My Accounting Advantage

Mai Harris
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My Accounting Advantage is a practical, no‑fluff podcast for business owners, professionals, and property investors who want to make smarter financial decisions with confidence. Hosted by Mai Harris, Principal Accountant and business advisor with over 25 years of real‑world experience, the podcast breaks down accounting, tax, superannuation, and cash‑flow strategies in plain English without the jargon, overwhelm, or “one‑size‑fits‑all” advice. IG: www.instagram.com/the_maiharris/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587008353108 Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/mai-harris-4a4698375/ Web: www.myaccountingadvantage.com.au/

  1. 1h ago

    Selling An Investment Property To Unlock Cash Flow

    Ask Mai & Send Feedback This episode tackles an important question many property investors hesitate to ask: Could selling an investment property actually help you build more wealth and retire sooner? Mai and Lee explore how the property “dream” can sometimes become a cash flow trap, especially when a property looks good on paper but debt, holding costs, and lost opportunities begin to affect your financial freedom and lifestyle. Using a real-life case study of a couple in their early 50s with an $800,000 home mortgage and an investment property in Queensland, they break down what could happen if the property is sold. They discuss potentially releasing around $300,000 to reduce non-deductible home debt and saving approximately $16,000 to $16,500 a year in interest. In this episode, they discuss: When holding an investment property may no longer support your financial goalsWhy starting with your desired outcome is more important than becoming attached to an assetA real-life case study involving an $800,000 home mortgage and a Queensland investment propertyHow selling could potentially release around $300,000 to reduce non-deductible debtThe potential to save approximately $16,000 to $16,500 a year in home loan interestHow FOMO and the “what if it goes up?” mindset can influence investment decisionsWhat you could do with the additional cash flow after reducing your mortgageUsing concessional superannuation contributions to reduce taxable income and potentially generate tax savingsHow compounding can help build wealth over the longer termWhy property can be a powerful wealth-building tool, but may not always be the right tool for every stage of lifeWhether you're feeling the pressure of a large mortgage, reconsidering an investment property, or thinking about how to bring retirement closer, this episode offers a practical perspective on looking beyond the asset and focusing on the financial outcome you actually want. If you'd like advice on property investment, debt reduction, superannuation strategies, or planning for retirement, our team at My Accounting Advantage is here to help. Learn more about My Accounting Advantage Disclaimer The advice contained in this presentation is general in nature only and should not be acted on without first seeking professional advice. Your personal circumstances have not been taken into account, and you should consider the appropriateness of the advice to your individual needs.

  2. 6d ago

    Marketing Problem Not Work Problem

    Ask Mai & Send Feedback An empty diary doesn’t necessarily mean there’s no work out there. It may mean your marketing pipeline isn’t working. In this episode, Mai Harris and Lee Woodward explore why many businesses don’t have a work problem, they have a marketing problem. They break down how a strong marketing pipeline can help businesses stay visible, generate consistent leads, and avoid relying on last-minute enquiries or unpredictable referrals. In this episode, they discuss: Why an empty diary can point to a marketing problemThe Attract, Engage, Commit marketing frameworkCreating a marketing “sticky” that helps people remember your businessWhy nurturing prospects matters when they’re not ready to buy todayMeasuring marketing success through paid invoices and clear conversion pathsWhy marketing shouldn’t be left solely to the marketing departmentBuilding a communications plan that keeps your business on a prospect’s shopping listWhy referrals should be a bonus rather than your entire growth strategyBuilding multiple lead sources for more consistent opportunitiesUsing social media to inform and educate rather than simply promoteTurning your website into a “web business” that helps generate revenueUsing video explainers, self-service booking, and invoicing to support the customer journeyAsking “How did you hear about us?” to identify which marketing channels are actually generating leadsWhether your diary is looking quieter than usual or you want to build a more predictable flow of opportunities, this episode provides practical ideas for creating a smarter marketing approach that keeps your business visible and gives potential customers a reason to choose you. If you’d like support in building a stronger, more sustainable business, our team at My Accounting Advantage is here to help. Visit www.myaccountingadvantage.com.au to learn more. Have a question you’d like Mai to answer on a future episode? Submit it through the Ask Mai link at the top of the show notes. Learn more about My Accounting Advantage Disclaimer The advice contained in this presentation is general in nature only and should not be acted on without first seeking professional advice. Your personal circumstances have not been taken into account, and you should consider the appropriateness of the advice to your individual needs.

  3. Oct 21

    The Tax Risk In Your Driveway

    Ask Mai & Send Feedback A company car might seem like a straightforward business perk, but it could come with an unexpected tax cost. In this episode, Mai and Lee unpack Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) and explain why businesses need to understand the tax implications of providing employees with benefits outside their regular wages. They break down what counts as a fringe benefit, why FBT exists, and how benefits such as company vehicles, fuel cards, private health insurance, entertainment, and personal expenses can create an FBT liability. They also explore salary packaging, gross-up rules, the 47% FBT rate, and the practical considerations businesses need to keep in mind when offering employee benefits. In this episode, they discuss: The basics of Fringe Benefits Tax and why it existsWhat can be considered a fringe benefitHow salary packaging and gross-up rules can affect your FBT liabilityEntertainment expenses and the $300 minor and infrequent benefits thresholdHow benefits provided to spouses, children, and other associates can create FBT obligationsFBT considerations when providing company vehicles to employeesVehicle exemptions, including eligible 100% electric vehicles and certain commercial vehiclesThe potential FBT implications of dual-cab vehicles and private useWhy logbooks, vehicle policies, and employee declarations are importantHow private-use percentages can affect your overall FBT exposureATO data matching, compliance activity, and the importance of getting your FBT position rightWhy lodging a nil FBT return may help limit the review windowWhether you provide company vehicles, staff entertainment, or other employee benefits, this episode offers practical insights to help you better understand your FBT obligations and identify potential tax risks before they become costly surprises. If you have a vehicle registered in your business name or provide benefits to your employees, now is a good time to review your FBT position. If you'd like help understanding your obligations, our team at My Accounting Advantage is here to help. Learn more about My Accounting Advantage Disclaimer The advice contained in this presentation is general in nature only and should not be acted on without first seeking professional advice. Your personal circumstances have not been taken into account, and you should consider the appropriateness of the advice to your individual needs.

  4. Oct 14

    Every Dollar Needs A Job

    Ask Mai & Send Feedback This episode explores one of the biggest frustrations for business owners: Why does my financial report show a profit, but there's no cash in the bank? Mai and Lee unpack the critical difference between profit and cash flow, explaining how accrual accounting can create a gap between what your reports show and the cash you actually have available. They share a practical framework for managing cash flow, building reserves, and making informed growth decisions without putting unnecessary pressure on your business. In this episode, they discuss: Why profit and cash are not the same thingHow accrual accounting in Xero can create timing gaps in your cash flowThe difference between working capital and cash reservesUnderstanding the hidden cash costs of business growthWhy hiring and expansion can reduce cash before increasing profitsA real-world real estate agency example of cash flow timing challengesHow to allocate cash for GST, PAYG, income tax, payroll tax, and superannuationCreating operating, growth, and emergency reserves for greater financial stabilityThe importance of giving every dollar a purposeShifting your mindset from "How much cash do I have?" to "How much cash is already allocated?"Whether you're experiencing cash flow pressure, planning for growth, or simply looking to gain better control of your business finances, this episode provides practical strategies to help you build confidence, reduce stress, and make smarter financial decisions. If you'd like support with cash flow management, business planning, budgeting, forecasting, or building a stronger financial foundation for your business, our team at My Accounting Advantage is here to help. Learn more about My Accounting Advantage Disclaimer The advice contained in this presentation is general in nature only and should not be acted on without first seeking professional advice. Your personal circumstances have not been taken into account, and you should consider the appropriateness of the advice to your individual needs.

  5. Oct 7

    Build A One-Page Financial Clarity Dashboard That Tells The Truth

    Ask Mai & Send Feedback This episode tackles a common challenge for business owners: having accounting data in Xero but still feeling unsure about where the money is going. Mai and Lee explore how business owners can move from financial blindness to financial clarity by focusing on the numbers that matter most. They discuss how understanding your daily operating costs, tracking key financial metrics, and using Xero's new AI assistant, Jax (Just Ask Xero), can help you make smarter business decisions with confidence. In this episode, they discuss: Why many business owners struggle to understand their true financial positionThe importance of knowing your daily cost of doing businessHow to build a simple one-page financial clarity dashboardThe five key numbers every business owner should monitor regularlyUnderstanding revenue, gross profit, net profit, cash at bank, and net cash flowWhy gross profit margin and net profit margin are critical business health indicatorsHow small financial issues can be identified before they become major problemsAn introduction to Jax (Just Ask Xero) and how it can provide instant financial insightsThe five questions every business owner should ask their accounting dataMonitoring cash flow, debtor days, payroll growth, working capital, and emerging risksUsing AI and real-time financial data to improve decision-makingWhether you're a startup founder, tradesperson, consultant, or established business owner, this episode provides practical strategies to help you gain greater visibility, improve cash flow management, and make more confident decisions using the numbers already available in your business. If you'd like advice on business performance, cash flow management, bookkeeping systems, Xero reporting, or business strategy, our team at My Accounting Advantage is here to help. Visit www.myaccountingadvantage.com.au to learn more. Have a question you'd like Mai to answer on a future episode? Submit it through the Ask Mai link at the top of the show notes. Learn more about My Accounting Advantage Disclaimer The advice contained in this presentation is general in nature only and should not be acted on without first seeking professional advice. Your personal circumstances have not been taken into account, and you should consider the appropriateness of the advice to your individual needs.

  6. Sep 30

    How To Hire With Clarity Using The Buyback Loop

    Ask Mai & Send Feedback This episode explores a challenge many growing business owners face: when the workload becomes overwhelming, is hiring really the right solution? Mai and Lee discuss why bringing on new staff without first understanding the root cause of the problem can create even more complexity, and how business owners can take a more strategic approach to growth. They introduce the concept of the buyback loop, a practical framework for identifying, documenting, and delegating tasks effectively. Through real-world examples, they explain how creating systems and processes can reduce bottlenecks, improve efficiency, and build a business that is less reliant on the owner. In this episode, they discuss: Why hiring is not always the best first response to feeling overwhelmedThe risks of recruiting for a role when the underlying problem has not been clearly definedHow to conduct a time audit to identify what is really consuming your weekUnderstanding the "buyback loop" and its role in sustainable business growthIdentifying low-value, repetitive tasks that can be delegatedThe importance of documenting processes, workflows, and clear outcomesWhy even experienced team members need clear expectations and standardsHow systems and repeatable processes make a business more scalableA real-life case study of a medical practice that tripled in size and faced growing operational challengesThe mindset shift from trying to solve everything yourself to finding the right expertise and supportHow better delegation can help reduce chaos, create capacity, and support long-term growthWhy process-driven businesses are often easier to manage and more attractive to potential buyersWhether you're preparing to hire your first team member, struggling to keep up with growth, or looking to create more time to focus on high-value work, this episode provides practical strategies to help you scale your business with confidence. If you'd like guidance on business growth, improving operational efficiency, implementing systems, or developing a scalable business structure, our team at My Accounting Advantage is here to help. Learn more about My Accounting Advantage Disclaimer The advice contained in this presentation is general in nature only and should not be acted on without first seeking professional advice. Your personal circumstances have not been taken into account, and you should consider the appropriateness of the advice to your individual needs.

  7. Sep 23

    Inside SMSF Borrowing And What Lenders Really Want

    Ask Mai & Send Feedback This episode explores one of the biggest changes to SMSF property investing in recent years: the 10 August 2026 rule change and what it means for Australians looking to purchase property through their Self-Managed Super Fund. Mai is joined by SMSF lending specialist Luke Talbot to unpack what has changed, what opportunities still remain, and how SMSF lending works in practice. Together, they discuss why residential property purchases through borrowing have been significantly impacted, why commercial property remains a key strategy for many SMSF investors, and the critical steps required to secure finance successfully. In this episode, they discuss: What the 10 August 2026 rule change means for SMSF property borrowingWhy new residential property purchases using SMSF borrowing are no longer an option and what alternatives may still be availableHow refinancing existing SMSF property loans may continue to provide opportunitiesWhy commercial property and business premises have become the primary focus of many SMSF lending strategiesWhat lenders assess when reviewing an SMSF loan application, including the fund, the property, and the structureThe role of bare trusts in SMSF property purchasesThe true cash requirements beyond the deposit, including stamp duty, legal fees, setup costs, and post-settlement liquidity requirementsWhich specialist lenders currently operate in the SMSF lending market and how their lending criteria differAlternative strategies using personal equity loans to help facilitate SMSF property acquisitionsHow unit trust structures can be used and why lender appetite varies between different arrangementsCommon SMSF lending mistakes, including purchasing before obtaining finance approval, underestimating cash requirements, and failing to allow sufficient time for the processPractical insights into SMSF lending timeframes and what investors can do to improve their chances of approvalWhether you're considering purchasing property through your SMSF, refinancing an existing loan, or simply trying to understand how the recent rule changes may affect your retirement strategy, this episode provides valuable guidance to help you navigate a rapidly changing landscape. If you'd like advice on SMSFs, property investing, SMSF lending, retirement planning, or structuring your investments effectively, our team at My Accounting Advantage is here to help. Learn more about My Accounting Advantage Disclaimer The advice contained in this presentation is general in nature only and should not be acted on without first seeking professional advice. Your personal circumstances have not been taken into account, and you should consider the appropriateness of the advice to your individual needs.

  8. Sep 16

    Limited Recourse Borrowing For Commercial Property

    Ask Mai & Send Feedback This episode explores a growing area of interest for business owners and investors: buying property through a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) and understanding the borrowing rules that come with it. Mai and Lee break down the complexities of Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangements (LRBAs) in plain English, explaining how SMSFs can borrow to purchase property, the structures that must be in place before signing a contract, and the common pitfalls that can derail a property strategy. They also discuss the significant changes to SMSF residential property borrowing from 10 August 2026, what remains available for commercial property, and why proper planning and advice are more important than ever. In this episode, they discuss: What a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA) is and how it worksWhy SMSF loans often have higher interest rates than traditional home loansThe roles of the SMSF, trustee company, and bare trust in a property purchaseKey rules that must be followed before signing a property contractThe SMSF borrowing changes introduced on 10 August 2026The distinction between residential property and business real propertyWhy many business owners choose to hold commercial premises within their SMSFMai's PBS Framework: Property, Borrowing, and StrategyCommon SMSF property mistakes, including poor sequencing, cash flow issues, and over-concentrating investmentsWhether you're considering purchasing commercial property, planning for retirement, or exploring how an SMSF can fit into your long-term wealth strategy, this episode provides practical insights to help you avoid costly mistakes and make more informed decisions. If you'd like advice on SMSFs, property investment, commercial property ownership, retirement strategies, or SMSF compliance, our team at My Accounting Advantage is here to help. Learn more about My Accounting Advantage Disclaimer The advice contained in this presentation is general in nature only and should not be acted on without first seeking professional advice. Your personal circumstances have not been taken into account, and you should consider the appropriateness of the advice to your individual needs.

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About

My Accounting Advantage is a practical, no‑fluff podcast for business owners, professionals, and property investors who want to make smarter financial decisions with confidence. Hosted by Mai Harris, Principal Accountant and business advisor with over 25 years of real‑world experience, the podcast breaks down accounting, tax, superannuation, and cash‑flow strategies in plain English without the jargon, overwhelm, or “one‑size‑fits‑all” advice. IG: www.instagram.com/the_maiharris/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587008353108 Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/mai-harris-4a4698375/ Web: www.myaccountingadvantage.com.au/

Information

  • Creator
    Mai Harris
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 My Accounting Advantage
  • Show Website
    My Accounting Advantage