email protected]  ________________________________________________________________________ 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 can change the world, but only if we're making money and managing it well. ________________________________________________________________________ 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. 

This episode of Money Secrets looks at three Australian brands with business models that Fi absolutely loves, and why they work so well. These three businesses manufacture in Australia and are masters of communicating their unique value.  Fi unpacks what makes these businesses stand out, from how they design their products and choose their partners, to the way they build customer relationships and deliver their offers. Featuring Good Citizens, Yarn'n, and Wolki Farm, this episode is a chance to explore what theses businesses do well, to help you think differently about how your own business works. 🎧 Tune in to explore what makes a business model truly powerful, and how you can apply these ideas to build something more profitable, aligned, and sustainable.  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.  What you'll learn in this episode:  Why great business models go beyond just making money. The best businesses create products people genuinely want and deliver them in innovative, thoughtful ways. What makes up a business model. From value proposition to customer relationships, partners, costs, and distribution, understanding these building blocks helps you design a business that works. How simplifying your offers can increase profitability. A smaller product range often reduces costs, removes overwhelm for customers, and improves conversion rates. Why transparency and storytelling are powerful marketing tools. Clearly showing how your business operates builds trust and helps customers feel confident choosing you. How choosing the right partners strengthens your business model. Aligning suppliers, collaborators, and charities with your values creates a more compelling and cohesive brand. Why “where” and “how” you deliver matters as much as what you sell. Innovative distribution channels can reduce costs, increase convenience, and create stronger customer loyalty. The role of customer relationships in long-term success. Moving from “customers” to “members” or community can deepen trust and increase retention. Why pricing for value (not competition) leads to better outcomes. Businesses that prioritise quality, impact, and sustainability can charge in alignment with the value they deliver. How to think more strategically about your own business. From simplifying offers to rethinking delivery and partnerships, small shifts in your model can create big results. Why your business model is one of your biggest opportunities. When designed well, it supports profitability, impact, ease, and long-term sustainability, all at once. 💡 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)Business Model Design - want to go deeper? You can access Fi’s Business Model Design program anytime to learn how to build a model that actually supports your profit, time, and growth.Peach Weekly - don’t miss Fi’s weekly insights. Sign up to The Peach Weekly for sharp, practical business thinking delivered straight to your inbox.   Say hi: [email protected]  ________________________________________________________________________ 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 can change the world, but only if we're making money and managing it well. ________________________________________________________________________ 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.  Choosing the right business model is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your business, yet it’s often the most overlooked. This podcast episode is from a live Good Money Club training session that we thought you'd get value from.  In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi breaks down why your business model is the foundation of everything: your pricing, your marketing, your time, and ultimately your profitability. From understanding why more marketing won’t fix a broken model, to exploring different ways businesses are structured (consultant, online business, agency, e-commerce), this episode will help you step back and think strategically about how your business actually works and whether it’s working for you. 🎧 Tune in to understand how your business model impacts your income, your time, and your ability to create a business that feels both profitable and sustainable.    What you'll learn in this episode:  Why no amount of marketing can fix the wrong business model. Marketing brings people in, but your business model determines whether it actually works. How your business model and marketing need to work together. When they align, you attract the right clients and deliver your services more efficiently. Why adding more revenue streams isn’t always the answer. More offers often create more complexity, not more profit. How your business model shapes your pricing and ideal clients. The right structure helps you charge in line with the value you deliver. Why productivity and automation won’t fix the wrong foundations. Being faster at the wrong things won’t make your business more profitable. The difference between being helpful and being valuable. Valuable work is what people are willing to pay for and that’s what your business should focus on. How to think about return on effort in your business. The right model helps you focus your time on activities that actually generate results. Why your business model should reflect how you want to spend your time. From delivery to marketing to managing a team, your model determines your day-to-day work. The realities of different business models. Whether consultant, online business, agency, or e-commerce, each requires a different balance of time and skills. Why your business model is your secret weapon. When it’s set up correctly, it improves profitability, client outcomes, and overall business sustainability.   💡 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: [email protected]  ________________________________________________________________________ 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.  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: [email protected]  ________________________________________________________________________ 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: [email protected]  ________________________________________________________________________ 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.  ________________________________________________________________________

Money Problems for Women in Business The doors to Good Money Club are open now. In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi dives into the three biggest money problems she sees female small business owners struggle with every day, and how to overcome them. From the gender revenue gap to low confidence and a total lack of money strategy, Fi unpacks why these challenges exist, and how we can turn them around to build thriving, profitable businesses. If you’ve ever wondered why your revenue isn’t where you want it to be, or felt stuck, overwhelmed, or “bad at money” this episode will help you take your next steps forward. 🎧 Tune in for mindset shifts, confidence-building tools, and practical strategies to grow your revenue and money confidence. 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:  The gender revenue gap: Why female-owned businesses earn less than male-owned ones, and how chronic undercharging and over-servicing plays a major role. Visibility matters: Why being seen is critical to charging premium prices (and how lack of visibility keeps revenue low). Pricing for value: How to stop undercharging and start pricing based on the value and transformation you deliver. Money confidence: Why so many women lack it, how “bad at maths” beliefs form, and how to rebuild confidence through education and action. Money mindset shifts: Why being socialised to believe money is “bad” is holding you back, and how to see money as a force for good. No money strategy = stuck: How doing too much creates confusion, and why simplifying your offers is the fastest way to get unstuck. How to get strategic: The mindset and actions to move from busywork and fear to clarity, focus, and confidence with your money. ________________________________________________________________________ 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.  ________________________________________________________________________

How to Transition from Lower to Higher Prices In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi tackles one of the trickiest parts of growing a business: how to increase your prices while managing legacy priced clients. From the fear of losing existing clients to the challenge of attracting premium ones, Fi shares clear strategies for navigating the “messy middle.”  That transition period between what your old clients are paying and what your new ideal clients will happily invest. If you’ve ever wondered how to successfully stop undercharging, this episode is your roadmap. 🎧 Tune in for mindset shifts, pricing strategies, and practical steps to confidently transition from legacy clients to premium clients. 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 open next Mon, 22 Sep. 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 ideal clients aren’t just about budget. They’re about valuing your transformation and outcomes. The marketing shift you need to make when charging premium prices (hint: it’s about clarity and communication). Why legacy clients are harder to move up more than 10–20% a year, and what to do instead. Strategies for managing the transition: small steady increases, bold price rises with notice, or saving three months of expenses as a buffer. How to back yourself through the fear of losing clients, and why letting go of some can actually strengthen your business. Why premium clients will pay more, as long as you can clearly explain and deliver the value. How this transition is less about maths and more about mindset, and the mental gymnastics that business owners need to practice. ________________________________________________________________________ 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.  ________________________________________________________________________

Setting Goals Isn’t About Predicting the Future In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi Johnston dives into why so many small business owners resist setting goals. And how a simple reframe can turn goal-setting into one of the most powerful tools in your business. From the fear of “what if I don’t hit it?” to the overwhelm of unpredictable, lumpy income, Fi shares why goals aren’t about perfectly predicting the future. They’re about designing the business you want, giving yourself clarity, and creating levers you can actually pull to move forward. If you’ve ever avoided goal-setting because it felt scary or pointless, this episode will change the way you think about it. 🎧 Tune in for mindset shifts, practical strategies, and the truth about why monitoring your progress is where the magic really happens.   What you'll learn in this episode:  Why goals aren’t about prediction, but about designing your future business. How financial roadmaps reduce anxiety and help you feel more in control. The real reason “not hitting the goal” shouldn’t stop you from setting one. Why aiming higher (and missing sometimes) is better than always playing it safe. How to build simple, practical tools for monitoring your progress. Why year-to-date results matter more than one “bad month”. The mindset shift that turns tracking into a strategy, not self-criticism. ________________________________________________________________________ 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.  ________________________________________________________________________

When Women Talk Money, Everyone Wins In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi sits down with Jen Murnaghan from Digital Dandy to explore the very real shift from 12 years of solo business into a values-aligned employed role — and the money skills that made it possible. From growing up with “we don’t talk about money” to learning to price, negotiate, and back herself, Jen shares how financial literacy, community, and honest reflection changed everything. If you’ve ever wondered whether the grass is greener in employment (or just different), this conversation is a generous, grounded look at seasons, capacity, and choosing better, not bigger.  🎧 Tune in for mindset shifts, practical moves, and learn how Jen proves Fi’s belief that when women share openly in safe spaces, everyone earns more.   What you'll learn in this episode:  Why confidence with money starts with clarity, and how accountants/bookkeepers can remove fear and build good habits. How to put a number next to your (product/ service/ salary) value, from overcoming undercharging to negotiating salary (and even shaping a job title). The power of seasons in business, and why choosing stability doesn’t mean you’ve quit. It means you’re designing for your life. Better, not bigger: how a Company-of-One mindset, plus a trusted contractor bench, can still deliver scale and impact. Why women talking money matters, and how transparent conversations in safe rooms lead to better pricing for everyone. Simple ways to build pricing confidence, including peer benchmarking, researching aligned rates, and giving value “gifts” in pitches. Money habits, like Profit First thinking and planning for tax/super, whether you’re consulting or on a salary.   Connect with Jen: Web: https://www.digitaldandy.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenmurnaghan ________________________________________________________________________ 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.  ________________________________________________________________________

 Are you charging enough? The three-part pricing formula you need. Psst! Want to hear a money secret? Almost every female and non-binary business owner I’ve met is underpricing. If you think you might be undercharging, you’re not alone. In this mini Money Secret episode, we’re diving into the three essential elements of pricing that go beyond just the numbers. Pricing isn’t just about picking a number that feels right. It’s about making sure your business is sustainable, profitable, and positioned for long-term success. It’s time to stop playing small and start charging what your work is worth.  Hit play now 🎧   What you'll learn in this episode:   Pricing as mathematics: How much do you want to earn? What are your expenses? What’s your revenue goal? The math matters. Pricing as money psychology: Your personal history with money is shaping the way you price your work, often without you realising it. Pricing as demand creation: People need to want what you’re offering at the price you’re charging. That means positioning, branding, and marketing play a huge role. ________________________________________________________________________ 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.  ________________________________________________________________________

Why Packaging Your Services Into Offers is a Game-Changer In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi Johnston unpacks the objections many service providers have about packaging their work, and makes the case for why three simple offers can transform the way you do business. From the fear that “every client and project is different” to the overwhelm of custom quoting, Fi shares why bespoke will send you broke, and how creating three clear service packages gives your clients confidence, clarity, and agency while making your business more sustainable. If you’ve ever resisted packaging your services because you thought it would limit your creativity, this episode is here to flip that thinking. Packaging isn’t about taking away your uniqueness. It’s about stepping fully into your expertise and helping clients make safe, empowered decisions. 🎧 Tune in for mindset shifts, practical frameworks, and truths about what packaging can do for both your clients and your business.   What you'll learn in this episode:  Why positioning yourself as the expert means leading clients through a clear process, not waiting for them to decide what they need. How to design three packages that meet client goals without losing the ability to customise. The psychology of three options and why most people will choose the middle one. How transparent pricing reduces client anxiety and helps you attract better leads. Why packaging makes marketing easier, streamlines your systems, and helps you plan capacity. How templates and processes built around your packages save time and reduce overwhelm (especially for neurodivergent business owners). Why packaging your services isn’t just good for your clients, it’s also the smartest way to grow a sustainable 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. 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.  ________________________________________________________________________

15 Years of Peach: From an olive grove to today It’s part celebration, part business story, and part deep dive into the lessons learned over a 15-year entrepreneurial journey. In this episode, Fi Johnston takes you behind the scenes of Peach Business from its unexpected origin in a windswept olive grove to the businesses, projects, and lessons that have shaped it. Fi shares the path that led her from a small tax practice to a craft brewery, a venture capital firm, and to starting Peach in 2010. You’ll hear about the clients that became long-term collaborators, the side businesses that didn’t make it, and the bold ideas (like Ripple Festival) that continue to keep her inspired. If you’ve ever wondered what 15 years in small business really looks like—the wins, the detours, the hard calls, and the personal costs, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, intentional growth, and building something that lasts. 🎧 Tune in for a mix of business storytelling, hard-earned lessons, and practical takeaways from a decade and a half in the small biz trenches.   What you'll learn in this episode:  Why hitting a 15-year milestone is so rare in small business, and what it really takes to get there, The career steps and pivotal jobs that shaped Fi’s approach to money, business, and leadership, How a chance meeting at Mount Zero Olives sparked the idea (and name) for Peach Business, Why Fi believes in simplifying your business model before adding a second brand, product, or revenue stream, The importance of knowing your capacity, and how overcommitment can quietly sabotage your business, Why some of Fi’s longest client relationships eventually ended by her own suggestion (and why that was the right move), The real impact of running multiple ventures at once, and why focus matters more than “having lots of irons in the fire.” How Good Money Club became the heart of Peach and why members stay beyond their initial commitment, The thinking behind launching Ripple Festival and what it means to merge business and creativity on a large scale, Why “small business never ends” and the importance of building rest, breaks, and boundaries into your calendar, The personal sacrifices that come with a long business journey—and how to protect your mental and physical health along the way.   ________________________________________________________________________ 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.  ________________________________________________________________________

 What The Bear teaches us about small business It might sound like a TV review—but this episode is part strategy, part storytime, part love letter to The Bear (and its soundtrack). If you’ve ever wondered why running a business feels so intense—or how to do it with more intention—this episode will hit just right. Fi dives into one of her all-time favourite shows, The Bear, and breaks down the small business lessons hiding in the stress, the shouting, and the sandwiches. From pricing and pressure to team dynamics, mental health, and the sneaky parts of your business that are quietly profitable, this is a deep (and very fun) look at how small businesses actually work—and where they go wrong. You don’t need to have watched the show to get something out of this one. But if you have watched it… you're going to feel very seen. 🎧 Tune in for a fiery mix of TV chaos and small biz strategy—and the surprisingly deep lessons hiding in a beef sandwich shop.     What you'll learn in this episode:  Why change in small business is hard—and what happens when a new owner (like Carmy) tries to do everything at once without bringing the team along. The real cost of clinging to your OG customers, keeping prices frozen in time, and resisting innovation in the name of loyalty. Why efficiency doesn’t just come from better systems—it comes from team buy-in, shared goals, and clear communication. The connection between mental ill health and a failing business—and why prioritising your wellbeing is essential (not optional). What happens when your business goes viral before you're ready, and why a sudden surge in demand isn’t always a good thing. Passion vs. workaholism: how to recognise when your drive is tipping into burnout territory. When the “sexy” part of your business (the one that gets attention) is secretly draining your time, money and energy—while the quiet, boring bit is actually profitable. What to think about before changing your business model—like who you serve, how you make money, and what skills your team really needs. Why the pursuit of excellence often comes with discomfort—and why being liked by everyone isn’t the goal What Sid teaches us about leadership—and how listening first can change everything about how your team shows up Why acts of service matter—and how being of genuine help to your clients can be your most powerful business strategy. ________________________________________________________________________ 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. 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.  ________________________________________________________________________

What do you really think about money? If you’ve ever felt like your mindset is holding you back—but you can’t quite put your finger on how—this episode is for you. In this special edition of Money Secrets, Fi shares a powerful guided exercise originally delivered inside Good Money Club to help members get to the root of their thoughts about money. And now, she’s sharing it with you. This isn’t about affirmations or quick mindset hacks. It’s about slowing down long enough to actually hear what’s going on inside your head—and learning how those thoughts shape your pricing, decision-making, and ability to grow a business that pays you well. This one’s a little different, but we think you’ll love it. 🎧 Grab your notebook and tune in for a transformative reflection you can return to again and again.   What is your first thought when you envision the following scenarios:  You see a shiny online business owner post about their six-figure launch You get declined at the grocery store checkout You pull up next to a brand-new BMW at the traffic lights You walk through your dream house at an open inspection A client is a month late paying a high-value invoice A dream client reaches out asking to work with you They receive your proposal and say, “That’s more than I expected” You find out your BAS bill is the biggest it’s ever been You’re pricing a new offer and feel stuck   These aren’t hypothetical. They’re the real-life moments that quietly shape how we feel about money—and how much of it we allow ourselves to make. Inside this episode, Fi gently guides you through each one so you can name, notice, and shift what’s sitting underneath. ________________________________________________________________________ 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. 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.  ________________________________________________________________________  

Is the economy impacting small business owners? Let’s talk about it. It’s the question on every founder’s mind—and in this solo episode of Money Secrets, Fi unpacks what she’s seeing across the small business landscape right now. Drawing on 25+ years of experience and conversations with members inside Good Money Club, Fi explores why the current economic climate is affecting some businesses more than others — and the mindset and strategies that help business owners stay afloat (and thrive) even when conditions change. This is a conversation grounded in honesty and optimism — a reminder that yes, small business is hard, but there are always actions we can take. 🎧 Tune in to hear practical insights, examples from real businesses, and 10 things you can control — no matter what’s happening in the wider economy.    10 things you can control in your business:  How much marketing you do. Marketing isn’t something you “get around to” — it’s part of your job. Treating it like a core business function changes everything. What platforms you use. You don’t have to be everywhere. Choose 1–3 platforms where your audience hangs out, and go deeper instead of wider. The words and imagery in your marketing. If your message isn’t landing, it might be the language. Trade the jargon for words your ideal clients actually use. How many times you follow up on leads. Most business owners give up after one follow-up. But following up (even 8 times!) is where the conversions often happen. The thoughts you have about money. Your money mindset shapes your decisions. And yes — you can rewire your thoughts, especially if they’re holding you back. How much learning or upskilling you do. You can grow your business without dancing on Instagram. Networking, workshops, and learning new skills all count. The prices you set and how you present them. Price is more than a number — it’s a story. And you get to shape that story through how you package and communicate your offers. Which clients you target. If your usual audience isn’t converting, it might be time to shift. Changing who you're speaking to is always an option. How you manage and spend your money. You can’t control exactly how much comes in, but you can decide what to do with it once it lands in your bank account. How you choose to do business — your values, methods, and mindset. Your business is yours to run. Whether that means standing for something, spotlighting others, or doing things differently, you decide. ________________________________________________________________________ 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. 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.  ________________________________________________________________________  

 Your business has an environmental impact — even if you're a service provider. 🌿 This week on Money Secrets, we’re talking about impact — one of our core themes inside Good Money Club — and how our businesses affect the environment. We often expect product and manufacturing businesses to shoulder the responsibility of sustainability, but service providers? We’re part of the picture too. In this solo episode, Fi opens a gentle and important conversation about the choices we make in our businesses — from how we deliver our services, to the software we subscribe to, the products we buy, the banks and super funds we use, and the gifts we send to clients. You don’t need to be a sustainability expert to start making more conscious choices. This is about doing what you can, with what you have — and being willing to ask better questions. 🎧 Tune in to hear practical prompts, real-life examples, and one simple browser switch that could make a world of difference. What you’ll learn in this episode:  Your business has an environmental footprint — even if you don’t sell physical products. Every service has a cost, whether it’s cloud storage, energy use, or software subscriptions. Small changes can add up. From switching browsers to reducing video recordings, there are simple shifts that reduce impact without sacrificing efficiency. Where you spend matters. The tools, subscriptions, banks, and super funds you use are all part of your business ecosystem — and their values become part of yours. Your delivery model is part of your impact. Whether you’re commuting, flying, or working remotely, it’s worth considering how your service is getting to your clients — and at what cost to the environment. Buying better beats buying more. When it comes to products and client gifts, longevity and ethics go a long way — even if it costs a little more up front. You don’t have to be perfect to care. You don’t need a sustainability degree to start making better choices — just curiosity, reflection, and a willingness to ask yourself some honest questions. ________________________________________________________________________ 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. 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.  ________________________________________________________________________

 Working harder won’t make you more money. Psst! If you’ve ever felt like you’re working all the time but still not making the money you want, this episode is for you. In this week’s episode, Fi gently but firmly challenges one of the most common beliefs small business owners carry: that the only way to make more money is to work even harder (spoiler: it's not). Instead, we’re talking about what really drives financial growth — understanding your capacity, raising your prices, and improving the quality of your branding, marketing and communication. This episode is packed with practical insights, honest truths, and a few uncomfortable-but-freeing mindset shifts. If you’ve been on the edge of burnout and wondering if there’s a better way, there is. 🎧 Listen now and start making more money without working even more hours. What you’ll learn in this episode:  Working more isn’t the answer. Most small business owners are already at full capacity — adding more to your plate just leads to burnout, not more income. Understanding your true capacity is essential. When you know how much time and energy you really have to serve clients or fulfil orders, you can start pricing in a way that actually makes sense. Raising your prices is a powerful financial lever. And no, you don’t have to justify it — you need to clearly communicate the value you offer and who it’s for. Attracting better-fit clients starts with better marketing. Your message, your visuals, your tone — they all play a role in reaching the kind of clients who get it (and happily pay for it). You don’t need to serve everyone. In fact, letting some clients go is often exactly what creates the space (and margin) to do your best work, and get paid well for it. You're improving every day. If you’ve been in business for years but haven’t raised your prices, it might be time to acknowledge how much more valuable your work has become — and charge accordingly. ________________________________________________________________________ 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. 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.  ________________________________________________________________________

How to make business easier (yes, really). If you’ve ever felt like you’re working all the time but still not making the money you want — or like you’re constantly justifying your prices to your clients — this episode is for you. In this week’s episode, Fi is digging into a juicy (and often overlooked) part of business strategy: your business model. Because when you’re feeling stretched, stuck, or unsure whether what you’re doing is “right”, it’s usually not a marketing or mindset problem — it’s a business model problem. This conversation is filled with practical prompts and tips about building a business that feels clearer, simpler, and way more profitable. No jargon, no pressure — just a warm, strategic reset for how you run your business. 🎧 Hit play if you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start building a business that works for you. P.S. Our Business Model Design Mini-Program is now open, and it’s just $495 until 30 June 2025.Live training happens on 22 July 2025, and you’ll walk away with:  ✔ A validated business model that’s designed to work✔ Clarity about where to spend your time, energy, and focus✔ Products and services your customers actually want✔ An optimised marketing message that lands with the right people✔ The confidence to raise your prices and attract better-fit clients✔ Clear product–market fit for what you offer✔ A more profitable, sustainable business — built on purpose What you’ll learn in this episode:  Feeling underpaid and overworked isn’t a personal failing — it’s usually a business model issue. When your pricing, clients, and capacity aren’t aligned, the work gets harder and the results get smaller. Your business model holds the answers. From who you serve to how you deliver your offers, a good model helps you confidently charge more, set better boundaries, and stop attracting the wrong clients. Marketing isn’t the starting point. If you’re unclear on your value or audience, no Instagram strategy or email funnel will fix it — the real work starts under the surface. Your capacity matters. How many hours you actually have to work (and how much you need to earn) are central to your model, not details to work out later. You don’t have to do it all yourself. From bookkeepers to brand strategists, your model should include the support you’ll need to grow — and the cost of that support too. Costs and cash flow are part of the puzzle. Especially for product-based businesses, understanding what it takes to fund your business is key to making it sustainable. Your business model should be designed around you, not around industry trends, corporate templates, or what others are doing. You get to decide what success looks like — and build a model that supports that vision. ________________________________________________________________________ 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. 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 your business model should come first If you’ve ever found yourself obsessing over Instagram strategy, stuck in a Dubsado vs. Moxie spiral, or spending hours automating tasks that don’t seem to be making a difference, this episode is for you. In this week’s episode, Fi breaks down the real reason some businesses thrive while others stall — and spoiler alert: it’s not about marketing harder or working longer hours. It’s about having the right business model. Whether the term “business model” makes you think of corporate boardrooms or just feels completely overwhelming, this chat is refreshingly clear and practical. You'll walk away with a whole new perspective on how your business fits together — and how small tweaks can lead to big results. 🎧 Hit play if you’re ready to build a business that’s profitable, sustainable, and aligned with the way you want to work. P.S. Our Business Model Design Mini-Program is now open, and it’s just $495 until 30 June 2025.Live training happens on 22 July 2025, and you’ll walk away with:  ✔ A validated business model that’s designed to work✔ Clarity about where to spend your time, energy, and focus✔ Products and services your customers actually want✔ An optimised marketing message that lands with the right people✔ The confidence to raise your prices and attract better-fit clients✔ Clear product–market fit for what you offer✔ A more profitable, sustainable business — built on purpose What you’ll learn in this episode:  Many business owners skip the strategy. Jumping straight into marketing tactics or automation tools without first clarifying your business model can leave you feeling busy but directionless, and rarely bring in the right clients. Your business model is the foundation for everything else. It’s the thing that helps you raise your prices with confidence, stop justifying your worth, and attract clients who value what you do. Marketing doesn’t work without clarity. If you’re not sure what makes your offer unique, who it’s for, or why it matters, no ad, post, or platform will magically fix that. Being productive isn’t the same as being strategic. Getting faster at the wrong tasks (or automating things that don’t matter) is just a fast track to burnout, not success. You are your most important business resource. Your energy, capacity, and well-being are key parts of your business model, not an afterthought. The right-fit model helps you work smarter. When your model aligns with your strengths, values, and ideal clients, running your business becomes more profitable and easier. Your business model isn’t corporate — it’s personal. It’s simply the way your business fits together, allowing you to deliver your work in a way that feels sustainable, smart, and financially sound. ________________________________________________________________________ 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. 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.  ________________________________________________________________________

Feeling like your money mojo needs a reset? We’ve got you. Psst! If you've been second-guessing your pricing, avoiding your numbers, or wondering if making more money has to feel so hard — this episode is for you. In this special remix edition of the Money Secrets podcast, Fi shares 8 powerful mindset shifts and practical money truths to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Think of it as your business pep talk, pricing reset, and permission slip to do things differently — all rolled into one juicy listen. 🎧 Hit play for real talk and refreshingly simple advice that will help you feel more in control of your money (without needing to be a maths person). What you’ll learn in this episode:  That selling is a non negotiable in small business — and how to feel good about it The mindset myth that’s secretly slowing your growth Why your clients deserve the best of what you offer  How to break down your revenue goals so they actually make sense How success looks different for everyone — and why that matters The truth about working hard vs. working smart How more money in your hands = more positive impact Why being great at numbers isn’t what makes you good with money ________________________________________________________________________ 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. 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.  ________________________________________________________________________

Want to make more money in your business? Start here. Psst! Ever wondered what it’s really like inside Good Money Club? In this sneak peek episode, Fi shares 20 powerful minutes from one of our recent club sessions — “How to Make More Money” — to help you simplify your thinking, set realistic revenue goals, and start building real momentum in your business. Whether you're stuck in overthinking, undercharging, or trying to do everything at once, this episode is packed with practical, perspective-shifting advice on what actually works. 🎧 Hit play to get a clear-eyed look at what drives revenue — and how to focus your efforts on what really moves the needle. What you’ll learn in this episode:  The only two levers that grow your revenue (and how to use them) Why price is the most powerful financial decision you make — every single day The trap of over-servicing (and why it’s just another form of undercharging) How to figure out your actual capacity and hourly rate What makes your product or service valuable, and how to talk about it The link between pricing, confidence, and ideal clients Why it's not your job to be affordable, and what to aim for instead The one thing you must never do when sales slow down. ________________________________________________________________________ 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. 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.  ________________________________________________________________________

Wondering how to feel more in control of your money as a business owner? Start here. Psst! 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, bite-sized, listen-anywhere episode. Whether you’re folding laundry, walking the dog, or deep in admin, this is your official business money mood board. No fluff, no overwhelm — just the kind of perspective shifts and practical tips that help you get clear, confident, and in control of your finances. 🎧 Hit play and get a juicy dose of money advice you can actually apply in your small business. What you’ll learn in this episode:  Why your money habits start with your thoughts — and how to shift both The truth about “money doesn’t grow on trees” (spoiler: it does) The three numbers every business owner needs to track (hint: it’s not just profit) Why paying yourself is non-negotiable (yes, even early on) How to stop trying to be “affordable” and start being valuable What actually goes into pricing your offers with confidence How undercharging is repelling your dream clients When it makes sense to spend money to make money (and when it doesn’t) Why backing yourself matters more than being “right” How to get more from your accountant — and build a dream money team ________________________________________________________________________ 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. 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.  ________________________________________________________________________

The surprising link between calm finances and confident business moves. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the financial side of running a solo business—or like bookkeeping is something you’ll “figure out later”—this episode is for you. Today on Money Secrets, Fi is joined by Oliver Garside, co-founder of Rounded: the calm, clean, beautifully designed bookkeeping software made just for sole traders. In this episode, they dive deep into what it means to build a sustainable business, why simplicity is a financial superpower, and how Rounded is helping thousands of Australian sole traders take control of their money. This is one for every sole trader who’s craving ease, confidence, and financial clarity—without the jargon, overwhelm, or tax panic. 🎧 Hit play now—because financial tools should feel as good as the work you do.   ________________________________________________________________________ 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. ________________________________________________________________________  Key Learnings from the Interview Keep It Simple, Make It Beautiful: Rounded was designed to take the stress out of bookkeeping for sole traders, especially creatives. No balance sheets. No jargon. Just what you need, nothing you don’t. Sole Trader ≠ Small Business: Olly breaks down the key differences between sole traders and companies—and why most traditional platforms just don’t work for solo operators. Structure Supports Success: Having a clean, straightforward setup (hello, business bank account!) can be the difference between flying blind and leading with confidence. Bookkeeping Impacts More Than Business: If you want to apply for a mortgage or grow your wealth, being able to speak confidently about your business finances matters—a lot. Financial Viability Is a Justice Issue: When 25% of sole traders are making less than $50k, we need systems that support success. Rounded is part of the solution. You Deserve Calm, Not Chaos: Rounded helps you track time, send invoices, get paid, and prep for tax time—all in a way that feels spacious, not stressful.    Connect with Olly and Rounded: Find out more about Rounded: https://linktr.ee/roundedaccounting Web: https://rounded.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivergarside/  ________________________________________________________________________ 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. 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? Or check out the Peach Business website here to find out more about Fi.  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. ________________________________________________________________________

Think introverts can’t succeed in small business? Think again. Psst! Want to hear a money secret? In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi unpacks what it really means to be an introvert—and why the business world desperately needs more of them at the table. If you’ve ever felt like you’re “too quiet” or “not outgoing enough” to run a thriving brand, this one’s for you. From choosing the right marketing style to showing up as a speaker, Fi shares practical tips for embracing your natural energy—and building a business that works with you, not against you. You’ll leave this episode with a huge permission slip to stop forcing the strategies that drain you… and start designing a business that lets your quiet power lead. 🎧 Hit play and find out why introverts are built for long-term, sustainable success. What you’ll learn in this episode:  Why being introverted doesn’t mean you’re not cut out for business. We unpack the difference between being shy and being an introvert—and why it matters more than you think. The power of quiet strengths. Deep thinking, great listening, and thoughtfulness aren’t soft skills—they’re serious business superpowers. How introverts can market without burning out. From writing and podcasting to one-on-one connections, Fi shares ways to show up that actually feel good. Why most traditional workplaces reward extroversion—and why small business doesn’t have to. Tips for making events, networking, and even public speaking work for you (yes, even if you'd rather crawl under a blanket). You don’t need to be loud to lead—you just need a strategy that suits your energy. A reminder that business is big enough for all of us—introverts, extroverts, and everyone in between. ________________________________________________________________________ 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. 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 Backing Yourself Matters More Than Being Right. Psst! Want to hear a money secret? In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi shares a juicy mindset shift that could transform the way you make financial decisions in your business: what if backing yourself matters more than always getting it “right”? If you’ve ever second-guessed a pricing change, spiralled after a spend, or stalled on a big decision out of fear of getting it wrong, this one’s for you. Fi breaks down how decision speed, self-trust, and learning through action can unlock serious momentum in your business. This episode is a nudge to trust yourself, make the move, and stop waiting for the perfect answer (spoiler: it rarely comes). You’ll walk away with a clearer way to approach financial decisions—and a lot more kindness for past-you, too. 🎧 Hit play and start making decisions with more confidence, clarity, and trust in yourself. What you’ll learn in this episode:  Why “backing yourself” matters more than being right. We all want to make the “right” financial decision—but trusting your gut and backing your calls is actually more powerful for long-term business growth. The hidden cost of indecision..  Taking weeks (or months!) to make a call is already costing you money. Fi shares how speed and clarity are crucial to momentum. What to do after a decision doesn’t go to plan. Regret and backtracking drain your energy—Fi walks you through how to assess your approach instead of spiralling into self-doubt. How to build your decision-making muscle. The more you trust yourself, the faster and better your decisions become. It’s a skill, not a personality trait. Your next best move isn’t perfect—it’s just the next one. You don’t need a perfect plan to act. You just need a clear intention and the willingness to see it through. Trust builds confidence. When you back yourself consistently, you create a business that reflects your leadership—not your second-guessing. ________________________________________________________________________ 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. 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.  ________________________________________________________________________

There’s a lot of noise out there about what it really takes to make money in business—and much of it is built on outdated ideas or straight-up lies. So in this episode, we’re calling it out. Fi is joined in-studio by two powerhouse businesswomen—Nataleigh Elzein, founder of Pinch Studios, and Mia Fileman, founder of Campaign Del Mar—for a grounded and energising conversation about the true relationship between strategy, marketing, and sales. Together, they unravel the harmful lies we're told about money, talk honestly about what it takes to grow a business with longevity, and explain why mindset, messaging, and knowing your numbers are all critical parts of the money-making equation. Whether you’re in your first year of business or your fifth, this one’s going to shift how you see yourself, your pricing, and your potential. 🎧 Hit play now—because money doesn’t have to be hard, but it does have to be intentional. ________________________________________________________________________ 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. ________________________________________________________________________  Key Learnings from the Interview “Money is hard to get” is a lie: Nataleigh shares how cultural conditioning shaped her beliefs about money—and why those old narratives no longer serve us as business owners today. Business is hard—but not impossible: Fi and Mia reflect on the social media myth of overnight success and the reality of building a business over years, not weeks. Know your numbers: If you’re scared to look at your finances, that’s your first red flag. Tracking your revenue, profit, and expenses is a non-negotiable if you want to make more money. Mindset matters as much as strategy: Nataleigh’s turning point came when she invested in personal development. You can’t confidently sell your services if you don’t first believe in your own value. The hustle myth is outdated: More work doesn’t always equal more money. It’s not about doing more, it’s about doing what actually moves the needle—like refining your strategy, ideal client targeting, and offer positioning.  Small business isn’t for everyone—and that’s okay: Mia offers a refreshingly honest take on why not everyone is cut out for entrepreneurship, and why there’s no shame in choosing a stable career path instead.  Make the obvious, obvious: One of the biggest sales blockers? Not clearly communicating what you do, who it’s for, and what results it delivers. Don’t let clever branding get in the way of clarity.  Mia from Campaign del Mar: Campaign Del Mar Founder, Global Marketing Strategist and the ‘REAL’ Emily in ParisBesides earning the nickname "The Campaign Lady," Mia is an expert marketing strategist and founder of Campaign Del Mar. You'll love her hard-hitting, no-BS marketing expertise honed by 20 years in the industry. She is a widely published writer for publications including Social Media Examiner, Mumbrella, Marketing Mag, Smart Company, and Better Marketing.The first decade of her career was spent in brand management roles for global consumer brands Vegemite, Kraft, Maybelline, and BIC in France. She's a full-time trainer, mentor, and advise who works with SMEs and marketers to drive business results—strap in for your journey to marketing glory. Connect with Mia: Web: https://www.campaigndelmar.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/campaign_del_mar/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miafileman/   Nataleigh from Pinch Studios: Hi, I’m Nataleigh. Your business and marketing strategist. The sidekick you knew you needed, but didn’t know where or how to find me… lucky we changed that! I’m an early-rising, English-breakfast tea-drinking, read-a-new book weekly, Sydney to Melbourne frequent flyer, who’s here to help you create movements, not moments in your business. Your business success is not a flash in the pan moment, instead I purely focus on getting sustainable results that will keep on giving over time, building up your business to reach the ears and hearts that need to hear your soul-filled message the most. This is why when I look at your business, I dive into every aspect- sales, marketing and operations. I truly believe that for a business to work, these sectors need to be working together towards your main business goals. It is only then when you will achieve ROI and feel that "pinch me" moment over and over again. I'm here and ready to get your movement out into the world! Connect with Nataleigh: Web: https://www.pinchstudios.com.au/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/pinchstudios.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/me/  ________________________________________________________________________ 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. 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? Or check out the Peach Business website here to find out more about Fi.  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. ________________________________________________________________________  

Too much marketing, not enough sales. Too much strategy, not enough messaging. Too much fluff, not enough clarity. Sound familiar? If you’ve ever felt like your business has all the right pieces, but you’re still not seeing the income (or impact) you want—this episode is for you. Today on Money Secrets, Fi is joined by two powerhouse businesswomen: Nataleigh Elzein, founder of Pinch Studios and marketing/sales consultant for purpose-driven disruptors, and Mia Fileman, founder of Campaign Del Mar and Fi’s business bestie and partner in Ripple Festival.  Together, they dig into the essential (and often misunderstood) relationship between business strategy, marketing, and sales—and how you can align all three to grow your revenue with purpose. This is one for every business owner who’s tired of winging it and ready to build a money-making machine with heart. 🎧 Hit play now—because confidence in your business strategy creates confidence in your bank account. ________________________________________________________________________ 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. ________________________________________________________________________  Key Learnings from the Interview You Can’t Market What You Can’t Describe: If your messaging is vague, unclear, or full of fluff, you’re losing sales. Your audience needs to know what you do and how you do it—quickly. Sales Requires Ownership, Not Just Offers: As a service provider, it’s your job to confidently lead the conversation and guide your clients to the best outcome. Marketing and Sales Are Not Silos: Nataleigh compares it to a tango—sales and marketing need to move together. Let sales inform your marketing, and vice versa. Repetition + Consistency = Results: Your audience won’t see everything you post. Repeat yourself across platforms and make your messaging consistent from Instagram to your website. Your Website Needs to Work Smarter: Your homepage and about page should clearly explain who you help, what you do, and what results people can expect. Your “about” page? It’s actually about them, not you.  Follow-Up Is a Superpower: Most sales require 8–12 follow-ups, not 3–5. Build a structured follow-up process using tailored, relevant resources—not “Just checking in” emails.  Selling = Serving: When done well, selling isn’t pushy—it’s supportive. Helping people see how your offer works for them is part of delivering value.  Nataleigh from Pinch Studios: Hi, I’m Nataleigh. Your business and marketing strategist. The sidekick you knew you needed, but didn’t know where or how to find me… lucky we changed that! I’m an early-rising, English-breakfast tea-drinking, read-a-new book weekly, Sydney to Melbourne frequent flyer, who’s here to help you create movements, not moments in your business. Your business success is not a flash in the pan moment, instead I purely focus on getting sustainable results that will keep on giving over time, building up your business to reach the ears and hearts that need to hear your soul-filled message the most. This is why when I look at your business, I dive into every aspect- sales, marketing and operations. I truly believe that for a business to work, these sectors need to be working together towards your main business goals. It is only then when you will achieve ROI and feel that "pinch me" moment over and over again. I'm here and ready to get your movement out into the world! Connect with Nataleigh: Web: https://www.pinchstudios.com.au/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/pinchstudios.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/me/   Mia from Campaign del Mar: Campaign Del Mar Founder, Global Marketing Strategist and the ‘REAL’ Emily in ParisBesides earning the nickname "The Campaign Lady," Mia is an expert marketing strategist and founder of Campaign Del Mar. You'll love her hard-hitting, no-BS marketing expertise honed by 20 years in the industry. She is a widely published writer for publications including Social Media Examiner, Mumbrella, Marketing Mag, Smart Company, and Better Marketing.The first decade of her career was spent in brand management roles for global consumer brands Vegemite, Kraft, Maybelline, and BIC in France. She's a full-time trainer, mentor, and advise who works with SMEs and marketers to drive business results—strap in for your journey to marketing glory. Connect with Mia: Web: https://www.campaigndelmar.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/campaign_del_mar/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miafileman/ ________________________________________________________________________ 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. 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? Or check out the Peach Business website here to find out more about Fi.  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 Paying Yourself Makes Your Business Stronger (Right From the Start) Psst! Want to hear a money secret? In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi tackles one of the biggest myths in small business: “You shouldn’t pay yourself for the first two years.” If you’ve ever heard this advice and assumed it’s just how business works, it’s time to rethink everything. Fi breaks down why this mindset is outdated, how financial privilege plays a huge role in who can afford to work for free, and why paying yourself from the start actually makes your business stronger, not weaker. Using a powerful analogy about trees and wind (and a little lesson from her beloved fiddle leaf fig), Fi shows how putting financial pressure on your business from day one forces it to grow solid foundations—ones that actually support you, rather than leaving you scrambling years down the track. 🎧 Hit play now and start paying yourself like the business owner you are. What you’ll learn in this episode:  The privilege behind “not paying yourself.” Many people who go unpaid in the early years of business have savings, a high-earning partner, or other financial security that allows them to do so—but this isn’t realistic for everyone. Your business needs resistance to grow. Just like trees need wind to become strong, your business needs the financial pressure of paying you to develop sustainable pricing, smart spending habits, and long-term viability. Not paying yourself leads to bad habits. If you don’t have to cover your own salary, you might underprice your services, overspend on unnecessary expenses, or assume that “one day” you’ll magically be able to afford to pay yourself. Service-based businesses should be paying themselves from day one. If you’re running a service business, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be factoring in your salary immediately—your pricing should reflect your value from the start. Product-based businesses? Plan to pay yourself within six months. While some product businesses need time to become profitable, it’s still essential to build a clear path to paying yourself sooner rather than later. Money clarity = better decision-making. When you’re committed to paying yourself, you naturally become more intentional about your pricing, expenses, and where your money is actually going ________________________________________________________________________ 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. 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.  ________________________________________________________________________

 When you start seeing money as something that can grow from your ideas, skills, and connections, you open yourself up to a new level of financial freedom and success. Psst! Want to hear a money secret? In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi challenges one of the most common (and outdated) money beliefs we’ve all heard before: “Money doesn’t grow on trees.” If you’ve ever struggled with money mindset blocks, hesitated to charge what you’re worth, or felt resistance when investing in yourself or your business, this episode is going to flip your thinking on its head. Fi unpacks why this belief is rooted in the past, why the way we earn money today is radically different from previous generations, and how shifting your mindset from scarcity to opportunity can change the way you make, manage, and invest money. 🎧 Hit play now and start seeing money differently. What you’ll learn in this episode:  Money is everywhere. Unlike previous generations, we live in a time where knowledge, ideas, and creativity can turn into income—sometimes overnight. Your mind is your biggest asset. In today’s knowledge economy, business success isn’t just about physical labor—it’s about the value you bring through your skills, ideas, and expertise. How old money beliefs hold you back. If you grew up hearing “money doesn’t grow on trees,” you might be subconsciously blocking yourself from making, spending, or investing money in ways that actually help you grow. Flip the script. Instead of seeing money as something scarce or hard to get, reframe it: Money grows wherever I put my energy, creativity, and effort. Small business owners turn ideas into income. Whether it’s launching a new service, selling a new product, or positioning yourself as an expert, the ability to make money is in your hands—literally. ________________________________________________________________________ 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. 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.  ________________________________________________________________________

You’re Not Here to Be Affordable—You’re Here to Be Valuable Psst! Want to hear a money secret? In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi breaks down one of the biggest mindset shifts small business owners need to make: stop trying to be "affordable" and start focusing on being valuable. If you’ve ever worried about pricing yourself too high, felt pressure to compete with big businesses, or found yourself giving discounts just to make a sale—this episode is for you. Fi dives into why affordability is not your job as a small business owner (and why chasing it could actually be hurting your business). Instead, she shows you how to reframe your pricing strategy around the  value you bring to your clients—because people don’t just pay for a product or service, they pay for convenience, expertise, transformation, and trust. 🎧 Hit play now and start charging based on value, not affordability. What you’ll learn in this episode:  Low pricing is a volume game. Big companies can afford to charge less because they operate at scale, cutting costs through bulk orders and automation. Small businesses don’t have that luxury—but they don’t need it, either. Your strength is in offering a higher level of service, personalisation, and expertise that big brands simply can’t match. Your job is to be valuable. Instead of focusing on being the cheapest option, focus on delivering an exceptional product or service that makes life easier, better, or more exciting for your customers. Being helpful ≠ being valuable. Many business owners start out volunteering, discounting, or working for free to “be helpful”—but real value comes when people are excited to pay for what you offer. People pay for transformation. Customers aren’t just buying a service or a product—they’re investing in a solution, convenience, speed, exclusivity, or expertise. The more you align your offer with their real needs, the more valuable you become. Make it easy for clients to say YES. Whether it’s customising your offer, simplifying your checkout process, or offering different service levels, reducing friction makes it easier for the right people to buy from you.  ________________________________________________________________________ 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. 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.  ________________________________________________________________________

Build Your Own Stage: The Story Behind Ripple Festival Want to know what really goes into creating a game-changing business festival? In this episode of Money Secrets, Fi is joined by her brilliant business bestie and co-founder of Ripple Festival, Mia Fileman, for a no-filter chat about the why behind this big, bold, beautiful idea. Ripple Festival isn’t just another business event. It’s a full-body experience designed to bring small business owners together in a way that feels exciting, immersive, and truly unforgettable. In this episode, Fi and Mia pull back the curtain on what’s happening behind the scenes, why vanilla conferences just aren’t cutting it anymore, and why building your own stage might just be the most powerful move you can make in your business. 🎧 Hit play now to hear how two small business owners are reimagining what connection, community, and celebration really look like. Be part of the story. When you buy a ticket, you're not just coming to an event—you’re joining a community and helping shape the experience. From choosing musicians to recommending speakers, the early adopters are in the driver’s seat. Get your tickets here What you’ll learn in this episode:  Why we need Ripple Festival. Spoiler: it’s not just about being in a room—it’s about being part of something that lasts far beyond two days. Fi and Mia break down what makes an event memorable and why most business conferences are missing the mark. Build your own damn stage. Tired of waiting to be “picked”? So were they. Hear how Fi and Mia are stepping into the spotlight—on their terms—and why more business owners need to create the opportunities they deserve. Why representation matters. Ripple Festival is committed to reflecting the real small business community—one that is diverse in every way. It’s not about ticking boxes; it’s about building something truly inclusive from the ground up. Music, comedy, creativity—oh my! This isn’t just a business event. It’s a celebration of culture, creativity and connection. From indie musicians to brilliant speakers you won’t find on the usual circuits, Ripple is about bringing the best of everyone together. The truth about funding a festival. Fi and Mia get honest about how they’re bootstrapping the whole thing, what they’ve let go of to make room for Ripple, and why healthy businesses make room for bold risks. Why did they stop drinking? This one might surprise you. Hear how cutting alcohol out of their lives has helped them show up with more clarity, more energy, and more intention while building something this big. An antidote to loneliness. Business can feel isolating—but it doesn’t have to be. Ripple is designed to connect you with people before you even arrive, so you walk into the festival already knowing faces in the crowd. ________________________________________________________________________ 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. 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.  ________________________________________________________________________