Keep your finger on the pulse with our latest blog posts

The second half of the year is a great time to review how your business is performing against the budget and goals you originally set. Look at sales, expenses, profitability and cashflow, then update your forecasts to reflect where you are today. If you're considering growth or major purchases, make sure they align with your goals and cashflow. Regularly reviewing your plans and adjusting your priorities can help you respond to change, manage commitments and take advantage of opportunities.

Do you simply take drawings from your business, or would you be better off paying yourself a regular PAYE wage? The answer can affect more than just when you pay your tax. Your business structure, shareholder current account, cash flow and even your ACC cover can all come into play. We've taken a closer look at how the different options work – and some of the traps to think about before changing how you pay yourself.

Congratulations Nigel McWilliam FCA We're proud to congratulate MBS Advisors Director Nigel McWilliam on being awarded Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA), one of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand's highest professional recognitions. Reflecting on his achievement, Nigel says accounting has given him purpose, taught him the language of business and given him the privilege of helping local businesses, farming families and the wider community grow stronger. His achievement reflects his ongoing commitment to his clients, his profession and the community he serves.

From 1 October 2026, Xero subscription prices will increase in New Zealand. With new capabilities introduced this year, now is a good time to make sure you're getting the most from your subscription. Features such as automated bank rules, receipt capture and real-time collaboration can save time and improve visibility. Regularly checking reports such as your Profit & Loss and Cash Summary can also help you make informed decisions using live financial information.

With calving underway and spring approaching, now is a good time to review how your actual spending compares with your budget and update your cashflow forecast. Consider upcoming capital purchases, revisit your goals and make sure your plans still support your farm’s long-term objectives. Small adjustments now can make a big difference later in the season. As a Platinum Figured Partner, MBS Advisors can also help you simplify budgeting and forecasting with Figured.

After several difficult seasons, many farmers across New Zealand are finally seeing a return to stronger profitability. Improved commodity prices, favourable weather, and better production outputs have all contributed to a more positive financial outlook for the 2025–2026 farming year.

If you are self-employed or a contractor you have two options for your Accident Compensation Cover - Standard CoverPlus (CP) CoverPlus Extra (CPX) You’ll automatically be placed on CoverPlus (CP) and Inland Revenue provides ACC with a summary of your earnings from your income tax return (IR3). This information, combined...

The new year is a new beginning. If you are a business owner, this is often the time of year when you reflect on where you are at and think about your business goals for the year ahead. Setting goals is an essential part of personal and professional growth. These...

The new Finance Minister, Nicola Willis announced savings via redirected funds and exiting projects in the government’s mini-budget. The new Finance Minister, Nicola Willis has revealed the government’s mini-budget, alongside Treasury’s half-year economic and fiscal update in Wellington. In its executive summary, Treasury that concluded that ‘although economic growth...