Hide the Chocolate: A Strategy for Managing Seasonal Cash Flow

Let’s talk about temptation.

Not the fun kind—but the kind that shows up when things are a bit tight and whispers, “Just transfer a bit from that other account… you’ll sort it out later.”

Two things have brought this front of mind for me lately:

1. The huge amount of chocolate I ate over Easter (because it was there), and
2. What I'm seeing in clients accounts when cashflow gets tight

This is a common pattern I see with rural and regional small businesses - especially those juggling seasonal cash flow and unpredictable income. And just like my recent run-in with Easter eggs, temptation is easier to manage when it’s out of sight.

Chocolate, Cash, and Workarounds

Let’s start with the chocolate. I love the stuff. But if it’s in the house, it’s not lasting long. I can promise myself “just one piece,” but unless I padlock the fridge, I’ll be back for more in no time. My usual strategy? Don’t buy it in the first place. But come Easter, it’s gifted left, right and centre. I’ve still got three eggs sitting on the bench right now, meant for visiting kids. And yes, as soon as I finish writing this I will hide them in a cupboard so they don’t mysteriously disappear.

Managing your business finances is no different.

If money’s sitting there easily accessible in your bank app, it’s easy to dip into. That’s why, using the Profit First strategy, I recommend putting your Profit, Tax, and GST accounts at a completely different bank.

Out of sight + out of reach = less temptation to borrow.

Why Separate Bank Accounts Actually Help Your Cash Flow

Some of my clients feel confident keeping all their accounts visible in one place. That’s totally fine, if you’re not regularly shuffling funds around..

But here’s what I’ve noticed more and more:
When cash is tight, there’s a shuffle from Profit to Wages… or from GST to cover bills. It’s not bad behaviour—it’s a sign. Usually one of two things:

• Your Operating Expenses are too high, or

• You’re drawing more for personal use than the business can afford.

That’s where managing seasonal cash flow smartly really matters. Because your business can only thrive long-term if your essential costs (like taxes, staff super, and operating needs) are covered—even during the quieter seasons.

There’s a simple fix: hide the money from yourself.

Set up your Profit, Tax, and GST accounts at a second bank.
Delete the app from your phone.
Only access it on your desktop.
Make transferring money inconvenient on purpose.

This isn’t about restriction—it’s about creating clarity and protecting your business from impulse decisions.

Because here’s the harsh truth:

• GST isn’t your money.

• Tax withheld from employee wages and their superannuation isn’t your money.

• Income Tax payable to the Australian Taxation Office isn't your money

• Profit is your money—but only if it’s still there at quarter’s end.

The only thing achieved by borrowing from these accounts or these funds set aside, is more stress for you as business owners.

Financial Clarity for Rural & Regional Businesses

If you’re working hard but feeling like your cash is constantly chasing its tail, let’s flip the script.

Managing seasonal cash flow isn’t about being perfect. It’s about creating systems that work with your habits, not against them. Hiding the chocolate—or in this case, your tax and profit—can be one of the smartest moves you make this quarter.