Shine Through the Stress: Why Mental Health Coaching Is Gold for Small Business Owners
Free, confidential support that helps you manage stress, anxiety and pressure—designed just for small business owners and sole traders.
Running a small business can feel like digging for gold without a map—rewarding but incredibly tough. Long hours, isolation, money stress and pressure to perform can leave you mentally exhausted.
According to Beyond Blue, many small business owners face stress, burnout and anxiety—but few seek support. That’s where NewAccess for Small Business Owners steps in.
What Is NewAccess for Small Business Owners?
Developed by Beyond Blue, NewAccess for Small Business Owners is a free, confidential mental health coaching program. It’s available nationwide, tailored specifically for small business owners and sole traders, and designed to help you manage stress, worry and overwhelm early—before things get worse.
You don’t need a doctor’s referral or mental health plan. It’s not counselling or therapy, but structured, practical coaching.
“Coaching is focused on helping people take practical steps to improve their mental wellbeing. It’s early support, not clinical treatment.” – Beyond Blue.
What Does the Program Include?
The program offers:
An initial assessment session
Five structured coaching sessions
Delivered by trained mental health coaches with experience in small business
Conducted via phone or video for flexibility
Operating Monday to Thursday 8:30am–8:00pm AEST, and Fridays until 5:00pm AEST
“Mental health coaching gives business owners tools to manage stress, set goals and move forward.” – Beyond Blue.
It’s a short-term, practical program designed to build skills like problem-solving, boundary setting, and managing negative thoughts.
Why Small Business Owners Are Struggling
According to research cited by Everymind and Beyond Blue, small business owners experience higher rates of psychological distress than the general population. Many delay seeking help due to time, stigma or lack of awareness.
“Business owners often feel isolated and responsible for everything. That pressure can lead to burnout and mental fatigue.” – Dr. Grant Blashki, Clinical Adviser at Beyond Blue.
Common stressors include:
Financial uncertainty
Pressure to succeed
Limited work-life balance
Isolation from friends or peers
This program is specifically built to acknowledge and address those realities.
Gold-Worthy Benefits of Coaching
Think of NewAccess coaching as a tool to help polish your mental resilience—so you can shine, even during pressure-packed days.
With the program, you can:
Talk to someone who gets the business journey
Build strategies to manage stress before it builds up
Improve clarity and focus in both personal and business life
Feel supported without judgement
“It gave me perspective. Talking to someone who understood business pressures made all the difference.” – NewAccess participant testimonial.
Who Can Access the Program?
To be eligible, you must:
Be 18 years or older
Own a small business or operate as a sole trader
Not currently seeing a psychologist, psychiatrist, or mental health counsellor
There’s no Medicare requirement, no waitlist, and no cost.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Gold doesn’t lose its value when buried under pressure—it just needs to be uncovered. The same goes for you.
You don’t need to be at crisis point to benefit. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, now is the time to act. With free support that’s flexible, confidential and tailored to your experience, NewAccess could be the circuit-breaker you need.
Get Started Today
If you or someone you know is a small business owner feeling weighed down, don’t wait. Take the first step and learn more about NewAccess for Small Business Owners:
Golden Gains: Why Engaging a BAS Agent Is a Smart Business Move
Running a business is rewarding—but let’s face it, the admin can get overwhelming. From managing GST to lodging your BAS, it’s easy to feel buried in paperwork. If you’re tired of spreadsheets and second-guessing ATO deadlines, a registered BAS agent could be the gold-standard support your business needs.
Here’s why engaging a BAS agent isn’t just helpful—it’s a smart, strategic move that frees up your time and keeps your business on track.
What Is a BAS Agent?
A BAS agent is a professional registered with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB). They are legally authorised to prepare and lodge Business Activity Statements (BAS) and handle other ATO-related tasks on behalf of your business. Their expertise covers:
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Pay As You Go (PAYG) withholding and instalments
Superannuation contributions
Taxable Payments Annual Reports (TPAR)
Single Touch Payroll (STP)
To legally provide BAS services, they must meet specific qualifications, experience, and professional development requirements set by the TPB. Learn more: TPB – Who needs to register as a BAS agent
DIY vs Delegating: Is It Worth Doing Your Own BAS?
Many small business owners start out doing everything themselves, including their BAS. While this might seem cost-effective at first, errors can be costly.
A 2021 report by CPA Australia found that nearly 1 in 3 small businesses made GST reporting mistakes, often due to lack of time or understanding of tax rules.
“Even small errors in BAS lodgements can trigger audits or penalties,” says BAS agent and registered practitioner Anna Thomas of Melbourne. “That’s why working with a BAS agent gives peace of mind.”
What Services Can a BAS Agent Provide?
A registered BAS agent can perform a wide range of tasks directly related to your ATO compliance. These include:
Preparing and lodging your BAS with the ATO
Calculating GST and PAYG amounts
Processing employee superannuation payments
Lodging Single Touch Payroll and TPAR reports
Reconciling payroll and business accounts
Representing your business in dealings with the ATO
1. Save Time and Stay Focused on Growth Instead of spending hours on admin, you can focus on what matters—serving customers and growing your business.
2. Ensure Compliance and Avoid Penalties A BAS agent keeps up with tax law changes, ATO deadlines, and lodgement requirements. This helps you stay compliant and avoid costly penalties.
3. Improve Accuracy Using best-practice tools and systems, a BAS agent helps ensure your financial reports and lodgements are accurate and up to date.
4. Gain Clear Financial Reporting While BAS agents can’t give broad tax advice unless also registered tax agents, they can offer insights related to your BAS obligations and financial recordkeeping.
How to Choose a Great BAS Agent
Not all advisors are created equal. Look for an agent who is:
Registered with the Tax Practitioners Board
Transparent about their fees and services
Using cloud-based accounting systems like Xero or MYOB
Communicative and proactive in meeting deadlines
Committed to ongoing professional education
To confirm a registration, you can check the TPB register here: TPB Register Search
Know Their Scope: What a BAS Agent Can’t Do
It’s important to understand that BAS agents can’t provide broader tax or financial advice unless they are also registered tax agents. For example, they can’t:
Advise on company tax returns
Offer investment or financial planning advice
Handle fringe benefits tax or income tax matters
Always ensure you’re engaging the right professional for the right task.
Is It Time to Go for Gold?
If you’re spending more time on paperwork than profit, now is the time to outsource your BAS tasks. Engaging a registered BAS agent gives your business the solid foundation it needs to grow, stay compliant, and run smoothly.
If you think it’s time to engage a professional agent, get in touch, and let’s talk about how this can benefit your business and save you time and money.
Golden Opportunity: Get Your Business Records Tax Return Ready
Polish your paperwork now for a stress-free tax season.
Tax Time Shouldn’t Be a Rush Job
Tax time isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s a golden chance to gain insight into your business and set yourself up for success. When your records are clean and complete, everything runs smoother.
You can lodge your return faster, receive any refund sooner, and make confident decisions for the year ahead. With rising costs and changing business conditions, now’s the time to be proactive.
Why Being Prepared Pays Off
Think of EOFY like gold panning: the clearer the stream, the easier it is to find the good stuff.
Getting your tax records ready means:
Early access to tax refunds or clarity on payments
Fewer errors, adjustments, and stress
A stronger position to plan and forecast for next year
Important: While you can prepare early, the ATO recommends waiting until late July before lodging to ensure all pre-filled information is available. Lodging too early can result in mistakes and delays. – Read more from the ATO
What Records Should You Gather?
Here’s your go-to EOFY checklist:
– Asset Purchases and Sales
Keep full details of any business assets bought or sold, including contracts, dates, and sale/purchase values.
– Loans and Finance
If you’ve taken out finance, gather loan agreements and end-of-year balances as at 30 June.
– Prepaid Expenses
Include insurance, leases, or services you paid in advance. These often need to be apportioned across financial years.
– Stocktake (if applicable)
Businesses holding stock must conduct a 30 June stocktake, unless exempt under simplified trading stock rules. – ATO’s stocktake rules
– Debtors and Creditors
Check your accounts receivable and payable. Ensure they’re accurate and up to date.
– Bad Debts
List any outstanding debts you’ve decided to write off as uncollectable.
– Loans to/from Related Entities
If you trade with or loan to related businesses or trusts, reconcile these records for accuracy on both ends.
– Director Payments
Make sure any payments to directors are documented properly. Speak to your accountant if any were made in late June.
Government Grants
Declare any government funding received during the year, including COVID-19 or natural disaster support.
– Fringe Benefits for Staff
Non-cash benefits like gym memberships or pandemic-related perks may attract fringe benefits tax (FBT).
– Contact Information
Let your accountant know if your address, email, or phone number has changed.
Golden Rules for Recordkeeping
You must keep business records for at least five years, from when the document is prepared, obtained, or the transaction is completed — whichever is latest.
Strike Gold with Your Unique Selling Point: Make Your Business Irresistible
In a marketplace overflowing with choices, your business must do more than show up — it must stand out. That’s where your Unique Selling Point (USP) comes in. Think of your USP as the gold nugget that catches a customer’s eye in a river of sameness.
But not all gold is created equal. To attract loyal customers and grow with confidence, you need to uncover, refine, and promote a USP that is truly valuable — and hard for your competitors to match.
What Is a Unique Selling Point (and What It’s Not)
Your USP is the distinct benefit that makes your business better for your ideal customer — and different from your competitors.
It’s not the same as a value proposition. Your value proposition describes the overall promise of value to customers. A USP zooms in on the unique factor — the reason someone would choose you and not someone else.
Expert Insight: “A unique selling proposition defines your company’s unique position in the marketplace, while a value proposition explains how your product solves customers’ problems.”
Why Your USP Is Worth Its Weight in Gold
Research shows that:
Brands with clear, differentiated messaging convert leads up to 60% more effectively
64% of consumers say shared values are the main reason they choose a brand
A strong USP helps you:
Attract the right customers
Build trust faster
Focus your marketing
Defend your place in the market
It’s not just marketing fluff. It’s your strategic foundation.
Five Steps to Discover Your Golden Edge
1. Step into Your Customer’s Shoes
Instead of asking “What do I want to offer?”, ask:
What matters most to my ideal customer?
What problems are they trying to solve?
What do they wish others did better?
Expert Insight:“Don’t find customers for your products. Find products for your customers.”
Survey customers, check reviews, and dig into feedback. Often, your golden nugget is hidden in their words.
2. Spy on the Competition (Respectfully)
To be unique, you must know what others are offering. Study your competitors:
What are their USPs?
What do customers complain about?
What gaps can you fill?
Use this research to shape a USP that is both desirable and distinct.
Final Word: Your USP Is the Gold That Sets You Apart
Your Unique Selling Point isn’t a tagline — it’s your promise. It shows what makes you worth choosing and remembering.
A strong USP positions you as the go-to provider in your space, helping you attract customers who truly value what you offer.
Need help striking marketing gold?
Contact DJ Grigg Financial today. We’ll help you refine your USP and position your business for growth — with clarity, confidence, and a bit of golden flair.
Golden Advice or Fool’s Gold? The Real Cost of Tax Tips from Finfluencers
Social media is full of ‘quick tips’ and tax hacks. But when it comes to financial advice, following the wrong influencer could cost you thousands.
The rise of financial influencers—or finfluencers—on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube may feel like a gold rush of information. But beware: beneath the glimmer often lies dangerous advice.
What Is a Finfluencer?
A finfluencer is someone who shares financial content online, usually without formal qualifications. They may post about tax tips, business structures, or even investment products—often without being a registered tax agent or financial adviser.
While some may genuinely want to educate, many are paid to promote financial products or services. That means their top priority isn’t your business—it’s brand deals and commissions.
“Using an unregistered tax practitioner can cost thousands of dollars in tax bills and penalties.” – Michael O’Neill, Chair of the Tax Practitioners Board
Why This Matters: The Real Risks
Taking financial advice from someone who isn’t qualified can result in:
Overstated deductions
Missed tax entitlements
Incorrect business structures
ATO audits or penalties
The Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) warns that using an unregistered preparer leaves you legally responsible for any errors, no matter how well-intentioned the advice. You’ll also forfeit “safe harbour” protection—a safeguard that reduces penalties if a registered agent makes a mistake.
Why Registered Tax Agents Are Worth Their Weight in Gold
Registered tax agents are licensed through the TPB and must meet strict education, experience, and ethical standards. They are also required to:
Stay up to date with tax law changes
Hold professional indemnity insurance
Act in your best interest
Maintain your privacy and data security
Only registered agents can legally charge a fee to prepare and lodge your tax return in Australia. You can verify their credentials using the TPB Register.
This level of protection simply doesn’t exist with a finfluencer—no matter how confident or convincing they sound.
Red Flags: How to Spot Fool’s Gold
Beware of:
Promises of “huge refunds” without knowing your circumstances
Free tax tips from people with no formal qualifications
Requests for your myGov login or Tax File Number
Claims that sound “too good to be true”
If it looks like gold but comes with risk and no accountability—it’s not the real thing.
Trust the Experts, Not the Algorithm
The best place to start for any tax or finance question is the ATO website.
From there, talk to a qualified tax adviser who can tailor guidance to your business. DIY finance may seem easy—but it often leads to costly corrections down the line.
For example, many businesses miss out on legitimate deductions simply because they don’t know what to claim. A registered agent can help identify opportunities while keeping you compliant. See more on allowable deductions in relation to managing tax affairs here.
The Golden Rule: Protect Your Business
Your business is too valuable to gamble on advice from someone unqualified. Finfluencer content might be shiny, but it’s often shallow—and you could pay the price in penalties, stress, or lost cash.
At DJ Grigg Financial, we’re registered, qualified, and committed to supporting your success. Our advice is built on real experience—not social trends.
Ready to turn solid advice into real results?
Contact us today for tailored, trustworthy tax and business support that’s truly worth its weight in gold.
Superannuation Guarantee: The Golden Rule for Employers
Running a business is like managing a vault of precious treasures. One of your key assets? Your employees. To protect their future, Australia’s Superannuation Guarantee (SG) system ensures workers receive the benefits they deserve. For business owners, understanding and complying with SG rules is crucial to staying on the right side of the law.
What Is the Superannuation Guarantee?
The Superannuation Guarantee requires employers to pay a set percentage of an employee’s Ordinary Time Earnings (OTE) into a super fund. As of 2025, the SG rate is 11.5%, set to increase to 12% by 1 July 2025. OTE includes regular salary, commissions, and shift loadings, but excludes overtime.
If you fail to pay on time, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) may impose a Superannuation Guarantee Charge (SGC). The SGC includes the unpaid SG amounts, interest, and an administration fee. Importantly, the SGC is not tax-deductible. (More on SGC here)
Timely SG payments are vital to avoid these costly penalties and to protect your business’s financial health.
Who Must Receive Super?
The SG rules cast a wide golden net. You must pay super contributions for:
Full-time, part-time, and casual employees.
Some contractors if they are mainly paid for their labour.
Directors who are remunerated for performing their duties.
Even if a worker holds an Australian Business Number (ABN), they may still be considered an employee under SG rules.
Expert Insight: When in doubt, it’s safer to treat your worker like an employee for SG purposes.
You generally do not need to pay SG contributions if:
Workers are under 18 and work less than 30 hours a week.
Private and domestic workers work less than 30 hours weekly.
Non-resident employees perform work outside Australia.
Employees are covered by certain international agreements.
Understanding these exemptions helps protect your business and ensures your golden super obligations are met.
The Broader Definition of an Employee
Section 12 of the SG rules stretches the traditional definition of an “employee”. Workers deemed employees include:
Company directors receiving payment for duties.
Contractors mainly paid for their personal labour.
Individuals providing entertainment, artistic, or sports services.
This means even freelancers and sole traders could fall under your SG responsibilities. It is not enough to rely on contracts or ABNs; the true nature of the work relationship matters most.
Why Super Guarantee Compliance Matters
Ignoring SG obligations can seriously tarnish your business reputation. There is no time limit on how far back the ATO can pursue unpaid super. You might think you’ve hidden a few coins, but the ATO’s audit net is finely woven.
According to the ATO, employers paid $7.4 billion in super guarantee shortfalls in 2022–23. Don’t let your business add to that figure!
Super is not a bonus; it is a basic right.
If unpaid, not only can the unpaid amount be demanded, but you might face additional charges, interest, and penalties through the SGC.
Get expert help. Seek advice or an ATO private ruling to confirm your obligations.
Compliance is the golden rule for protecting your business, your people, and your future.
Contact Us Today
Navigating SG obligations doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. At DJ Grigg Financial, we guide you through every step. Ensure your business shines bright and stays compliant.
Contact us today for a superannuation review and advice tailored to your business needs.
As the financial year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to fine-tune your tax strategy. Whether you’re a business owner or employee, smart year-end tax planning can help you strike gold—maximising deductions while avoiding costly mistakes.
Below we explore key tax opportunities and risks, updated in line with current ATO guidance for 2024–25.
Golden Opportunities to Boost Your Tax Outcome
1. Super Contributions – Secure Your Future, Save on Tax
Concessional superannuation contributions are a powerful way to reduce your taxable income and grow your nest egg. The cap for 2024–25 is $30,000, which includes:
Employer contributions
Salary-sacrificed amounts
Personal deductible contributions
If your total super balance is under $500,000, you can carry forward any unused cap amounts from the past five years, allowing for larger catch-up contributions. For example, if you missed $8,000 each year, you could claim up to $40,000 this year. Learn more
Expert Insight: Superannuation remains one of the most tax-effective long-term investments.
Also, if your spouse earns less than $37,000, you may qualify for a $540 tax offset by contributing to their super.
2. Charitable Donations – Give Generously, Claim Smartly
Donating to a registered Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) can reduce your tax bill. Gifts over $2 are deductible and the higher your income, the more valuable the deduction. A $10,000 donation can reduce tax by:
$3,250 for someone earning $120,000
$4,500 for those earning $180,000+
But remember—buying raffle tickets or auction items doesn’t count. Only genuine donations without material benefits are deductible. More on DGR rules
3. Business Write-Offs – Clear the Clutter, Claim It Now
Scrap obsolete plant and equipment before 30 June to write them off, instead of slowly depreciating them. If customers haven’t paid and recovery has failed, write off those bad debts and document them properly to claim a deduction this year.
With the $20,000 instant asset write-off confirmed for 2024–25, eligible businesses can claim an immediate deduction for assets acquired before 30 June. Just ensure the asset is first used or installed ready for use in time. Instant asset write-off details
Tax Traps to Avoid: Where the ATO is Digging
1. Working from Home Claims – Use the Right Method
With many Australians working remotely, it’s important to know the correct rules. As of 2024–25, the ATO recognises two valid methods:
Fixed rate method: 70 cents/hour for running expenses like electricity, internet, and stationery.
Actual cost method: Claim exact amounts with receipts and a diary of work-related use.
To use the fixed rate method, you must record every hour worked from home for the year. A four-week sample no longer applies. ATO fixed rate method
Expert Warning:The ATO requires accurate records—guesses won’t cut it.
2. Rental Property Pitfalls – Know What You Can Claim
You can only claim rental property expenses when the property is genuinely available for rent. The ATO is cracking down on claims for:
Personal use or unrealistic listings
Incorrectly claimed interest from loans used for personal expenses
Repairs that were actually initial improvements
Initial repairs made when you buy a property (like replacing rotted boards or fixing wiring) are not deductible immediately—they’re considered part of the property’s capital cost. ATO guide on rental expenses
Also, don’t forget:
Capital works (like renovations) are deductible at 2.5% per year over 40 years.
Depreciating assets (like hot water systems) are claimed over time.
3. Gig Economy Income – The ATO Is Watching
Income from platforms like Uber, Airbnb, and YouTube is taxable—even if it’s sitting in your platform account or paid in goods. Since 1 July 2023, these platforms must report your earnings to the ATO under new rules. More on this income
Declare all income honestly to avoid penalties and interest.
Business-Specific Strategies
✅ Do Before 30 June
Write off bad debts and obsolete equipment
Pay June quarter super early
Commit to staff bonuses and directors’ fees by resolution
⚠️ Avoid These Red Flags
Unlodged returns: ATO can issue default assessments.
Professional income splitting: Professionals must be fairly remunerated for services provided.
Incorrect co-owner claims: Expenses must be split by legal ownership, not who paid.
Let’s Help You Strike Gold
EOFY is your chance to get ahead, claim what you’re entitled to, and stay in the ATO’s good books. Let us help you mine the best opportunities—and avoid costly traps.
Contact DJ Grigg Financial today for expert tax advice and tailored support before 30 June.
Claiming Self-Education Expenses: Turn Your Learning into Tax Gold
In today’s competitive world, investing in your education is like investing in pure gold. But did you know you may be able to claim some of your self-education expenses in your income tax return?
Understanding how to claim these expenses can help you stay ATO-compliant and maximise your tax benefits.
What Are Self-Education Expenses?
Self-education expenses are costs you incur when furthering your knowledge or skills for work. They include:
Courses at educational institutions (even without a formal qualification)
Training through industry or professional organisations
Work-related seminars and conferences
Self-paced learning and study tours, local or overseas
In short, if you’re polishing your skills for work, some expenses could be a gold mine for deductions.
Am I Eligible to Claim?
The ATO requires a “sufficient connection” between your current job and your study. Your learning must:
Maintain or improve skills and knowledge you use now, or
Likely lead to higher income in your current job.
If your study leads you into a completely new career, you won’t qualify.
Real-life examples:
Eligible: Declan, an enrolled nurse, studies a Bachelor of Nursing. His studies upgrade his nursing skills and future earnings.
Not eligible: Teri, a teacher’s aide, studies a Bachelor of Education to become a teacher. Since this changes her role, she cannot claim.
What Can You Claim?
If eligible, you can claim deductions for:
Tuition fees or seminar costs (excluding fees paid through HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP, or VET Student Loans)
Stationery, internet usage and textbooks
Depreciation on laptops and tech used for study
Travel between home or work and your study location (only the first leg of a combined trip is deductible)
Accommodation and meals for overnight courses
Interest on study-related loans (excluding government loan repayments)
Tip: Only claim expenses directly linked to your self-education. If an item (like a laptop) is shared between study and personal use, apportion the cost carefully and keep detailed records.
Important Stats to Know
According to the ATO, Australian taxpayers claimed over $1.6 billion in self-education expenses in the 2022-23 tax year. However, compliance checks are rising, with one in four education claims adjusted or rejected.
Expert Insight:“The key to claiming self-education expenses is proving a strong link to your current role. Think of it like tracing gold veins — if the link is clear and direct, your claim will shine bright.”
Gold Standards for Record Keeping
Good record-keeping is the Midas touch for successful claims. Keep:
Receipts for all course-related expenses
Course outlines and invoices
Travel records, including distances and purposes
Notes showing how the study relates to your job
The ATO requires you to keep records for five years from the date you lodge your tax return. This golden habit can save you stress if the ATO ever asks questions.
Final Nuggets of Advice
While investing in your skills can lead to higher earnings and better job opportunities, it’s important to claim carefully.
When unsure, don’t gamble with your future — seek professional advice. The ATO’s rules can be tricky, but a good adviser will help you strike gold without stepping on any compliance landmines.
Ready to turn your learning into tax savings?
Contact DJ Grigg Financial today for a golden consultation. We’ll help you claim correctly and maximise your return, the right way.
Golden Mindset: Building Mental Wealth in Business
In today’s business world, mental health isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Just like financial wealth, mental wealth needs conscious investment. As headlines grow darker and pressures rise, many business owners feel their emotional reserves wearing thin.
But what if hope was your most undervalued asset?
Enter the concept of a “hope budget”—a fresh, metaphorical approach to protecting your mental wellbeing in business.
What Is Mental Wealth—and Why Does It Matter?
Mental wealth refers to your emotional resilience, clarity, and ability to face challenges with a solutions-focused mindset. In business, it’s your golden reserve—what keeps you steady when stress hits and plans go sideways.
According to Beyond Blue, one in five Australians experience symptoms of mental illness each year. Business owners, especially sole traders, often experience additional risk factors including long hours, isolation, and financial pressure.
Protecting your mental wealth isn’t just good sense—it’s a strategic investment in your business future.
The Hope Budget: A Metaphor for Emotional Cash Flow
Like money, emotional resources are limited. A “hope budget” is a metaphorical way of thinking about how much negativity you can handle before your mental wellbeing starts to decline. It’s about consciously managing your exposure to stress, especially from negative news and social media.
Spending too much time immersed in distressing content can trigger real psychological stress. In 2017, therapist Dr. Steven Stosny coined the term headline stress disorder to describe heightened anxiety from constant news exposure. Though not a clinical diagnosis, the term reflects a growing reality for many.
A 2022 Reuters Institute study found 36% of people avoid news because it harms their mood, and 16% because it makes them feel powerless.
The goal isn’t to ignore the world—but to stay engaged in a healthy, sustainable way.
Gold Standard Tips to Build Your Mental Wealth
1. Audit Your Emotional Spending
Too much bad news? Time for a reality check. Set daily time limits for news consumption and avoid scrolling before bed. Choose sources that include solutions-focused stories.
🧠 Tip: Follow outlets practising “constructive journalism”—reporting that highlights how problems are being tackled, not just the chaos.
2. Diversify Your Input
Just like diversifying financial investments, consuming a broader range of media builds mental resilience. Include good news—from community wins to medical breakthroughs—to balance out the gloom.
🗞 Try keeping a “gold ledger” where you note stories of progress and hope. It works like interest on your emotional bank account.
3. Take Action—Even Small Steps Matter
Hope without action is like gold locked in a vault. Whether it’s helping a neighbour, joining a local cause, or donating to charity, your effort counts.
Studies show helping others improves both mental and physical wellbeing. It creates a sense of agency that can break the cycle of helplessness.
4. Protect Your Mental Boundaries
Set clear limits on media consumption. Curate your social feed to reduce toxic content. Prioritise offline time and real-world conversations with hopeful, solutions-oriented people.
Apps like Headspace or Smiling Mind offer guided mindfulness and breathing exercises—helpful tools to reset your stress levels.
Despair Is Dangerous for Business
When business owners lose hope, it impacts decision-making, leadership, and team morale. Emotional burnout leads to missed opportunities and declining productivity. Worse, it can erode the very motivation that drove you to start your business.
But hope is powerful fuel. It fosters resilience, creativity, and long-term vision.
Think of it as mental superannuation—invest early and wisely, and the returns compound.
Want to Build Your Mental Wealth? We Can Help
At DJ Grigg Financial, we understand that running a business is about more than the numbers. It’s about people—and protecting the people behind the business is just good business sense.
Let’s talk. Contact us today to find support that understands both your business and your wellbeing.
Golden Signatures: Why Solvency Declarations Aren’t Just Paperwork
Every year, company directors receive a solvency resolution to pass. Many brush it off as just another formality. But this golden slip of paper carries serious legal weight—and can either protect or expose directors depending on how it’s handled.
What Is a Solvency Resolution?
A solvency resolution is a formal statement by company directors that confirms whether the company can pay its debts as and when they fall due. Under Section 347A of the Corporations Act 2001, this resolution must be passed within two months after a company’s annual review date.
There are two possible outcomes:
A positive resolution: the company is solvent.
A negative resolution: the company is not solvent.
If no resolution is passed within the required timeframe, or if the resolution is negative, the company must lodge a Form 485 with ASIC within seven days after the end of that period.
💡 Important note: Companies that have lodged a financial report under Chapter 2M within the last 12 months may be exempt from this resolution requirement. This often applies to larger entities with statutory audit obligations.
Think of a solvency resolution as your company’s gold standard—an annual check to make sure there’s still value in the vault.
Ignoring it, rushing it, or signing blindly can lead to:
Civil penalties (under Section 180 for lack of due care)
Disqualification as a director (Section 206C)
Criminal charges (Sections 1308 and 1309 for false declarations)
In one 2022 case, ASIC disqualified a director for three years after he signed off on solvency—even though his company had over $600,000 in unpaid taxes and no ability to pay suppliers.
Don’t Sign on Hope Alone
Your solvency resolution must be based on present, verifiable financial information—not future expectations or verbal promises.
“Formal declarations must be based on current, verifiable facts—not assumptions about future events.” – ASIC vs Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. (2011)
As a director, you must be able to show how you formed your opinion—through reviewing cash flows, liabilities, and forecasts.
What If Directors Disagree?
Disagreements happen. Especially when a business is under cash pressure.
If not all directors agree:
Review up-to-date financial documents together.
Document the basis for each opinion.
Let dissenting directors formally abstain.
Seek independent legal or financial advice.
Record all discussions in the board minutes.
ASIC expects all dissenting views and risks to be properly documented. Directors are individually accountable.
The Gold Is in the Governance
Whether or not a Form 485 is lodged, companies must keep detailed records of their solvency resolution. This includes:
Meeting dates, times, and attendees.
Financial reports reviewed.
The resolution wording.
Questions raised and risks discussed.
Any abstentions or objections.
These records are a director’s best defence in the event of an ASIC review or legal dispute.
