Money First CEO

Harman

How do you build a business that truly supports your life?  I’m the Money First CEO. Over the past 5 years, I’ve grown a sustainable 6-figure business and built a 7-figure investment portfolio, not by working harder, but by managing money differently.  This podcast shares the real habits, honest lessons, and simple strategies that helped me and can help you build a business that puts profit and peace first.  If you’re ready to feel more confident with your cash and create long-term stability, you’re in the right place. New episodes every Monday.

  1. 5D AGO

    How to Pay Yourself More Without Increasing Revenue

    In this episode, Harman Johnston explains how established business owners can increase consistent owner’s pay without increasing revenue by changing from an operator mindset to a CEO mindset and using Profit First style allocations. She challenges the formula of revenue minus expenses equals profit and shows how expenses often rise with revenue unless pay is protected. Using a $120,000 per month example, she outlines allocating percentages to profit, tax, owner’s pay, and operating expenses to reveal pricing, expense, or margin issues. She highlights three common leaks reducing take home pay: expense creep, emotional spending, and lack of weekly financial visibility. Harman shares her own shift to making owner’s pay non negotiable, tightening expenses, improving pricing, and leading with clearer numbers. The episode closes with a practical audit of the last three months of owner’s pay and an invitation to book a discovery call to build a structure that supports paying yourself first.   00:00 Welcome to Money First CEO (Show Intro & What to Expect) 01:00 Today’s Topic: Pay Yourself More Without More Revenue 01:39 Why ‘More Revenue’ Doesn’t Fix Owner Pay (The Real Problem) 02:26 Operator vs CEO: The Mindset Shift to Paying Yourself First 03:12 Let’s Get Practical: A Simple Allocation Example ($120k/month) 04:03 When the Numbers Don’t Fit: Pricing, Expenses & Margin Reality Check 04:45 The 3 Silent Leaks Shrinking Your Take-Home Pay 05:31 My Story: The Day I Made Owner Pay Non‑Negotiable 06:29 What You Actually Want: Clarity, Separate Accounts & Peace of Mind 07:19 Takeaway + Action Steps (Review 3 Months of Pay) 07:41 Call to Action + Closing: Build a Structure That Pays You Now   🎧 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

    9 min
  2. FEB 15

    What CEOs Get Wrong When They Do Their Own Bookkeeping

    In this episode of 'Money First, CEO,' host Harman Johnston discusses the significant shift in a CEO's role as their business grows, specifically why continuing to handle your own bookkeeping can hinder growth. Harman outlines the mental and practical strains of DIY bookkeeping and explains why delegating this task is crucial for making high-level decisions. She provides a clear, actionable takeaway: scheduling a monthly money review meeting to ensure clean, current, and accurate financial insights. This episode emphasizes the importance of stepping back from day-to-day transactions to focus on strategic decision-making, empowering CEOs to lead their businesses more effectively.   00:00 Introduction to Money First, CEO 01:00 The Importance of Delegating Bookkeeping 01:50 The Pitfalls of DIY Bookkeeping 03:13 Shifting from Bookkeeper to CEO 05:39 Implementing a Monthly Money Review 07:21 Conclusion and Next Steps 🎧 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

    8 min
  3. FEB 5

    “Where’s My Profit?!” - Why Your Bank Balance Doesn’t Match Your P&L

    In this episode of Money First, CEO, Harman Johnston delves into the common issue business owners face when their profit and loss statements don't align with their bank account balances. Harman explains the crucial distinctions between profit and cash flow, and outlines five key reasons for these discrepancies, including timing differences, large purchases, loan repayments, taxes, and how owners pay themselves. She provides actionable steps like reviewing accounts receivable, planning for big expenses, creating a tax account, and using cashflow trackers to help business owners better manage their finances. The episode emphasises the importance of putting money first to gain clarity, confidence, and financial control.   00:00 Introduction to Money First, CEO 01:00 Understanding Profit vs. Cash 02:17 Reasons for Profit and Cash Discrepancies 04:30 Managing Cash Effectively 05:16 Final Thoughts and Action Steps   🎧 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

    7 min
  4. FEB 1

    How to Financially Prepare for Hiring, Without Stressing Your Bottom Line

    In this episode of Money First, CEO, host Harman Johnston shares practical advice on financially preparing for hiring staff. Harman emphasises the importance of proactive planning and introduces a strategic approach to ensure new hires do not become a financial burden. Key tips include opening a dedicated bank account for future hires, building a 90-day payroll buffer, treating hiring as a fixed expense, and other actionable steps to integrate hiring into your cash flow projections smoothly. This episode is packed with insights to help business owners hire with confidence and avoid financial stress.   00:00 Introduction to Money First, CEO 01:00 Financial Preparation for Hiring 02:09 Creating a Financial Plan for New Hires 03:18 Building a 90-Day Financial Runway 05:02 Additional Financial Strategies for Hiring 05:53 Weekly Takeaway and Final Thoughts   🎧 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

    7 min
  5. JAN 25

    Annual Price Reviews – A CEO’s Non-Negotiable

    In this episode of Money First, CEO, Harman Johnston discusses the importance of conducting annual price reviews. Harman guides service-based businesses, retail operators, and manufacturers on strategies to ensure their pricing reflects increased work, costs, and market conditions over the past year. The episode highlights the impact of scope creep, client growth, rising expenses, and new tools on pricing for service-based businesses. Retailers are advised to factor in supplier price hikes, increased operational costs, and product movement into their pricing strategies. Manufacturers are encouraged to reassess unit costs and material inflation. Harman also addresses potential client pushbacks and offers a practical tool for implementing price reviews effectively. Listeners are prompted to review their pricing structures to remain profitable and are invited to visit https://blubookkeepers.com.au/services/profit-first/ for additional resources. Want the spreadsheet? Email: info@blubookkeepers.com.au DM us at Instagram: @blubookkeepers   00:00 Introduction to Money First, CEO Podcast 01:04 Annual Price Review: A Key Strategy 01:41 Service-Based Business Pricing 03:30 Retail Business Pricing 04:30 Manufacturing Business Pricing 05:17 Handling Client Pushback 05:59 Weekly Action Step: Implementing Price Reviews 06:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   🎧 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

    8 min
  6. JAN 18

    The Biggest Expense I Cut That Didn’t Hurt My Lifestyle

    In this episode of Money First, CEO, Harman Johnston discusses a major expense she cut from her business: online courses that were never finished. Harman shares her struggle with 'course addiction' and the financial and mental toll it took. By implementing a strict rule to only buy courses that could be immediately acted upon and setting dedicated time for both learning and execution, she transformed her business. Listeners are encouraged to audit their education spending, commit to completing one course at a time, and focus on actionable steps for real business results. 00:00 Introduction to Money First, CEO Podcast 01:00 Cutting the Biggest Expense: Unfinished Online Courses 02:34 The Real Cost of Course Addiction 03:40 Implementing a New Rule for Course Purchases 04:16 Creating Time for Learning and Implementation 05:22 Focusing on Execution Over Information 05:28 Challenge for the Week: Audit Your Education Spending 05:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 🎧 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

    7 min
  7. JAN 11

    2026 Vision: What’s Next for Money First CEOs

    In this episode of Money First, CEO, host Harman Johnston reflects on the lessons learned and milestones achieved in 2025, while outlining exciting plans for 2026. Harman shares the mission behind the podcast, emphasising the importance of prioritising financial control to build a business that serves its owner first. Key takeaways include actionable money lessons like building profit with small shifts, separating personal and business finances, and forecasting. The episode also highlights the benefits of slowing down for aligned, profitable growth and investing in a team to sustain business success. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their biggest money win of the past year and set non-negotiable financial goals for the coming year. Expect more in-depth topics, guest insights, tools, and community engagement in 2026.   00:00 Introduction to Money First, CEO 01:00 Reflecting on the Past Year 01:55 The Money First Mission 03:42 Top Five Money Lessons 07:19 Personal Insights from 2025 09:08 Looking Ahead to 2026 10:32 CEO Reflection Ritual 11:05 Closing Thoughts and Community 🎧 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

    12 min

Trailer

About

How do you build a business that truly supports your life?  I’m the Money First CEO. Over the past 5 years, I’ve grown a sustainable 6-figure business and built a 7-figure investment portfolio, not by working harder, but by managing money differently.  This podcast shares the real habits, honest lessons, and simple strategies that helped me and can help you build a business that puts profit and peace first.  If you’re ready to feel more confident with your cash and create long-term stability, you’re in the right place. New episodes every Monday.