Money First CEO
How do you build a business that truly supports your life? I'm the Money First CEO. Over the past 5 years, I've grown a sustainable 6-figure business and built a 7-figure investment portfolio, not by working harder, but by managing money differently. This podcast shares the real habits, honest lessons, and simple strategies that helped me and can help you build a business that puts profit and peace first. If you're ready to feel more confident with your cash and create long-term stability, you're in the right place. New episodes every Monday.
Episodes
Should Employees Know Your Business Numbers?
Should your team know how much the business makes? It’s a question most business owners think about constantly and talk about rarely, because it feels like one of those conversations with no safe answer.In this episode of Money First CEO, Harman Johnston tackles the topic head on. Not with a blanket yes or a blanket no, but with a practical middle ground that she uses in her own business, Blu Book
Scaling a Business Without Losing Profit
More revenue is supposed to feel like winning. So why do so many business owners find themselves working harder, managing more people and carrying more stress, only to end up with the same amount of money in their pocket?In this episode of Money First CEO, Harman Johnston unpacks a conversation with a client that stopped her in her tracks. The client’s revenue had grown five times over. From the o
What’s Your Financial Freedom Number?
Most business owners can tell you their revenue target. Very few can tell you their financial freedom number.In this episode of Money First CEO, Harman Johnston asks the question most business owners have never properly sat down and answered: not your revenue goal, not your growth target, but the actual amount of money you need coming in consistently for your life to feel genuinely free.Because he
If Your Business Doubled Tomorrow, Would Your Finances Survive?
Here’s a question worth sitting with: if your business doubled tomorrow, would you be excited, or would you quietly panic?Most business owners assume growth is the fix. More revenue, more breathing room, more freedom. But in this episode, Harman Johnston makes the case that growth doesn’t solve financial problems, it amplifies them. The businesses that fall over during rapid growth are rarely the
How to Reward Employees Without Hurting Profit
You want to look after your team. You want people to feel valued, motivated and excited to stay. But every dollar you hand out in bonuses has to come from somewhere, and if it’s coming from operating cash, you’re one quiet month away from a promise you can’t keep.In this episode, Harman breaks down why most business owners get employee rewards wrong, and walks through the exact system she runs at
The Money Conversation Nobody Wants to Have With Their Partner
We talk a lot on this podcast about profit first percentages and Xero reports, but this episode is about something most business owners avoid completely: the money conversation with your partner.I'm not a relationship expert or a therapist. I'm a bookkeeper and a Profit First Professional, and I've lived the tension of business money spilling into home life. In this episode I'm
Small Business Budgeting Made Simple
Budgeting does not need to mean a complicated spreadsheet you build once and never look at again.In this episode of Money First CEO, Harman Johnston breaks down a simple, practical approach to small business budgeting that helps you understand where your money is going, protect the money that matters and stop expenses quietly eating into your profit.Harman shares the three layers of a simple busin
How to Increase Profit Without Working More Hours
Your business is busy. Revenue is coming in. But you are still wondering where the money goes.If more profit feels like it would require more clients, more work and longer hours, this episode is for you.In this episode of Money First CEO, Harman Johnston shares five practical ways service-based business owners can increase profit without adding more to their already full week.You will learn how to
I Spent $20,000 in One Month on My Business. Here’s Why.
This month Harman invested $20,000 back into her business. Not on a new car or a fancy rebrand. On four strategic investments that most business owners overlook. In this episode she breaks down exactly where every dollar went, the thinking behind each decision, and what it means to spend like a Money First CEO.If you have ever hesitated to hire a professional, avoided learning something new, or fe
The Business Mistakes That Cost Me Time, Money and Growth
Everyone loves talking about the wins. The new clients. The revenue milestones. The growth. But what if the biggest lessons in business come from the mistakes? In this honest and personal episode of Money First CEO, Harman Johnston shares the business mistakes that cost her time, money, energy and growth during the early years of building Blu Bookkeepers. What You'll Learn: • Why waiting t
Stop Doing It All: Why a Money First CEO Brings In the Experts
Most business owners wear doing everything themselves like a badge of honour. But what if doing it all is the very thing holding your business back? In this episode of Money First CEO, Harman Johnston shares the lessons he learned the hard way about delegation, outsourcing, and letting go. From copywriting and branding to ads, email marketing and bookkeeping, Harman breaks down the hidden cost of
EOFY Without the Panic: 7 Things Every Business Owner Should Do Before June 30
End of financial year isn't about tax. It's about making better business decisions. In this episode, Harman walks you through seven practical things every business owner should do before June 30 so you can close the year with clarity and start the new one with intention. In this episode: Why EOFY is a leadership moment, not just a compliance deadline Get your books up to date so every de
The Number Every Business Owner Should Know But Doesn’t
Most business owners know their revenue.Some know how many clients they have.Very few know the one number that tells them whether their business is actually working.Their profit margin.In this episode of Money First CEO, Harman Johnston breaks down why so many business owners are operating without this critical number, even when they’re generating six figures a month.You’ll learn how to calculate
What I've Been Hearing From Business Owners This Month
EOFY is coming.And right now, a lot of business owners are feeling the pressure.Not because their business is failing. Not because revenue is low. But because they still do not feel in control of their money.In this honest anniversary episode of Money First CEO, Harman Johnston shares the real conversations happening behind the scenes with business owners right now.The stress. The confusion. The “
Why Your Business Makes Money… But You Still Feel Broke
In this episode of Money First CEO, Harman Johnston breaks down one of the biggest frustrations service-based business owners face:“Why does my business look successful… but I still feel broke?”If your revenue is growing but your bank account tells a different story, this episode explains exactly why.Harman shares: Why revenue growth alone does not create financial clarity The real reason busines
If I Had to Start Again from $0… This Is Exactly What I’d Do
Most business owners think growth comes first.More clients. More revenue. More momentum.But that is not what creates a stable business.In this 50th episode of Money First CEO, Harman Johnston breaks down exactly what she would do if she had to start again from zero. No audience. No clients. No reputation. Just a clean slate.This is not theory.This is hindsight from real experience.If your business
The $100K Mistake: Hiring Before You’re Financially Ready
Hiring feels like growth.More people. More support. More capacity.But for most service-based business owners, hiring too early is not growth.It is a profit leak.In this episode of Money First CEO, Harman Johnston breaks down the real cost of hiring before your numbers are ready and why this common decision quietly drains cash, increases pressure, and stalls momentum.If your business is growing but
The Owner Trap – When Your Business Depends on You
Most business owners think being across everything is a strength.It is not.It is the reason they feel stuck.In this episode of Money First CEO, Harman Johnston breaks down the owner trap. The hidden pattern where your business depends on you for everything.If you cannot step away without things slowing down, breaking, or stopping, this is for you.You will learn why control is not the goal, why per
Tax Without Panic – How to Always Be Ready
Most business owners think tax is the problem.It is not.The real problem is how you manage your money before tax shows up.In this episode of Money First CEO, Harman Johnston breaks down why tax feels like an emergency for so many growing businesses. If you have ever opened a BAS or tax bill and felt instant stress, this episode will hit home.You will learn why strong revenue does not protect you f
Your Numbers Are Talking. You’re Just Not Listening.
Harman Johnston breaks down the three biggest financial illusions that keep business owners stuck in stress and confusion. Revenue is not clarity. Your bank balance is not profit. And growth is not stability.She explains why these misconceptions create anxiety, poor decisions, and cash flow pressure even in high revenue businesses. Through simple examples, she shows how two businesses with the sam
The 15-Minute Money Health Check Every CEO Should Do This Week
Harman Johnston outlines a 15 minute money health check built around five questions to help business owners regain financial control: know your current profit percentage, know how many months of operating expenses you have saved, pay yourself a consistent owner’s wage, separate tax money so it is not spent from the operating account, and track what has changed in expenses over the last 90 days. Sh
Why You Still Feel Broke After Your Best Month
Harman Johnston explains why business owners can hit a record revenue month and still feel broke, focusing on four causes: measuring success by revenue instead of what you keep, spending with false confidence after a high month, failing to retain cash due to a lack of structure, and letting expenses expand as revenue grows. She shows how money disappears when everything sits in one account and get
The Expense Trap Smart CEOs Keep Falling For
Harman Johnston flips the Buy Now Pay Later debate to focus on business spending, warning that it creates an illusion of affordability while undermining cash discipline. She explains how BNPL commits future revenue before it arrives, hides true expense levels by dulling the upfront pain, creates fixed obligations during fluctuating months, and disrupts Profit First allocations by fragmenting costs
The $10K Decision You’re Avoiding
Harman Johnston urges business owners to face the “$10K decision” they keep avoiding, arguing it is already costing them money each month through delay. She outlines four common versions: hiring operational support to remove the CEO bottleneck, saying no to low margin draining clients, raising minimum standards through repositioning and pricing, and installing real financial structure using Profit
The Truth About Hiring a Professional Bookkeeper
Harman Johnston explains what working with a professional bookkeeper should actually feel like for Australian business owners, challenging the belief that bookkeeping is just data entry, reconciliations, and BAS compliance. She describes how clients often arrive overwhelmed, avoidant, or growing fast but financially messy, and how the right support creates visibility, clean and reliable numbers, a
How to Pay Yourself More Without Increasing Revenue
In this episode, Harman Johnston explains how established business owners can increase consistent owner’s pay without increasing revenue by changing from an operator mindset to a CEO mindset and using Profit First style allocations. She challenges the formula of revenue minus expenses equals profit and shows how expenses often rise with revenue unless pay is protected. Using a $120,000 per month e
What CEOs Get Wrong When They Do Their Own Bookkeeping
In this episode of 'Money First, CEO,' host Harman Johnston discusses the significant shift in a CEO's role as their business grows, specifically why continuing to handle your own bookkeeping can hinder growth. Harman outlines the mental and practical strains of DIY bookkeeping and explains why delegating this task is crucial for making high-level decisions. She provides a clear, ac
“Where’s My Profit?!” - Why Your Bank Balance Doesn’t Match Your P&L
In this episode of Money First, CEO, Harman Johnston delves into the common issue business owners face when their profit and loss statements don't align with their bank account balances. Harman explains the crucial distinctions between profit and cash flow, and outlines five key reasons for these discrepancies, including timing differences, large purchases, loan repayments, taxes, and how own
How to Financially Prepare for Hiring, Without Stressing Your Bottom Line
In this episode of Money First, CEO, host Harman Johnston shares practical advice on financially preparing for hiring staff. Harman emphasises the importance of proactive planning and introduces a strategic approach to ensure new hires do not become a financial burden. Key tips include opening a dedicated bank account for future hires, building a 90-day payroll buffer, treating hiring as a fixed e
Annual Price Reviews – A CEO’s Non-Negotiable
In this episode of Money First, CEO, Harman Johnston discusses the importance of conducting annual price reviews. Harman guides service-based businesses, retail operators, and manufacturers on strategies to ensure their pricing reflects increased work, costs, and market conditions over the past year. The episode highlights the impact of scope creep, client growth, rising expenses, and new tools on
The Biggest Expense I Cut That Didn’t Hurt My Lifestyle
In this episode of Money First, CEO, Harman Johnston discusses a major expense she cut from her business: online courses that were never finished. Harman shares her struggle with 'course addiction' and the financial and mental toll it took. By implementing a strict rule to only buy courses that could be immediately acted upon and setting dedicated time for both learning and execution, sh
2026 Vision: What’s Next for Money First CEOs
In this episode of Money First, CEO, host Harman Johnston reflects on the lessons learned and milestones achieved in 2025, while outlining exciting plans for 2026. Harman shares the mission behind the podcast, emphasising the importance of prioritising financial control to build a business that serves its owner first. Key takeaways include actionable money lessons like building profit with small s
Rest, Reflect, Recharge: The CEO Reset You Can’t Afford to Skip
In this episode of Money First, CEO, host Harman Johnston discusses the critical importance of rest for business owners. Harman explains how intentional rest can be a powerful revenue strategy, leading to clear decisions, better boundaries, and higher profits. The episode includes practical steps for taking a real CEO break, such as creating a money wind-down checklist, setting boundaries, and pla
Stop Doing It All: Skyrocket Profits with Smart Delegation
Welcome back to Money First, CEO, with your host Harman Johnston, who shares her journey from a one-person operation to a thriving business through smart money habits and systems. This episode focuses on the importance of delegation, highlighting the pitfalls of trying to do everything yourself and offering practical steps to effectively delegate tasks. Harman discusses how using platforms like Up
Imagine One Fearless Quarter
Welcome to Money First, CEO, with Harman Johnston, an expert bookkeeper, profit-first professional, and business coach from Sydney, Australia. This episode focuses on envisioning a fearless business quarter, free from self-doubt and overwhelm. Harman emphasises the power of financial clarity and strategic bold moves based on real data. Listeners are guided through actionable steps such as reviewin
The 5 Types of Wealth – Redefining What It Means to Be Truly Wealthy
Unlocking the Five Types of Wealth: A Holistic Approach to Business SuccessIn this episode of Money First, CEO, host Harman Johnston introduces listeners to the five types of wealth, inspired by Sahil Bloom's framework, which she encountered at Angela Henderson's Women in Business Conference. Harman underscores the significance of balancing time, social, mental, physical, and financial w
How to Make Profit a Habit – Mike Michalowicz on the Profit First Formula
This is a special episode as we welcome our first guest, Mike Michalowicz. Mike is the author of Profit First and a global expert on small business finance. His mission is to end entrepreneurial poverty, and he's helped thousands of business owners take control of their money.We talk about the real mistakes that keep business owners stuck, the myth of growing your way to success, and why taki
Say No, Win Big: Boost Profits with Boundaries
In this episode of Money First, CEO, Harman Johnston discusses the critical importance of setting boundaries in business. Harman shares a personal story about the costly mistake of saying yes to a rush job, highlighting how it drained her resources and affected her profits. She explains why saying no to low-value clients and requests is essential for maintaining profitability and mental well-being
Get Paid Faster: Transform Your Invoicing Process
In this episode, Harman discusses the challenges of dealing with late payments and how it affects cash flow and overall business health. She outlines practical steps to improve debtor follow-ups, including sending friendly reminders, automating notifications, and making payment processes easier for clients. Harman shares a three-step plan to ensure timely payments without alienating clients and of
Keep Customers Forever: Cash-Boosting Loyalty Secret
In this episode of Money First, CEO, Harman Johnston discusses how to keep customers forever with cash-boosting loyalty strategies. She shares her personal experience of losing a $10,000 client and explains the significant costs associated with acquiring new customers compared to retaining existing ones. Johnston outlines a three-step plan to enhance customer loyalty: personalising interactions, c
Work Less, Earn More: The 80/20 Profit Hack
Mastering the 80/20 Profit Hack: Work Less, Earn More In this episode of 'Money First, CEO,' host Harman Johnston is focused on helping business owners leverage the 80/20 rule (Pareto Principle) to maximise their profits while reducing work hours. Harman shares her own experience of how focusing on top revenue-generating clients significantly increased her profits. She explains the impor
Hire Slow, Win Big: Building a Cash-Savvy Team
Hiring can make or break your business finances. In this episode of Money First CEO, I share how to build a cash-savvy team that helps you grow profits without draining your bank account. I talk about how rushing into hiring can hurt your cash flow, why hiring strategically is a Profit First move, and how to make sure every hire adds value, not stress. I walk through my own story of hiring too fa
Charge What You’re Worth: Unlock Bigger Profits with Value-Based Pricing
In this episode of Money First, CEO, Harman Johnston gets real about one of the biggest mindset shifts in business: charging what you’re truly worth. If you’ve ever hesitated to raise your rates or felt weird asking for more money, this episode is exactly what you need.Harman shares the story of how undercharging in her early days nearly burned her out, and how switching to value-based pricing cha
The 3 Types of People in Business (and Which One You Should Be)
In this episode of Money First, CEO, Harman Johnston explores the powerful framework from Adam Grant’s Give and Take that categorises people into Givers, Takers, and Matchers. Learn how each type shows up in business, why givers tend to both fail and succeed the most, and what separates a sustainable giver from a burnt-out one.You’ll discover: - How to recognise your giving style and its impact on
Your Business is Not Your Bank Account
One of the biggest mistakes I see business owners make is treating their business like a personal ATM. Logging into your business account, seeing money sitting there, and using it for groceries or personal bills might feel harmless - but this habit will keep you broke, stressed, and stuck.In this episode of Money First, CEO, I share how I used to treat my business like a piggy bank, the financial
Investing Back Into Your Business — The Smart Way
Making smart investments in your business can feel tricky. We’ve all been tempted by late-night offers, shiny software, or coaching packages that promise the world. But the truth is, there’s a big difference between investing from strength and investing from stress. In this episode of Money First, CEO, I share how to make confident investment decisions without draining your business or relying on
Credit Cards Without Regret: My Rewards Strategy
Credit cards can be a controversial topic in the Profit First world. The standard advice is to avoid them completely, stick to cash, and keep things simple. And for many business owners, that’s the safest path. But what if I told you there’s a way to use credit cards strategically inside a Profit First system without falling into debt, losing track, or jeopardising your cash flow?In this episode o
Profit First for Service-Based Businesses
Running a service-based business can often feel like money is slipping through your fingers, no matter how much revenue you generate. In this episode of Money First, CEO, I unpack why traditional financial advice doesn’t always fit coaches, consultants, creative agencies, and other service providers - and how you can finally take control of your cash flow.I share the most common cash flow traps I
Financial Red Flags – Spotting the Danger Signs Early
In this episode of Money First, CEO, I’m diving into a topic that could save your business from unnecessary stress — identifying and fixing financial red flags before they spiral out of control. Your business rarely goes broke overnight; instead, it’s a slow erosion that starts with subtle warning signs. The problem? Most business owners either don’t see them or avoid addressing them until it’s to
What’s Stopping You? Clarifying Profit First Doubts
In this episode of Money First, CEO, I’m tackling the most common doubts and misconceptions about Profit First — the cashflow system that has transformed thousands of businesses. Over the past three years of working with Profit First, I’ve heard it all: “It’s too complicated.” “I’ll run out of money.” “My business is too small.” “Bank fees will eat into my profit.” “My income fluctuates too much.”
The CEO Paycheck – Paying Yourself First (Without Guilt)
In this episode of Money First, CEO, I’m diving into one of the most powerful (and overlooked) financial decisions a business owner can make – paying yourself first. This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever hesitated to transfer money into your own account because of guilt, uncertainty, or the fear of putting your business under pressure.I open up about my personal journey and the shift I made
Stop Chasing Growth – Start Building Stability
In this episode of Money First, CEO, I challenge the popular belief that constant growth equals success. While rapid revenue increases and a growing client list might look great on paper, if you're overwhelmed, underpaid, or spinning your wheels – it’s time to rethink what sustainable success really looks like.I walk you through how to pause the hustle, build strong financial foundations, and
Your Money Mindset - What's really holding you back?
In this episode of Money First, CEO, I dive into one of the most powerful and often overlooked forces behind your business success - your money mindset. It’s not about spreadsheets or budgets - it’s about the deep-seated beliefs you hold around money, shaped by your upbringing, culture, and past experiences.If you’ve ever felt stuck financially despite working hard and bringing in consistent reven
Building a Freedom Fund – Why Emergency Buffers Matter
What if you had a financial buffer that gave you the confidence to say no to the wrong clients, take a break when you need it, or invest in your next bold move - without stress? That’s the power of a Freedom Fund, and it’s not just for “one day.”In this episode of Money First, CEO, I’m breaking down what a Freedom Fund actually is, why it’s more than just an emergency stash, and how to start build
The Power of Financial Forecasting
If reviewing your finances feels reactive and overwhelming, it’s time to take a step into CEO mode with a simple but powerful habit: financial forecasting.In this episode of Money First, CEO, I’m walking you through what forecasting really is (in plain English), why it’s different to simply looking at your profit and loss report, and how to map out the next 90 days in your business - so you’re lea
Balancing School Holidays without a guilt - a Money first CEO's guide
In this episode, I get real about the juggle every business-owning parent knows all too well - school holidays. Whether you’re struggling with guilt about missing family time or feeling anxious about what’s not getting done in your business, I share how to plan proactively and take back control. I walk you through the exact systems, habits, and mindset shifts I use to create freedom and keep my bu
Ditch the DIY – Why You Need a Financial Partner
In this empowering episode of Money First, CEO, I tackle one of the biggest growth blockers for business owners: trying to manage your finances completely on your own. From reconciling accounts and navigating tax season to wondering if you’re even profitable - it’s exhausting. And you don’t have to keep doing it alone.I’m breaking down exactly why smart CEOs hire financial support, what kind of fi
Setting Up a Money Rhythm That Works
In this episode of Money First, CEO, I dive into one of the most powerful habits any business owner can create – the weekly money date. It's not about spreadsheets or perfection; it’s about consistency and clarity. I’ll guide you through how to set up your 30-minute ritual, what to include in it, and how it can transform your decision-making, reduce money stress, and help you build real finan
How to Prepare for End of Financial Year (Without the Panic)
In this episode of Money First, CEO, I walk you through a simple yet powerful end-of-financial-year strategy: booking a 30-minute call with your accountant. Whether your EOFY is 30 June, 31 December, or any other date, this episode helps you finish strong, avoid common pitfalls, and set your business up for a more profitable and stress-free new financial year.I also share my personal checklist for
Let Me Reintroduce Myself: Why You Can Trust Me
In this episode of Money First, CEO, I’m taking a step back to reintroduce myself and give you the real story behind how I got here—from multi-seven-figure retail operations to startups and bookkeeping for small business owners. I share the biggest mindset and money shifts that helped me go from stressed and overspending to strategic and intentional.But more importantly, I give you one simple, pow
The Real Cost of Not Knowing Your Numbers
In this episode of Money First, CEO, I dive deep into a topic that too many business owners avoid—your numbers. Ignoring your financial data isn't just a money problem—it's a mindset issue that leaks into every decision you make, from hiring to pricing to chasing shiny new solutions. I share real-world stories of clients who turned chaos into clarity, the hidden mental load of not knowin
Profit First: Pay Yourself, Then Pay the Bills
In this solo episode, I finally break down the Profit First system—a concept I mention often but haven’t fully unpacked until now. Whether you’re brand new to Profit First or you’ve tried implementing it in your business, I walk you through exactly what it is, how it works, and why it’s been a game changer for me and so many of my clients.I share the psychology behind the system, the key accounts
Expense Review – Cut the Crap, Keep the Power
In this episode of Money First CEO, I walk you through a no-nonsense expense review that every business owner needs. Whether you're starting out or scaling up, it’s time to stop the silent cash leaks and reclaim your financial power. I share practical steps to audit your business expenses, the emotional traps that lead to overspending, and a powerful 4-question filter to help you cut the crap
The 1% Shift — Start Paying Yourself Now
In this episode of Money First, CEO, I introduce you to a powerful concept from the Profit First methodology called the 1% shift. As a business owner and professional bookkeeper, I understand the challenges that come with managing finances. That's why I'm sharing how allocating just 1% of your revenue into a separate profit account can begin transforming your financial habits and your id
My Story – Why Money First Changed Everything
Welcome to the inaugural episode of Money First, CEO, the podcast designed for business owners ready to master their finances. I'm your host, Harman Johnston, a seasoned bookkeeper, profit-first professional, and business coach from Sydney, Australia. In this episode, I take you through my personal journey, which began in 2019 with young children at home and a desire to support my family fina
Welcome to Money First CEO
Welcome to Money First, CEO! I’m Harman Johnston, a profit first professional, bookkeeper, business coach, and mum of two from Sydney, Australia. My podcast is designed for ambitious entrepreneurs who want to take control of their finances, ensure they pay themselves consistently, and build businesses that support their desired lifestyles.In each episode, I share practical money habits and simple
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