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 to set up, tips for applying it in an Australian context (including GST and super), and how to get started even if things feel tight right now.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• What Profit First is and where it came from
• How to set up your business with Profit First bank accounts
• Why understanding your financials is crucial—even if numbers scare you
• How to create sustainable rhythms with your money
• How the system adapts to your lifestyle and industry
• Real examples from my clients and my own business

🎧 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 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 and keep what actually drives momentum. This isn't about being frugal – it's about being intentional and building a business that truly works for you.

What You’ll Learn:

• The difference between spending and investing in your business
• How emotional triggers like FOMO and insecurity lead to unnecessary expenses
• The two types of business expenses: fixed and variable
• My 4-question filter for reviewing every business expense
• How to create a recurring expense list that saves time and money
• Simple ways to cancel, downgrade or renegotiate costs without cutting corners

🎧 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 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 identity as a business owner. I'll walk you through common money habits that keep many of us stuck in reactive mode and how this small yet impactful habit can start flipping that script.

I also share a success story from one of my clients, Megan, who runs a freelance design studio. By implementing the 1% shift, Megan moved from feeling broke to stepping into the identity of an empowered business owner. I’ll provide practical steps to help you create a structured financial system, including setting up a separate profit account, celebrating small wins, and understanding the concept of quarterly profit distributions.

You don't need to fully implement the entire Profit First system to benefit from this. This is a step you can take right now, no matter where you are in your business journey. By making this small but consistent effort, you can build a disciplined, confident, and profitable business. Join me as I break down how you can start putting your money first, so the rest can follow organically. If you find value in this episode, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with other business owners who can benefit from this simple yet effective financial strategy.

🎧 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.

🔗 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

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 financially. I ventured into bookkeeping without prior experience in specific software, driven by past suggestions from a former boss.

Despite my skills and passion, I initially operated without a clear financial system, leading to stress and financial uncertainty. My turning point came when I discovered Mike Michalowicz's book, 'Profit First,' which provided a strategic roadmap for better cash flow management. By changing how I allocated money—paying myself, setting aside tax, and creating a financial buffer—I transformed my business operations and personal life, achieving a balance between work and family time.

In this podcast, you'll learn from my experiences and gain insights into actionable steps to better manage your finances. I emphasise the importance of financial clarity and offer a simple task to help you start: review the last 30 days of your business bank account to track your spending and payments to yourself. By doing so, you'll begin to see where your money goes, helping you shift your financial management towards more effective practices.

Join me on this journey, and get ready to unlock new levels of clarity, confidence, and financial success in your business. Hit subscribe, leave a five-star review, and share this podcast to empower other business owners on their financial journey.

🎧 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

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 systems with clear takeaways that you can immediately implement. Additionally, I’ll be joined by inspiring guests, including fellow entrepreneurs and money experts, as we delve into what it truly takes to create a profitable business and a life you love.

Join me to learn how putting money first can turn it into a tool for freedom, removing one of the biggest roadblocks in business and life. Whether you're just starting out, scaling up, or somewhere in between, grab your coffee, hit play, and let’s build a business where money is not the problem but the power.

🎧 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