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 changed everything. From breaking down what undercharging really costs you, to simple steps for raising your rates, this is a must-listen if you’re ready to grow without guilt.

You’ll hear: - The real impact of low prices (it’s more than money) - Why pricing based on time is keeping you stuck - A simple formula to help you charge with clarity - What to say when someone says “you’re too expensive”

Money First Move This Week: Pick one offer. Raise the price by 10–15%. Test it. Track how it feels. Watch your confidence grow.

🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!
If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Link to expense review

🔗 Where to Find Harman:
Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.au
Instagram: @blubookkeepers

Facebook: @blubookkeepersau
TikTok: @profitwithharman
LinkedIn: Harman Johnston

📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?
Book a Free Discovery Call here

📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?
Email me directly at: info@blubookkeepers.com.au

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 energy, profits, and boundaries - The warning signs of overgiving and how to shift to strategic generosity - How to use the Profit First system to give with structure and clarity

Whether you’re a coach, creative, or service provider, this episode will help you protect your energy while continuing to lead with value.

🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!
If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Link to expense review

🔗 Where to Find Harman:
Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.au
Instagram: @blubookkeepers

Facebook: @blubookkeepersau
TikTok: @profitwithharman
LinkedIn: Harman Johnston

📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?
Book a Free Discovery Call here

📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?
Email me directly at: info@blubookkeepers.com.au

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 chaos it created, and the exact system I now use to separate business and personal money with absolute clarity. I explain why mixing your business and personal finances leads to messy bookkeeping, unnecessary accountant questions, and painful director’s loan accounts that create unexpected tax bills.

The turning point came when I implemented Profit First and set up separate bank accounts for income, profit, owner’s pay, tax, and operating expenses. I’ll show you how this structure allows you to pay yourself consistently like a CEO, stay on top of taxes, and actually see real profit in your business.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re working hard but never getting ahead financially, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to stop treating your business as your bank account and start using it as a true wealth-building tool.

🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!
If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Link to expense review

🔗 Where to Find Harman:
Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.au
Instagram: @blubookkeepers

Facebook: @blubookkeepersau
TikTok: @profitwithharman
LinkedIn: Harman Johnston

📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?
Book a Free Discovery Call here

📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?
Email me directly at: info@blubookkeepers.com.au

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 impulse.

I walk you through the difference between smart spending and emotional buying, and why the most successful CEOs create a buffer for their future investments before they ever need them. You’ll learn how to set up a “Next Best Thing” account to prepare for growth opportunities, the importance of planning for non-financial costs like time and training, and how to map out your expected return on investment before you say yes.

We also talk about the red and green light test for spending decisions, a simple way to pause before making an emotional purchase and give yourself clarity around whether the timing and purpose are right. By the end of this episode, you’ll have practical steps to make smarter decisions that support long-term stability and growth, not short-term panic.

The key takeaway? Don’t invest from stress. Invest from structure and strength.

🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!
If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Link to expense review

🔗 Where to Find Harman:
Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.au
Instagram: @blubookkeepers

Facebook: @blubookkeepersau
TikTok: @profitwithharman
LinkedIn: Harman Johnston

📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?
Book a Free Discovery Call here

📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?
Email me directly at: info@blubookkeepers.com.au

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 of Money First, CEO, I share exactly how I use my American Express card for business expenses only—without ever paying a cent in interest and while earning meaningful rewards that benefit my family. I walk through the difference between using a credit card as a funding source (a recipe for stress) and using it as a payment method for planned operating expenses.

I explain why discipline, structure, and cash allocation matter more than the card itself, and how I make sure my card usage stays aligned with Profit First principles. I also share my weekly routine for paying off the balance, how I separate personal and business spending, and the rewards strategy that’s allowed me to fund travel and upgrades without dipping into personal savings.

The key takeaway? Credit isn’t the problem - confusion and lack of structure are. If you know your numbers, stick to your allocations, and treat your card like a tool, you can enjoy the benefits without the debt stress.

🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!
If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Link to expense review

🔗 Where to Find Harman:
Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.au
Instagram: @blubookkeepers

Facebook: @blubookkeepersau
TikTok: @profitwithharman
LinkedIn: Harman Johnston

📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?
Book a Free Discovery Call here

📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?
Email me directly at: info@blubookkeepers.com.au

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 see in service businesses, from slow-paying clients to emotional pricing, and why having just one bank account for everything is a recipe for stress. These challenges often lead to feast-and-famine cycles, inconsistent income, and the constant thought of “why doesn’t this add up?”

The good news is, it’s not you - it’s the system. By using the Profit First method with one critical twist, you can create financial clarity and build a business that truly supports you. I explain how to separate out contractor and associate costs before you allocate your profit, tax, and owner’s pay, so you’re working with your real revenue - not inflated numbers that leave you short at the end of the month.

You’ll hear a simple, practical step you can take this week to stop wondering where the money has gone and start running your business like a confident CEO. If you’ve ever felt like you’re working around the clock but still not paying yourself consistently, this episode will show you exactly what to do next.

🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!
If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Link to expense review

🔗 Where to Find Harman:
Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.au
Instagram: @blubookkeepers

Facebook: @blubookkeepersau
TikTok: @profitwithharman
LinkedIn: Harman Johnston

📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?
Book a Free Discovery Call here

📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?
Email me directly at: info@blubookkeepers.com.au

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 too late.

I unpack the early indicators that your finances might be heading in the wrong direction, from unpredictable cash flow to mounting expenses, overdue invoices, and dipping into personal savings to fund your business. You’ll learn why avoiding your numbers only increases risk and how a simple 30-minute review each week can transform your financial confidence.

We’ll talk about how to tighten expenses without sacrificing growth, the importance of chasing up money owed, why raising your prices and protecting your owner’s pay is non-negotiable, and the value of building a safety buffer for unexpected expenses. I also share how tools like Profit First can help you structure your cash flow for stability and why taking action now will always be cheaper than delaying.

Whether you’re feeling the pinch or simply want to strengthen your financial foundations, this episode gives you a clear plan to spot the whispers before they turn into screams — and lead your business like a true CEO.

🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!
If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Link to expense review

🔗 Where to Find Harman:
Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.au
Instagram: @blubookkeepers

Facebook: @blubookkeepersau
TikTok: @profitwithharman
LinkedIn: Harman Johnston

📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?
Book a Free Discovery Call here

📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?
Email me directly at: info@blubookkeepers.com.au

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.”

Here’s the truth: these fears aren’t about Profit First being hard — they’re about change. And change can feel uncomfortable. But delaying implementation keeps you stuck in a cycle of no safety net, no clear plan, and no consistent profit.

I break down the five biggest objections I hear from business owners and share the simple, practical ways to overcome them. You’ll learn how to start small with just one or two accounts, why buffers are your secret weapon for smooth cashflow, and how Profit First actually helps you thrive during slow months. I also share real client examples that prove you can start with as little as 1% profit and grow it to 10% faster than you think.

If you’ve ever wondered whether Profit First could work for your business — no matter the size, industry, or income fluctuations — this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to get started and keep going.

🎧 Thanks for listening to the Money First CEO Podcast!
If this episode helped you move the needle, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Link to expense review

🔗 Where to Find Harman:
Website: www.blubookkeepers.com.au
Instagram: @blubookkeepers

Facebook: @blubookkeepersau
TikTok: @profitwithharman
LinkedIn: Harman Johnston

📞 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?
Book a Free Discovery Call here

📩 Have a Question or Want to Be a Guest?
Email me directly at: info@blubookkeepers.com.au