Different lenders, different rules. Learn how lender policy shapes your borrowing capacity.

Know which services actually make you money. A simple way to track profitability as a founder.

The fastest way to lift your borrowing power is to review your debts. Which credit cards, loans and HECS to close, and which to keep as a buffer.

Good data drives good decisions. Why tracking your numbers matters for your business.

Your HECS debt affects more than your pay. See how it changes what you can borrow.

Growth always comes at a cost. Find out which one your business is paying.

Rates on the rise? Practical ways to protect your home loan and your budget.

Profit on paper isn't cash in hand. How debtors affect your cash flow.

Four rate hikes in 2026 have changed the maths on home loans. Here's how rate rises affect your approval, and the levers you can pull to protect your borrowing capacity.

Monthly numbers only help if you use them. How business owners put profitability data to work.

A rate rise mid-application usually means a re-assessment at the new rate and slower approvals. What it means for borrowing power and finance clauses.

Learn how business owners can structure income through wages, dividends, and trusts to suit different life stages and family circumstances.

Learn why saying yes to everything and underpricing work creates long-term issues for business owners and how proper pricing protects client service.

Discover the hiring plan framework used by a 100-employee founder, with practical steps to hire smarter, avoid costly mistakes, and scale your team.

A pay rise can lift your borrowing capacity, but timing matters. How banks treat future promotions, first payslips and temporary secondments.

Learn why setting clear expectations around wages, bonuses, and reinvestment is essential for business partnerships to avoid conflict and stay aligned.

Learn why overall profit isn't enough as your business grows and how tracking profitability by service, project, or client drives smarter decisions.

Learn the release, reinvest, and reserve framework to help business owners manage profits, protect cash flow, and align spending with their goals.

Banks have softened on probation periods. If you have a signed, permanent full-time contract, many lenders will still approve your home loan.

Learn how consulting and management income can be used as an alternative way to extract earnings from your business and stream to beneficiaries.

Discover the common costs founders overlook when pricing their services and how missing them can quietly eat into profitability.

Learn how founders should balance personal and business goals when deciding how much to pay themselves and where to direct their profits.

Most lenders want two years of financials if you’re self-employed, but one year can work. How LVR, LMI and ABN age change the answer.

Learn how to manage business partnerships when partners want different things, with tips on communication, flexibility, and setting clear expectations.

Discover how pricing power helps founder-led businesses grow, forecast profit, and build a consistent brand strategy that attracts the right clients.

Commission can boost your borrowing power if it’s consistent. How lenders use 6 months year-to-date or 12 months of history, and timing tips.

Learn the art of scaling in Australia's current economy through clean cash flows, smart tax planning, and accurate growth forecasting.

Learn how to structure your salary when starting a business, including why a lower base wage and flexible income approach works best.

Reviewing profit, cash flow, and key expenses each month helps business owners stay on top of performance and financial health.

Many founders underprice their services due to competition and fear. Learn how to price based on value, not pressure

Learn how to define your target audience, create better content, and balance messaging between customers and your wider community.

Lenders can count your overtime if it’s regular. Here’s how banks assess overtime over 3 to 6 months or two years, and how to make it count.

Starting a business? Learn the essential setup steps including a business bank account and accounting software.

Learn how to price your services by understanding costs, margins, and the value you deliver to clients.

Business partners can take different wages based on roles, but dividends must be split equally if ownership is 50/50.

Banks manage fixed price build contracts through staged payments, releasing funds as each construction milestone is completed.

Clean books mean up to date records and clear financial reporting, helping business owners understand performance at a glance.

Indecision slows growth and creates missed opportunities. Learn why making faster decisions leads to stronger business outcomes.

More business owners are investing in commercial property for stable, long-term growth and consistent returns.

Spreadsheets are outdated for managing business finances. Learn why accounting software offers better accuracy, compliance, and clarity.

Taking action quickly reduces indecision, builds momentum, and helps businesses grow faster through consistent progress.

Banks assess casual income over a six month period and annualise it, with consistency of income playing a key role.

Small bookkeeping mistakes can create larger tax and compliance problems if left unchecked. Learn why accuracy matters from day one.

While AI improves efficiency, relying on technology alone can limit collaboration, learning, and long-term business growth.

Banks assess maternity leave by reviewing your return-to-work income and savings to cover any unpaid leave period.

Many business owners forget their own super contributions are tax deductible. Learn how this strategy can reduce tax and build wealth.

Before investing $100,000, business owners should review debt structure, cash flow stability, and future plans to determine the best opportunity.

Late lodgements, payroll inconsistencies, and superannuation reporting issues can trigger ATO reviews or audits.

Hiring the right people unlocks capacity, drives growth, and strengthens business performance beyond systems or technology.

Banks typically assess bonus income over two financial years, though some lenders may accept 12 months. Learn how it affects your borrowing power.

Setting up accounting software like Xero from day one helps streamline compliance, reduce stress, and keep your business finances organised.

Learn how to balance investing for growth while managing business cash flow, risk appetite, and long-term stability.

Consistently lodging BAS late can lead to ATO penalties and fines. Learn why lodging on time matters, even if you can’t pay.

Staying comfortable in business can limit growth. Learn why stepping outside your comfort zone drives leadership and long-term success.

See how a $300,000 deposit impacts your loan, LMI, stamp duty, and LVR on a $1.5 million property purchase.

Learn the key factors that impact pricing, including industry benchmarks, break-even points, margins, and business location.

Many business owners turn to property investment to create stability, leverage cash flow, and build long-term wealth through compounding growth.

Growth in business happens outside your comfort zone. Learn why doing uncomfortable tasks builds leadership, confidence, and long-term success.

Discover common financial mistakes small business owners make, including underpricing, mixing personal expenses, and poor systems setup.

See how a $300,000 deposit impacts your loan, stamp duty, and LVR when buying an $850,000 property.

Life changes like job moves or higher expenses can impact your home loan pre-approval and final approval.

Elephant’s culture is built on generosity, transparency, teamwork, and a strong balance of collaboration and accountability.

Understand the key differences between a trust and a company, including tax treatment, distributions, and compliance.

First-home buyers often experience fatigue during long searches. Learn why it happens and how to avoid rushed decisions.

A bookkeeper provides tailored support, clear reporting, and valuable insights to help business owners make informed decisions.

As businesses grow, tax obligations increase. Learn key tax considerations and how to manage GST, PAYG, and super.

Planning to upgrade your family home? Learn what a 20% deposit means for your loan, costs, and savings position.

Knowing your numbers means understanding break-even points, profit targets, cash flow, and upcoming tax obligations.

Learn the key profit and risk triggers that indicate when it may be time to move from sole trader to a company structure.

Tracking categories in Xero help you see which revenue streams are profitable and which areas of your business are running at a loss.

Forecasting and budgeting give business owners clarity on cash flow, key milestones, and financial decisions throughout the year.

Confused by different balances in Xero? Learn the simple reasons your transaction balance may not match your bank balance.

Buying your first home with a 20% deposit? Learn how this impacts your loan amount and helps you avoid LMI.

A great accountant helps tradies manage cash flow, plan tax bills, protect assets, and build long-term wealth.

Time tracking helps service-based businesses protect retainers, understand billable hours, and identify where time is really being spent.

First-home buyers exploring properties under $1 million can learn how LMI works, how it’s added to your loan, and what it means for your borrowing power.

Thinking about hiring staff? Learn the key business, cash flow, and compliance checks to make before employing someone in your business.

Learn how to pay yourself correctly as a sole trader, company or trust, and understand the tax and super obligations for each structure.

Learn how to use Xero’s Aged Receivables report to quickly see overdue invoices, improve cash flow, and know exactly who to chase.

Don’t wait until tax time. Learn how often business owners should review cash flow, profit, and forecasts to stay in control year-round.

Learn the key financial reports every business owner should know - profit and loss, balance sheet, and cash flow - to stay in control of your finances.

As your business grows, cash flow gaps and tax surprises can appear. Learn the common pains of growth and how to manage them effectively.

Learn how construction loans are funded through progress payments - from base to completion - and how builders and banks manage each stage.

Learn five smart tax-saving strategies for small business owners - from instant asset write-offs to super contributions and prepaid expenses.

Business owners often try to do it all. Learn why delegating, outsourcing, and improving processes helps prevent burnout and drive growth.

Tax planning is about being prepared. The right strategy helps business owners avoid surprises and stay ahead all year round.

Thinking property? Discover the key differences between buying off-the-plan and going the land and construction route.

Fixed or variable? It’s more than just rates - it’s about finding the loan option that suits your goals, lifestyle, and financial comfort.

Learn how self-employed investors can balance growth, cash flow, and acquisitions to build a thriving business and property portfolio.

What started as a small team helping local entrepreneurs has now grown into a consultancy with clients across the globe. We’re proud to announce that our services are now reaching businesses in more than 12 countries, helping entrepreneurs from different cultures and industries turn their ideas into real, successful ventures.

Starting a business feels exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming with so many things to handle — paperwork, strategy, planning, and money. This guide breaks the process into simple steps you can actually follow, so you can move from idea to launch with confidence.

2025 is proving to be a testing ground for small businesses across the world. Despite inflation, policy shifts, and competitive markets, many entrepreneurs are leaning into adaptability, technology, and customer trust to fuel growth. Let’s dive into the trends shaping this moment.

Most entrepreneurs are excited to launch their business right away — but rushing in without validation can lead to wasted time, money, and energy. The smartest founders take a step back and ask: “Does this idea really solve a problem people care about?” In this blog, we’ll walk through a clear, simple process to test your idea, gather feedback, and build confidence before you spend a dollar on launch.

A business plan isn’t just a document you write once and then forget. It’s the roadmap that guides your decisions, attracts investors, and keeps your team aligned. Yet most business plans fail because they’re too complicated, unrealistic, or disconnected from what customers really need. In this blog, we’ll break down how to write a business plan that’s simple, practical, and designed to help you win in today’s fast-changing world.

The business world doesn’t stand still, and small businesses often feel the impact of new trends the fastest. From technology shifts to customer expectations, 2025 has already brought major changes — and the businesses that adapt quickly are the ones staying ahead.

Starting a business is one of the most exciting things you can do. You’ve got the idea, the motivation, and maybe even the courage to quit your 9-to-5 and go all in. But along the way, most entrepreneurs hit the same roadblocks — the mistakes that drain time, money, and energy. The good news is, you don’t have to repeat them.

Starting a business can feel like juggling a hundred things at once. That’s why a simple, step-by-step checklist helps keep you on track. Here’s a practical guide you can follow to make sure you’re covering the most important steps without getting lost in the details.

Every great business starts with an idea — sometimes in the shower, sometimes scribbled on a napkin, sometimes while daydreaming at work. But here’s the tricky part: turning that spark into something real often feels like climbing a mountain in flip-flops. The good news? It doesn’t have to feel that way. With the right steps (and a little guidance), you can transform your idea into a living, breathing business without losing your mind in the process.

Starting a business is exciting… until you realize how many tools, apps, and services are out there. Suddenly, you’re wondering if you need a subscription to everything just to get off the ground. The truth? You don’t. There are plenty of powerful, free tools that can help you launch smarter and save money in the early days. Here are five of our favorites.

Preparing to bid at an auction is equal parts nerve-wracking and exciting. For many, this is the biggest financial decision you’ll ever have to make, so getting all of your ducks in a row is essential. Pre-approval is no exception.

In this article, we delve into the historical performances of both houses and units to help you make an informed decision when the time comes to purchase an investment property.

When your budget is tight, weighing up what parts of your business to outsource can be a tough decision. In this article, we’ll outline what some of the best processes to outsource are, and how to improve the efficiency and productivity of your small business.

Many of us associate upgrading with moving into a larger home, but downsizing can also bring great benefits and has helped many people achieve their financial and lifestyle goals. To assist those considering their property strategy, we have created a guide to help you evaluate whether downsizing is

At Elephant Advisory, our accounting software of choice is Xero. As we encourage our clients to use Xero when working with us, we wanted to create a comprehensive beginner's guide to help small business owners get set up with the software.

Negotiating doesn't have to be difficult, and there are several things you can do to maximise your position and get the lowest possible rate for your home loan. In this blog, we'll outline six great tips to prepare you for negotiating a better rate with your lender.

"As a business owner, having the ability to identify and address problems before they become critical offers a significant advantage. In this article, we'll outline the top five reasons behind small business failures, including how to recognise them and what steps are needed to avoid them."

"When it comes to financing a property, borrowers tend to focus on the size of their mortgage rather than the duration of the loan. In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of both short and long-term home loan terms, helping you determine which option is best for your finan

"For many Australians, the current property market poses a major challenge as rising prices have made it increasingly difficult to find affordable housing, especially for those on tighter household budgets. As interest rates continue to rise, the borrowing power required for traditional property own

"For many, what makes self-employment so appealing is the ability to be your own boss. Unfortunately, it also means earning an irregular income and greater challenges when purchasing your next home. But whilst applying for a home loan as a sole trader may be difficult, it’s certainly not impossible.

"Starting a hospitality business requires a combination of hands-on skills, a passion for working with people, and adequate funding to get off the ground. But ultimately, a key ingredient in your sustained success and profitability will also depend on having sound accounting practices in place to ma

With no need to pay rent and the ability to fulfil orders from a warehouse or home, running a successful online store has become an increasingly appealing option for many young entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners. Due to the availability of low-cost start-up options and the many online sellin

Any business owner must keep track of their finances in order to maintain ongoing financial health and the success of their business. Accounting is no less important for tradies, particularly in an economic climate of rising supply costs and tighter cash flow pressures.

Unlike income tax which is relatively straightforward for employees, tax for businesses is a much more complicated world to navigate. As a small business owner in Australia, you must ensure these tax obligations are met.

Imagine that you’ve been a loyal customer of a lender for many years, getting charged a certain interest rate on your home loan. Then, you find that your lender has been offering new customers much better rates whilst slowly increasing the mortgage rate on your home loan. If it sounds like this migh

Whether you’re buying, selling or exiting a business, accurate business valuation skills are incredibly important to have. In essence, business valuation determines its current worth by using objective measures and evaluating all aspects of the business.

Despite the threat posed by the Royal Commission into banking several years ago, the mortgage broking industry in Australia has emerged stronger than ever. In the June quarter of 2022, mortgage brokers facilitated 68 per cent of all new residential home loans - smashing the previous record in Austra

Timing can be everything, especially when preparing for one of the most significant financial decisions of your life. Whilst you don’t want to miss out on capital gains or your dream property, there’s nothing worse than exposing yourself to financial hardship.

There are many pressures that business owners face, ranging from financial uncertainty to looking after a team of employees. Your ability to withstand these pressures and continue making the best decisions for your business will be pivotal to your long-term success.

You don’t need to remind first home buyers; buying property in Australia requires an enormous amount of earning and saving. However, on top of the sale price, many buyers don’t factor in all the additional costs that come with the purchase. The most significant of these costs is usually stamp duty,

In Australia, the most common types of business structures are sole traders, partnerships, companies, and trusts. Unfortunately, the intricacies of each structure can be complex, making it hard for new business owners to make the right choice.

Maximising capital growth should be the main objective for any property investor. However, the best path to get there is rife for debate. If you’re searching for the next investment, you’ll be faced with a choice between new or old property. While both options have their advantages, they are also se

If you’re building a new home or renovating your current one, chances are you’ll need a construction loan to finance your build. Unlike a standard home loan, a construction loan is structured around the building process, allowing the borrower to make progress payments to the builder at key stages of

Buyers can get caught up in the excitement of house shopping and bidding at auctions without first getting a pre-approval from their lender. This can be incredibly risky and leave you in a precarious position if your finance falls through.

Repaying your mortgage generally means paying down a portion of your principal balance as well as some of the interest that has accrued through the cost of borrowing.

Rentvesting is an investment strategy that allows you to live in an area that suits your lifestyle whilst owning property in an area that suits your budget.

Tax time as a sole trader can be a stressful experience. Luckily, with a little planning and preparation, you won’t need to dread doing your next tax return. In this blog, you’ll find all the important tax information for sole traders and our eight best tips for minimising your 2022 tax bill.

A guarantor home loan is when someone, normally a parent, provides a ‘guarantee’ for the repayment of a home loan. This means that they are legally responsible for paying back that portion of the loan in the event that the borrower is unable to make their mortgage repayments.

An offset account is a type of savings or transactional account attached to your home loan. The balance of your offset account effectively offsets your outstanding home loan balance, which in turn reduces the interest you owe.

The big day is approaching. You’ve bought the place of your dreams and you can’t wait to move in. Settlement day is when your new property officially becomes yours. The contracts are signed, the paperwork is handed over and ownership is transferred onto your name. It’s all smooth sailing…

With house prices skyrocketing again in 2021, breaking into the property market is as hard as it’s ever been. In an effort to combat this, the state and federal governments have several initiatives in place to help first home buyers get their foot in the door sooner.

"How much property do I need before retirement?" It’s one of the most important questions that every property investor asks themselves. Retirement is the finish line to look forward to after decades of hard work and disciplined saving.

We all love the thought of a bargain. It’s the reason why we get excited for the boxing day sales or buy the half-price cereal at the supermarket.

One of the biggest mistakes made by first home buyers and property buyers in general is falling into the trap of underquoting. This is a tactic used by real estate agents with the help of research platforms like realestate.com.au, hoping to swell the interest in a property by attracting a higher poo

Accounting is never anyone’s favourite part of running a business. Luckily for business owners, the quality of online tools now available has meant that managing your accounting is far less painful than it used to be.