I Hate Numbers: Simplifying Tax and Accounting

I Hate Numbers
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For some, watching paint dry, or a poke in the eye is better than dealing with their business numbers. I get it, numbers can be scary, confusing, and boring, not what your business is meant to be about. But here’s the thing. If you’re serious about your business, you need to grab hold of your numbers, and connect with them. Falling in love with them may feel weird, but at least be on friendly terms with them if you want your business to survive and thrive. Numbers make you accountable, showing you the financial impact of your successes, a route map to success and highlighting those flip-ups. Above all, learning to love & use your numbers means you have a better chance of making money, what’s not to love. Fundamentally business is there to make money. You need to make money to survive and have impact. It’s about knowing how your future is going to pan out. As a business finance coach, financial story teller and tax advisor, I've helped thousands of businesses over the years. I love numbers, but I get it that not many businesses will do so. I want to share my love of numbers through my podcast, to make it accessible, to help you and your business power forward. My aim is to make this podcast listener friendly, jargon and BS free. In the words of W.E.B. Dubois “When you have mastered numbers, you will in fact no longer be reading numbers, any more than you read words when reading books. You will be reading meanings.”

  1. 13H AGO

    Bad Business Habits That Hold You Back

    We all have habits in business. Some help us move forward, while others quietly hold us back. In this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we explore four common bad business habits and, more importantly, what we can do to break them. These habits may feel helpful in the short term, especially when cash is tight or pressure is high. However, over time they can damage profitability, confidence, and long-term growth. Bad Habit One: The Pricing Trap Underpricing is one of the most common traps business owners fall into, particularly in the early stages. Discounting heavily or working for less than your value often leads to burnout and poor cashflow. Sustainable businesses price for value, not fear. Getting pricing right allows us to grow, reinvest, and serve clients properly. Bad Habit Two: Doing Everything Yourself Trying to do everything alone may feel sensible at first, but it quickly becomes a growth blocker. Time spent on low-value tasks is time taken away from strategy, sales, and leadership. Delegation is not a loss of control. It is a deliberate decision to focus on what matters most in the business. Bad Habit Three: Always Choosing the Cheapest Option Choosing based purely on price rather than value often leads to poor outcomes. Cheap solutions can result in wasted time, repeated work, and missed opportunities. The right support, systems, and advice pay for themselves over time. Bad Habit Four: Avoiding Financial Advice Avoiding professional advice is a habit that quietly costs businesses money. Tax efficiency, cashflow planning, and structure are areas where expert guidance makes a real difference. Good advice is not an expense. It is an investment in clarity, confidence, and long-term success. Key Takeaways Breaking bad habits starts with awareness. Small changes around pricing, delegation, decision-making, and financial support can significantly improve profitability and peace of mind. Listen & Take the Next Step 🎧 Listen to the I Hate Numbers podcast for more practical business and tax insights. 📺 Watch our videos on the I Hate Numbers YouTube channel. 📘 Learn more with our book, I Hate Numbers, packed with practical advice on business, finance, and tax. 📞 If you want personalised support, book a call with us and let’s see how we can help. Until next time, plan it, do it, and profit.

    8 min

  2. 12/28/2025

    The Power of Procrastination: When Delaying Can Actually Help You

    Procrastination gets a bad reputation. However, in this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we take a different view. We explore why procrastination happens, when it holds us back, and how it can sometimes support better thinking, creativity, and decision-making. Rethinking ProcrastinationWe have all delayed important tasks, even when we know better. Procrastination is usually framed as a weakness or a lack of discipline. However, we challenge that assumption. Instead of guilt, we look at understanding what procrastination is really telling us and how it can sometimes work in our favour. What Procrastination Really IsProcrastination is not laziness. It is a self-regulation issue where we delay action despite knowing there may be consequences. For many creative business owners, it shows up as distraction, avoidance, or over-preparing instead of starting. We explain how procrastination often reflects emotional responses rather than poor work ethic. Once we recognise that, it becomes easier to manage rather than fight it. Why We ProcrastinateProcrastination usually has clear causes. Fear of failure can make starting feel overwhelming. Perfectionism can stop progress before it begins. Feeling overloaded with ideas or lacking motivation can also keep us stuck. By identifying which of these applies, we gain control. Awareness is the first step towards changing behaviour. When Procrastination Can Be UsefulNot all delay is bad. Sometimes stepping away allows our subconscious to process information. This can lead to better decisions and stronger ideas when we return to the task. Procrastination can also act as a filter. If we keep avoiding something, it may be a signal that the task is not as urgent or important as we think. How We Manage Unhelpful ProcrastinationWhen procrastination becomes a barrier, simple strategies help. Breaking work into small steps reduces overwhelm. Starting with just five minutes often builds momentum. Time-blocking work and rest helps maintain focus. Reducing distractions is equally important. Fewer interruptions make it easier to move from intention to action. Keeping Finances from Becoming a DistractionWhen financial admin adds stress, it fuels procrastination. Using the right tools can remove friction and free up mental space, allowing us to focus on creative and strategic work rather than avoiding it. Key TakeawaysProcrastination is not always the enemy. Used wisely, it can support creativity and better decisions. The key is understanding why we delay and responding with practical strategies rather than guilt. Next time procrastination shows up, we encourage you to pause and ask whether it is avoidance or incubation. The answer can change how you move forward. Listen & Take the Next StepIf this episode resonated, explore more insights on the I Hate Numbers podcast. If you want support bringing clarity to your business decisions, you can book a call with us. Until next time, plan it, do it, and profit.

    6 min

  3. 12/21/2025

    The Power of Attitude in Business Success

    Attitude plays a critical role in the outcomes we achieve in life and in business. In this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we explore how mindset, beliefs, and internal narrative influence decision-making, confidence, and long-term success. A strong mindset shapes behaviour, improves resilience, and supports better business performance. What This Episode CoversIn this episode, we look at how our thoughts and internal dialogue drive what we do. We discuss why improving business results is not only about numbers or strategy, but also about how we think about ourselves and our business journey. Fixed Mindset vs Growth MindsetWe explain two major mindset groups—those who believe their ability is fixed, and those who believe ability can develop through effort, coaching, and learning. One mindset restricts progress, and the other encourages improvement, possibility, and stronger results. Why Attitude Shapes BehaviourAttitude drives behaviour. If we believe a task is achievable, we are more likely to push through challenges. If we believe failure defines us, we retreat. We discuss how attitude influences motivation, problem-solving, and decision-making in everyday business operations. Business Confidence and BeliefHaving confidence in your skills improves communication, price-setting, delegation, and leadership. A negative attitude affects growth, sales, and customer interaction. This episode shows how reframing beliefs can boost performance and reduce anxiety. Emotions and Decision-MakingWe highlight how emotional states affect business management. Stress and uncertainty can lead to poor decisions or inactivity. Awareness helps build control and better outcomes. Seeing Obstacles as GrowthBusiness comes with setbacks. Mindset determines whether setbacks become learning opportunities or stopping points. A growth attitude promotes resilience and long-term success. Episode Timecodes[00:00:00] Introduction to business attitude and mindset[00:01:33] Why mindset matters more than you think[00:04:05] Fixed mindset vs growth mindset[00:06:50] Attitude and business behaviour[00:09:15] Practical steps to improve mindset[00:10:40] Final thoughts Final ThoughtsYour attitude is a key business asset. Changing mindset changes outcomes. Building belief, developing confidence, and working on internal dialogue will strengthen business results and improve resilience. We encourage business owners to reflect honestly on their own thinking habits and challenge limiting beliefs. Listen & SubscribeStay in control of your business journey and support your mindset growth. Listen weekly on Apple Podcasts and share this episode with someone who needs it. Listen & Subscribe on Apple PodcastsBook a CallIf you want guidance, business planning support, or mindset improvement strategies, book a call with us. Book a CallAdditional LinksI Hate Numbers YouTube Channelspan class="ql-ui"

    9 min

  4. 12/14/2025

    Getting Paid on Time: Practical Steps to Protect Your Cashflow

    Why Getting Paid on Time Matters Late payments don’t just cause frustration — they damage your cashflow, restrict growth, and can force unnecessary borrowing. By tightening up your payment processes, you protect your business and create healthier financial habits. Clear Terms Make a Big Difference Before any work begins, agree on: Payment terms in writingDeposit requirementsDue dates, instalments, or milestonesConsequences of late payment This sets expectations early and reduces misunderstandings later on. Use Digital Tools to Speed Up Payments Digital systems make invoicing smoother and faster. We recommend using modern accounting software such as Xero. It helps you: Send invoices instantlyTrack overdue paymentsAutomate remindersAccept online payments Be Clear, Be Direct, Be Consistent Customers respond better when communication is firm, polite, and regular. Keep to your procedures — don’t let overdue invoices linger. Before the Due DateSend a friendly reminderConfirm they have everything they need to pay On the Due DateSend a clear message confirming payment is now due After Payment Becomes LateSend a firm reminder without delaysCall if necessary — calls get resultsReinforce the agreed terms How to Reduce Future Problems Here are steps that help prevent late payments altogether: Carry out basic credit checksAsk for deposits or staged paymentsUse direct debit or payment collection servicesImplement late payment charges where appropriate Final Thoughts Getting paid on time is not about chasing — it’s about setting the right procedures. With clear communication, good systems, and strong boundaries, you protect your cashflow and strengthen your business. Useful LinksXero Implementation & SupportBook a Call with I Hate NumbersI Hate Numbers YouTube Channel Be sure to follow and subscribe to the I Hate Numbers podcast for weekly episodes that help you plan it, do it, and profit.

    6 min

  5. 12/07/2025

    Handling Money in Relationships: Practical Steps for Reducing Conflict

    Money can strengthen a relationship or strain it, depending on how we handle it. In this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we explore why couples often struggle when talking about money and what we can do to reduce stress, improve communication, and build financial trust together. Why Money Creates Tension in Relationships Money is deeply emotional. It connects to safety, identity, habits, fear and upbringing. When two people come together, they often bring different money stories, expectations and comfort levels about spending, saving and risk. Without awareness and open conversation, these differences can easily lead to misunderstandings and conflict. We often see couples avoiding money discussions because they worry about judgment or triggering an argument. But silence usually makes things worse. The longer things remain unspoken, the bigger the financial and emotional gap becomes. The Impact of Upbringing and Money Mindsets The way we think about money is shaped long before adulthood. Childhood experiences, parental attitudes and cultural influences form the habits we carry into relationships. Some people grow up with scarcity thinking, others with confidence, and some with avoidance behaviours. Understanding where our partner’s mindset comes from is a powerful way to reduce conflict. We stop assuming and start empathising. Talking About Money Without Triggering Conflict Healthy relationships rely on open and honest communication. This includes choosing the right time to talk about money and keeping discussions neutral and forward-looking. Instead of focusing on past mistakes, we focus on shared goals and what matters to both partners. Asking questions such as “What does financial security look like to you?” reveals expectations and gives couples a stronger foundation to work from. How to Build a Shared Money Plan Financial teamwork starts with shared goals. These could include buying a home, reducing debt, improving financial stability or planning major life events. Once goals are clear, couples can decide on practical steps such as budgeting, tracking expenses or setting spending boundaries. Transparency is key. Both partners should understand the full financial picture. Whether you use joint accounts, separate accounts or a hybrid approach, clarity and agreement are what matter. Financial Independence Within a Relationship It’s important for each partner to maintain some personal financial independence. This avoids the feeling of being monitored or restricted. A balance of shared and individual responsibility supports both autonomy and teamwork. When to Seek Professional Help If money arguments recur or feel overwhelming, involving a neutral professional can be transformative. A financial coach or advisor provides structure, clarity and a roadmap, removing the emotional heat from the conversation and helping both partners align. Final Thoughts Money does not need to divide couples. When we understand each other’s habits, communicate openly and align around shared goals, money becomes a tool for connection instead of conflict. Strong financial teamwork leads to stronger relationships. Links Mentioned in This EpisodeBook a CallWatch on YouTubeI Hate Numbers Podcasta href="https://www.ihatenumbers.co.uk/i-hate-numbers-book/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    6 min

  6. 11/30/2025

    Identity Verification: What Businesses Must Know in 2025

    Identity verification is the legal process of confirming that a person or organisation is who they say they are. It helps prevent fraud, tax evasion, money laundering, terrorist financing, and abuse of financial systems. Businesses must prove that clients are legitimate before providing services — especially when risk is higher. When Identity Checks Are RequiredWhen onboarding new clientsIf risk levels change or suspicious activity appearsBefore offering regulated professional servicesWhen payment behaviour or ownership suddenly changes These checks are not optional. Failure to verify identity can lead to penalties, account freezes, investigations, reputational damage, and criminal consequences. Acceptable Proof of ID & Address Proof isn't just a name written in an email — it must be documented. Typical verification includes: Passport or driving licenceRecent utility bill or council tax statementBank statements showing address In some cases, enhanced checks (E-KYC) are required — such as source of funds, ownership structure, or AML screening. Risk-Based Assessment Matters Not all clients have the same level of risk. Businesses should apply stronger verification when: Clients operate internationallyPayments vary unexpectedlyLarge or unusual transactions occurClients come from high-risk industries Good record-keeping protects you. Compliance is not just a legal obligation — it's a financial safeguard. Record Keeping Requirements Keep ID documents securely for a minimum of five years. Store clean digital audit trails in accounting systems, encrypted drives, or secure cloud platforms. Never hold data informally in WhatsApp chats or desktop folders. Consequences of Getting It Wrong If identity verification fails or is ignored, businesses risk: HMRC penaltiesFinancial loss from unpaid invoicesRegulatory investigationPermanent reputation damage Preventing risk is cheaper than fixing mistakes later. Episode Timecodes00:00:00— Why identity verification matters00:01:32— When checks are legally required00:03:18— What documents are acceptable00:05:02— Red flags & high-risk scenarios00:06:44— Compliance tips for business00:09:11— Final thoughts 🎧 Listen & Subscribe Stay in control of compliance and finance — follow the podcast and never miss an update. Listen on Apple Podcasts🔗 Additional LinksBook a CallYouTube ChannelI Hate Numbers Book

    6 min

  7. 11/23/2025

    E-Invoicing: Why It Matters for Your Business

    E-invoicing is not just a digital nicety, it is becoming central to how modern businesses keep cash flowing and stay compliant. In this episode of I Hate Numbers, we explain what e-invoicing means, why larger customers and public sector buyers increasingly expect it, and how adopting it can reduce errors, speed up payments, and simplify bookkeeping. Why E-Invoicing Matters E-invoices remove manual rekeying, eliminate lost PDFs, and cut the back and forth that delays payment. They improve accuracy and create a clear, auditable trail that makes life easier at tax time. For businesses supplying VAT-registered customers, being able to send structured data rather than free-form PDFs means customers can process invoices automatically, improving your chance of being paid faster. Practical Benefits We cover the practical benefits: faster approvals from customers, fewer disputes about amounts or dates, smoother integration with cloud accounting systems, and a stronger position when bidding for larger contracts. E-invoicing also reduces duplicate payments and speeds up reconciliations, which helps your cash flow and frees your team from low-value admin tasks. Standards and Compliance There are different e-invoicing standards around the world, and larger buyers are increasingly requiring structured invoices. Check the requirements of your major customers and public sector buyers before you select a provider. Understanding the required data fields and VAT treatments will prevent problems later. How to Get Started Start by choosing a provider or using the e-invoicing options inside your cloud accounting package. Map the invoice data fields, run tests, and communicate the change to customers. We recommend a short pilot, perhaps with a handful of customers, to iron out any issues before rolling out the change company-wide. Make sure staff are trained and that you keep backups of your invoices and settings. Common Pitfalls to Avoid Partial adoption can cause confusion, so decide early how you will handle customers who cannot accept structured invoices. Ensure your internal processes match the structured data fields, and confirm how your software handles varying currencies, VAT rates, and line-item details. Always test end-to-end before switching fully to avoid missed payments and data mismatches. Final Thoughts E-invoicing is a practical win for any business that wants to reduce admin, speed up payments, and improve auditability. If you are still sending manual invoices, now is the time to plan the move. Small steps, a short pilot and clear communication with customers will make the switch painless and worthwhile. Episode Timecodes [00:00:00] – Introduction [00:01:10] – What e-invoicing is and why it matters [00:03:05] – Benefits: accuracy, speed, and cashflow [00:05:00] – Standards and compliance considerations [00:06:40] – How to get started, step by step [00:08:20] – Common pitfalls to avoid [00:09:30] – Final thoughts and next steps Host & Show InfoHost Name: Mahmood Reza About the Host: We are the team behind I Hate Numbers. As accountants and business coaches, we help organisations simplify finance, improve cash flow, and adopt efficient systems. Podcast Website:https://www.ihatenumbers.co.uk/i-hate-numbers-podcast/🎧 Listen & Subscribe Find more episodes on Apple Podcasts, and subscribe for...

    6 min

  8. 11/16/2025

    The Pre-Let Property Tax Trap: What Landlords Must Know

    In this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we explore a tax trap that affects countless landlords and property investors. Preparing a property before tenants move in brings real costs, but HMRC applies strict rules on what you can and cannot claim. We explain those rules in plain English, highlight common mistakes, and show how to protect your cash flow and stay compliant. When Your Property Business Really Starts Your property business officially begins on the day your first tenant moves in and rent starts. That date matters because any spending before then is treated as pre-commencement expenditure. HMRC will only allow these costs if they meet three criteria: The cost must be within seven years of the start date.The cost must not already have been claimed elsewhere.The cost must be allowable if incurred after the business started. If all three conditions are met, the expense is treated as if it occurred on day one of the rental business. Understanding Revenue vs Capital This is the core of the tax decision. Revenue expenses repair or maintain the property without improving it. Examples include: RepaintingRepairing dampReplacing damaged flooring with similar materialsFixing broken boilers like-for-like Capital expenses improve or upgrade the property. These include: ExtensionsLoft conversionsUpgrading to high-spec kitchens or bathroomsStructural alterations Revenue costs reduce your rental profits now. Capital costs only reduce capital gains tax in the future. Examples That Show the Difference If you treat dry rot or replace rotten timbers, HMRC sees it as a repair. If you convert a loft or add an extra bathroom, that improves the property’s overall value and is treated as capital. Understanding the difference prevents costly mistakes when completing your tax return. Why Record Keeping Matters HMRC expects clear records: invoices, breakdowns, and evidence of work carried out. Mixed invoices are a common issue. If repairs and improvements are bundled into one amount, HMRC may block the full claim. Ask contractors for itemised invoices, and take before-and-after photos to strengthen your position. Avoiding Common Mistakes Landlords often run into trouble for reasons such as: Claiming costs older than seven years.Classifying improvements as repairs.Lacking itemised invoices or evidence.Using inconsistent accounting methods. If you have multiple rental properties, allowable repair costs from one property can still reduce overall rental profits across your portfolio. Episode Timecodes [00:00:00] Introduction [00:00:42] Understanding pre-letting costs [00:01:27] When a property business starts [00:02:00] The three tests for pre-commencement expenses [00:03:00] Revenue vs capital explained [00:04:12] Examples from real situations [00:05:00] What you can and cannot deduct [00:06:09] Record keeping and documentation [00:07:12] Mixed invoices and challenges [00:07:57] Accounting basis considerations [00:08:36] Impact on portfolios and holiday lets [00:09:18] Summary and next steps Final Thoughts Understanding pre-let expenditure rules helps you avoid HMRC issues and protects your cash flow. The clearer your records and the more accurate your classifications, the smoother your tax return becomes. If you want personalised support reviewing your property costs, we can help with a detailed tax diagnostic review. Additional Links📘a...

    10 min
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About

For some, watching paint dry, or a poke in the eye is better than dealing with their business numbers. I get it, numbers can be scary, confusing, and boring, not what your business is meant to be about. But here’s the thing. If you’re serious about your business, you need to grab hold of your numbers, and connect with them. Falling in love with them may feel weird, but at least be on friendly terms with them if you want your business to survive and thrive. Numbers make you accountable, showing you the financial impact of your successes, a route map to success and highlighting those flip-ups. Above all, learning to love & use your numbers means you have a better chance of making money, what’s not to love. Fundamentally business is there to make money. You need to make money to survive and have impact. It’s about knowing how your future is going to pan out. As a business finance coach, financial story teller and tax advisor, I've helped thousands of businesses over the years. I love numbers, but I get it that not many businesses will do so. I want to share my love of numbers through my podcast, to make it accessible, to help you and your business power forward. My aim is to make this podcast listener friendly, jargon and BS free. In the words of W.E.B. Dubois “When you have mastered numbers, you will in fact no longer be reading numbers, any more than you read words when reading books. You will be reading meanings.”

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