Whether you're running a business from your spare room or clocking in a few admin hours at the kitchen bench, you’ve probably wondered what you can actually claim working from home — and what’s wishful thinking (no, your air fryer doesn’t count).

This episode clears up the confusion around WFH deductions with a no-fluff breakdown of the ATO-approved methods you can use to claim - and how to get it right. I’ll walk you through the two main options available, who they’re best suited for, and exactly what you can and can’t include. If you’re second-guessing what counts or relying on TikTok tips, this one’s for you.

With the ATO keeping a close eye on these deductions, it’s more important than ever to understand the rules, track your expenses properly, and stay on top of your records. You’ll leave this episode knowing the difference between fixed rate and actual cost methods, what each covers, and what to avoid so you don’t land in hot water at tax time.

Here’s what’s covered:

• There are two ways to claim: the fixed rate method and the actual cost method - each has specific requirements
• Fixed rate covers things like internet, phone, power, and stationery
• Actual cost lets you claim what you’ve spent
• You can’t double-dip or mix methods, and some items (like rent) are only claimable under strict conditions for business owners
• Records matter: keep invoices, receipts, and diaries to support your claim
• Your tax agent is your best friend for working out what applies to your setup

Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Grab our free Xero Money Saver guide here
• ATO Work From Home resource here

EOFY shouldn’t feel like an annual panic button, but if it still does, you’re not alone. This episode is for the business owner who’s been at it for a few years and still finds themselves scrambling, second-guessing, or flat out avoiding the numbers when June rolls around.

Whether you’re DIYing or already have a bookkeeper, if you’re feeling behind and unsure what your BAS will be until it lands in your inbox, or scrambling to piece things together for your tax return, this is your sign to change things up. If you didn’t get a chance to review and optimise your tax position this year, it’s time for support which keeps you ahead, not playing catch-up.

From real-life client stories to some exact points from the checklist we use in my bookkeeping practice, I’m walking you through what EOFY can look like when it’s done right, with clarity, confidence and way less stress. You’ll also hear a gentle but honest reality check about what your bookkeeper should be doing for you (and what to ask if you’re not feeling the love).

Let this be the last EOFY you feel unprepared!

Here’s what’s covered:

• EOFY isn’t the time to fix everything, it’s the deadline, not the strategy
• The difference between a good bookkeeper and a great one? Ongoing support, clarity, and proactive insights
• Hidden costs in ecommerce and missed deductions in service-based businesses can lead to paying more tax than necessary
• Create a rinse-and-repeat EOFY checklist including super timing, stock takes, tidy payroll, and tax planning
• If you’re still winging it or only hearing from your bookkeeper at BAS time, it might be time to reassess

Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Previous Podcast Ep: 03 My Top Tips for a Smooth EOFY
• Blog post: Here's Why Your EOFY Stock Take is a Good Thing
• Blog post: The EOFY Checklist for Small Business Owners
• Book a Discovery Call here!

Whether you’re hiring your first team member or reshuffling how support looks inside your growing business, this conversation will help you make smarter, more sustainable decisions. I’m joined by hiring and leadership expert, and my friend, Paula Maidens, and together we dive into one of the biggest growth questions I see small business owners face: should this role be in-house, outsourced or offshored?

It’s a topic full of opinions and assumptions, but Paula breaks it down with clarity and logic. We talk about how to weigh up true costs (spoiler: it’s not *just* about hourly rates), what red flags to watch for, and why your gut feel isn’t always the best hiring strategy.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you're overpaying, under-briefing or building a team not quite right for where your business is heading, this episode gives you the practical tools and mindset shifts to figure it out.

This one’s especially useful if you’re wearing too many hats and want to grow without losing control, profit, or peace of mind.

Here’s what’s covered:

• Control, confidentiality and consistency are key drivers when deciding where a role should sit
• The true cost of hiring isn’t limited to wages. Factor in training, communication, systems, and time
• Use Paula’s 5-step framework to assess: cost, value, hours, risk, and medium-term fit
• Onboarding is crucial. Skipping it sabotages your hire and your ROI
• Red flags your outsourcing or offshoring setup isn’t working: disappearing acts, lack of process ownership, or system misalignment
• Pay attention to communication flow. If they can’t integrate with your systems or team, it may not be a good fit
• Always document processes in your business, no matter who’s doing the task, in-house or external

We had such a great chat, and there was so much to unpack - if you enjoyed this episode as much as I did talking to Paula, there’s an extended version over on YouTube. Pop over there if you want to hear even more insights we couldn’t quite squeeze into the podcast here.

Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Paula Maidens Kickass Hiring & Interview Masterclass

Connect with Paula:

• Website: Paula Maidens
• Instagram: Paula Maidens Consulting
• LinkedIn: Paula Maidens
• Podcast: Big Dreams Great Teams