In the early years of running a business, most financial mistakes aren’t dramatic; they’re subtle, common, and quietly destructive. And by the time many entrepreneurs realise something is wrong, the damage is already done.
In this episode, Stuart and Mena break down the most common financial mistakes entrepreneurs make in their first three years and, more importantly, how a CFO would approach them differently.
We cover why mixing personal and business money creates blind spots, why profit does not equal cash, and how underpricing can quietly turn a business into an exhausting hobby. We also unpack the risks of unplanned debt, ignoring tax obligations, and trying to do everything yourself instead of building systems early.
You’ll learn how CFO-style business owners think about cash flow forecasting, pricing, debt, delegation, and financial targets, and why understanding your numbers is not optional if you want sustainable growth. We also explore when and why business structure matters, and how early decisions can either limit or accelerate long-term wealth creation.
If you’re in your first few years of business or planning to start, this episode will help you avoid the mistakes that derail otherwise great ideas, and replace guesswork with clarity, discipline, and control.
If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. It helps us reach more incredible listeners like you. Thank you for being a part of the journey!
Click here to subscribe to our weekly email.
SPECIAL OFFER: Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog here.
Work with Mena & Stuart's team: At ProSolution Private Clients we encourage clients to adopt a holistic and evidence-based approach when making financial decisions. Visit our website.
Follow us: Stuart: Twitter/X and LinkedIn. Mena: LinkedIn
IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.