We have all delayed important tasks, even when we know better. Procrastination is usually framed as a weakness or a lack of discipline. However, we challenge that assumption. Instead of guilt, we look at understanding what procrastination is really telling us and how it can sometimes work in our favour.

Procrastination is not laziness. It is a self-regulation issue where we delay action despite knowing there may be consequences. For many creative business owners, it shows up as distraction, avoidance, or over-preparing instead of starting.

We explain how procrastination often reflects emotional responses rather than poor work ethic. Once we recognise that, it becomes easier to manage rather than fight it.

Procrastination usually has clear causes. Fear of failure can make starting feel overwhelming. Perfectionism can stop progress before it begins. Feeling overloaded with ideas or lacking motivation can also keep us stuck.

By identifying which of these applies, we gain control. Awareness is the first step towards changing behaviour.

Not all delay is bad. Sometimes stepping away allows our subconscious to process information. This can lead to better decisions and stronger ideas when we return to the task.

Procrastination can also act as a filter. If we keep avoiding something, it may be a signal that the task is not as urgent or important as we think.

When procrastination becomes a barrier, simple strategies help. Breaking work into small steps reduces overwhelm. Starting with just five minutes often builds momentum. Time-blocking work and rest helps maintain focus.

Reducing distractions is equally important. Fewer interruptions make it easier to move from intention to action.

When financial admin adds stress, it fuels procrastination. Using the right tools can remove friction and free up mental space, allowing us to focus on creative and strategic work rather than avoiding it.

Procrastination is not always the enemy. Used wisely, it can support creativity and better decisions. The key is understanding why we delay and responding with practical strategies rather than guilt.

Next time procrastination shows up, we encourage you to pause and ask whether it is avoidance or incubation. The answer can change how you move forward.

If this episode resonated, explore more...

Fixed Mindset vs Growth Mindset

Why Attitude Shapes Behaviour

Business Confidence and Belief

Emotions and Decision-Making

Seeing Obstacles as Growth

• [00:00:00] Introduction to business attitude and mindset
• [00:01:33] Why mindset matters more than you think
• [00:04:05] Fixed mindset vs growth mindset
• [00:06:50] Attitude and business behaviour
• [00:09:15] Practical steps to improve mindset
• [00:10:40] Final thoughts

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Late payments don’t just cause frustration — they damage your cashflow, restrict growth, and can force unnecessary borrowing. By tightening up your payment processes, you protect your business and create healthier financial habits.

Before any work begins, agree on:

• Payment terms in writing
• Deposit requirements
• Due dates, instalments, or milestones
• Consequences of late payment

This sets expectations early and reduces misunderstandings later on.

Digital systems make invoicing smoother and faster. We recommend using modern accounting software such as Xero. It helps you:

• Send invoices instantly
• Track overdue payments
• Automate reminders
• Accept online payments

Customers respond better when communication is firm, polite, and regular. Keep to your procedures — don’t let overdue invoices linger.

Before the Due Date

• Send a friendly reminder
• Confirm they have everything they need to pay

On the Due Date

• Send a clear message confirming payment is now due

After Payment Becomes Late

• Send a firm reminder without delays
• Call if necessary — calls get results
• Reinforce the agreed terms

Here are steps that help prevent late payments altogether:

• Carry out basic credit checks
• Ask for deposits or staged payments
• Use direct debit or payment collection services
• Implement late payment charges where appropriate

Getting paid on time is not about chasing — it’s about setting the right procedures. With clear communication, good systems, and strong boundaries, you protect your cashflow and strengthen your business.

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Money can strengthen a relationship or strain it, depending on how we handle it. In this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we explore why couples often struggle when talking about money and what we can do to reduce stress, improve communication, and build financial trust together.

Money is deeply emotional. It connects to safety, identity, habits, fear and upbringing. When two people come together, they often bring different money stories, expectations and comfort levels about spending, saving and risk. Without awareness and open conversation, these differences can easily lead to misunderstandings and conflict.

We often see couples avoiding money discussions because they worry about judgment or triggering an argument. But silence usually makes things worse. The longer things remain unspoken, the bigger the financial and emotional gap becomes.

The way we think about money is shaped long before adulthood. Childhood experiences, parental attitudes and cultural influences form the habits we carry into relationships. Some people grow up with scarcity thinking, others with confidence, and some with avoidance behaviours.

Understanding where our partner’s mindset comes from is a powerful way to reduce conflict. We stop assuming and start empathising.

Healthy relationships rely on open and honest communication. This includes choosing the right time to talk about money and keeping discussions neutral and forward-looking. Instead of focusing on past mistakes, we focus on shared goals and what matters to both partners.

Asking questions such as “What does financial security look like to you?” reveals expectations and gives couples a stronger foundation to work from.

Financial teamwork starts with shared goals. These could include buying a home, reducing debt, improving financial stability or planning major life events. Once goals are clear, couples can decide on practical steps such as budgeting, tracking expenses or setting spending boundaries.

Transparency is key. Both partners should understand the full financial picture. Whether you use joint accounts, separate accounts or a hybrid approach, clarity and agreement are what matter.

It’s important for each partner to maintain some personal financial independence. This avoids the feeling of being monitored or restricted. A balance of shared and individual responsibility supports both autonomy and teamwork.

If money arguments recur or feel overwhelming, involving a neutral professional can be transformative. A financial coach or advisor provides structure, clarity and a roadmap, removing the emotional heat from the conversation and helping both partners align.

Money does not need to divide couples. When we understand each other’s habits, communicate openly and align around shared goals, money becomes a tool for connection instead of conflict. Strong financial teamwork leads to stronger relationships.

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Identity verification is the legal process of confirming that a person or organisation is who they say they are. It helps prevent fraud, tax evasion, money laundering, terrorist financing, and abuse of financial systems. Businesses must prove that clients are legitimate before providing services — especially when risk is higher.

• When onboarding new clients
• If risk levels change or suspicious activity appears
• Before offering regulated professional services
• When payment behaviour or ownership suddenly changes

These checks are not optional. Failure to verify identity can lead to penalties, account freezes, investigations, reputational damage, and criminal consequences.

Proof isn't just a name written in an email — it must be documented. Typical verification includes:

• Passport or driving licence
• Recent utility bill or council tax statement
• Bank statements showing address

In some cases, enhanced checks (E-KYC) are required — such as source of funds, ownership structure, or AML screening.

Not all clients have the same level of risk. Businesses should apply stronger verification when:

• Clients operate internationally
• Payments vary unexpectedly
• Large or unusual transactions occur
• Clients come from high-risk industries

Good record-keeping protects you. Compliance is not just a legal obligation — it's a financial safeguard.

Keep ID documents securely for a minimum of five years. Store clean digital audit trails in accounting systems, encrypted drives, or secure cloud platforms. Never hold data informally in WhatsApp chats or desktop folders.

If identity verification fails or is ignored, businesses risk:

• HMRC penalties
• Financial loss from unpaid invoices
• Regulatory investigation
• Permanent reputation damage

Preventing risk is cheaper than fixing mistakes later.

• 00:00:00— Why identity verification matters
• 00:01:32— When checks are legally required
• 00:03:18— What documents are acceptable
• 00:05:02— Red flags & high-risk scenarios
• 00:06:44— Compliance tips for business
• 00:09:11— Final thoughts

Stay in control of compliance and finance — follow the podcast and never miss an update.

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E-invoicing is not just a digital nicety, it is becoming central to how modern businesses keep cash flowing and stay compliant. In this episode of I Hate Numbers, we explain what e-invoicing means, why larger customers and public sector buyers increasingly expect it, and how adopting it can reduce errors, speed up payments, and simplify bookkeeping.

E-invoices remove manual rekeying, eliminate lost PDFs, and cut the back and forth that delays payment. They improve accuracy and create a clear, auditable trail that makes life easier at tax time. For businesses supplying VAT-registered customers, being able to send structured data rather than free-form PDFs means customers can process invoices automatically, improving your chance of being paid faster.

We cover the practical benefits: faster approvals from customers, fewer disputes about amounts or dates, smoother integration with cloud accounting systems, and a stronger position when bidding for larger contracts. E-invoicing also reduces duplicate payments and speeds up reconciliations, which helps your cash flow and frees your team from low-value admin tasks.

There are different e-invoicing standards around the world, and larger buyers are increasingly requiring structured invoices. Check the requirements of your major customers and public sector buyers before you select a provider. Understanding the required data fields and VAT treatments will prevent problems later.

Start by choosing a provider or using the e-invoicing options inside your cloud accounting package. Map the invoice data fields, run tests, and communicate the change to customers. We recommend a short pilot, perhaps with a handful of customers, to iron out any issues before rolling out the change company-wide. Make sure staff are trained and that you keep backups of your invoices and settings.

Partial adoption can cause confusion, so decide early how you will handle customers who cannot accept structured invoices. Ensure your internal processes match the structured data fields, and confirm how your software handles varying currencies, VAT rates, and line-item details. Always test end-to-end before switching fully to avoid missed payments and data mismatches.

E-invoicing is a practical win for any business that wants to reduce admin, speed up payments, and improve auditability. If you are still sending manual invoices, now is the time to plan the move. Small steps, a short pilot and clear communication with customers will make the switch painless and worthwhile.

[00:00:00] – Introduction

[00:01:10] – What e-invoicing is and why it matters

[00:03:05] – Benefits: accuracy, speed, and cashflow

[00:05:00] – Standards and compliance considerations

[00:06:40] – How to get started, step by step

[00:08:20] – Common pitfalls to avoid

[00:09:30] – Final thoughts and next steps

Host Name: Mahmood Reza

About the Host: We are the team behind I Hate Numbers. As accountants and business coaches, we help organisations simplify finance, improve cash flow, and adopt efficient systems.

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In this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we explore a tax trap that affects countless landlords and property investors. Preparing a property before tenants move in brings real costs, but HMRC applies strict rules on what you can and cannot claim. We explain those rules in plain English, highlight common mistakes, and show how to protect your cash flow and stay compliant.

Your property business officially begins on the day your first tenant moves in and rent starts. That date matters because any spending before then is treated as pre-commencement expenditure. HMRC will only allow these costs if they meet three criteria:

• The cost must be within seven years of the start date.
• The cost must not already have been claimed elsewhere.
• The cost must be allowable if incurred after the business started.

If all three conditions are met, the expense is treated as if it occurred on day one of the rental business.

This is the core of the tax decision. Revenue expenses repair or maintain the property without improving it. Examples include:

• Repainting
• Repairing damp
• Replacing damaged flooring with similar materials
• Fixing broken boilers like-for-like

Capital expenses improve or upgrade the property. These include:

• Extensions
• Loft conversions
• Upgrading to high-spec kitchens or bathrooms
• Structural alterations

Revenue costs reduce your rental profits now. Capital costs only reduce capital gains tax in the future.

If you treat dry rot or replace rotten timbers, HMRC sees it as a repair. If you convert a loft or add an extra bathroom, that improves the property’s overall value and is treated as capital. Understanding the difference prevents costly mistakes when completing your tax return.

HMRC expects clear records: invoices, breakdowns, and evidence of work carried out. Mixed invoices are a common issue. If repairs and improvements are bundled into one amount, HMRC may block the full claim. Ask contractors for itemised invoices, and take before-and-after photos to strengthen your position.

Landlords often run into trouble for reasons such as:

• Claiming costs older than seven years.
• Classifying improvements as repairs.
• Lacking itemised invoices or evidence.
• Using inconsistent accounting methods.

If you have multiple rental properties, allowable repair costs from one property can still reduce overall rental profits across your portfolio.

[00:00:00] Introduction

[00:00:42] Understanding pre-letting costs

[00:01:27] When a property business starts

[00:02:00] The three tests for pre-commencement expenses

[00:03:00] Revenue vs capital explained

[00:04:12] Examples from real situations

[00:05:00] What you can and cannot deduct

[00:06:09] Record keeping and documentation

[00:07:12] Mixed invoices and challenges

[00:07:57] Accounting basis considerations

[00:08:36] Impact on portfolios and holiday lets

[00:09:18] Summary and next steps

Understanding pre-let expenditure rules helps you avoid HMRC issues and protects your cash flow. The clearer your records and the more accurate your classifications, the smoother your tax return becomes. If you want personalised support reviewing your property costs, we can help with a detailed tax diagnostic review.

• 📘

Fuel benefits can look attractive on the surface—free fuel for your company car sounds great, right? However, the hidden tax costs can outweigh the perks. In this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we break down how company car fuel benefits work, why they can become expensive tax traps, and how to decide whether it’s really worth it.

The Myth of “Free” Fuel

Many business owners assume that having their company cover private fuel costs is a tax-efficient perk. However, the reality is that HMRC applies a significant benefit-in-kind tax to fuel provided for personal use. This means both the company and the employee could face unexpected costs at the end of the year.

How HMRC Calculates the Tax

The tax on company car fuel is based on a set “fuel benefit charge.” This combines a fixed amount (currently £27,800 for the 2025/26 tax year) multiplied by the car’s CO₂ percentage band. For example, if your car’s rate is 25%, the taxable benefit is £6,950. This amount is added to your personal income for tax purposes—meaning you’ll pay tax as if you’d earned that money.

Why It’s Rarely Worth It

In most cases, the actual cost of fuel you receive is lower than the tax you’ll pay on it. Even though it seems like “free” fuel, you could easily lose hundreds or even thousands of pounds more in tax. The company also pays 15% Class 1A National Insurance on the taxable amount, adding to the total expense.

A Simple Test: Is It Worth Keeping the Fuel Perk?

Here’s an easy way to check. Calculate how much personal fuel your company covers annually and compare it to the fuel benefit tax charge. If the tax bill is higher, you’re better off reimbursing the company for personal mileage instead of accepting the “free” fuel benefit.

Alternative Approaches That Save Tax

There are smarter ways to handle fuel costs without falling into the tax trap. For example, you can:

• Pay for private mileage yourself and claim business mileage at HMRC’s approved rate (45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles).
• Opt for hybrid or fully electric vehicles with lower or zero benefit-in-kind rates.
• Use business fuel cards solely for business journeys, ensuring private fuel is excluded.

Record Keeping and Compliance

HMRC requires accurate mileage logs to prove business use. Digital mileage apps or GPS-enabled records make this simple and protect you during potential audits. Keeping proper logs ensures you only pay tax on what’s necessary—and stay compliant without the admin stress.

Key Takeaway

Fuel perks often turn into expensive tax traps. The “free” fuel you get might actually cost you more than paying for it personally. With careful planning and the right approach, you can avoid unnecessary tax and keep your finances in better shape.

• [00:00:00] – Introduction: The reality of fuel perks
• [00:01:22] – Understanding how fuel benefit works
• [00:03:06] – How HMRC calculates the charge
• [00:05:15] – Why the fuel benefit rarely pays off
• [00:07:10] – Smarter tax-efficient alternatives
• [00:08:55] – Final thoughts and best practices

Host Name: Mahmood Reza

About the Host: We’re accountants, educators, and financial coaches on a mission to make business and tax easier to understand. For over 30 years, I Hate Numbers has helped businesses plan smarter, save tax, and achieve long-term success.