Money First CEO

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 financia...

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 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...

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...

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 t...

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....

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 ma...

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, a...

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 re...

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 bu...

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 l...

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...

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...

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 fina...

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 f...

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, p...

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 knowi...

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...

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...

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...

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 simpl...

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...