In this episode, Lee and Mai unpack a big mindset shift for business owners and individuals alike: why paying down your home loan isn’t always the best return on investment (ROI).

They explore how ROI applies to everyday financial decisions — from mortgages and offset accounts to superannuation and long‑term wealth strategies — and challenge the common belief that throwing every spare dollar at your home loan is always the smartest move.

The conversation also dives into self‑managed super funds (SMSFs), family pooling strategies, and how super can be used not just for retirement — but as a powerful wealth‑building and debt‑elimination tool.

In this episode, Mai talks about:

• What return on investment really means in everyday financial decisions
• Why paying down your mortgage or offsetting interest can cap your returns
• How tax savings should be viewed as part of your ROI
• Why superannuation is one of the most tax‑effective investment vehicles available
• How concessional super contributions can outperform mortgage repayments
• The difference between accumulation and pension phase in super
• How SMSFs can invest in property and generate tax‑free income after age 60
• Common traps to avoid when selling assets inside super

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re parking your money in the right place, this episode will change the way you think about cash, tax, and long‑term planning.

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In this episode Lee and Mai take a deep dive into tax planning, business structures, and the smart (and legal) ways business owners can reduce tax, improve cash flow, and build long‑term wealth.

Following the strong response to last week’s Payday Super episode, this conversation tackles one of the most common questions business owners ask: “Am I paying too much tax?”

The answer, as Mai explains, is often yes — but not because the system is broken. It’s usually because the structure or strategy isn’t right.

In this episode, Mai talks about:

• What tax planning is and why it matters
• How to legally reduce tax and improve cash flow
• Common mistakes business owners make when paying themselves
• What you can (and can’t) claim when working from home
• How company tax, dividends, and franking credits work
• The role of trusts and bucket companies in tax and asset protection
• Why the right business structure can change your financial future

You can't know what you don't know. This could be the conversation that changes everything.

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We're back this week with a hugely important topic.

Payday Super is one of the biggest changes to hit Australian employers in years — and many businesses aren’t ready for the cash flow impact.

In this episode, Lee and Mai unpack what Payday Super actually means, why it’s a major shift from the current system, and how it could seriously affect small business cash flow if you’re not prepared.

From 1 July 2026, employers will be required to pay superannuation at the same time as wages, rather than quarterly. While the super rate itself isn’t changing, the timing is — and that timing could catch businesses off guard.

In this episode, Mai talks about:

• What Payday Super is and how it changes the current super guarantee system
• Why paying super quarterly will no longer be an option
• The cash flow shock many businesses are about to face
• What happens if you don’t have the cash available on payday
• ATO penalties, interest, and why “paying late” is no longer forgiven
• How mismatched debtor days vs pay cycles can create serious pressure
• Practical steps you can take now to prepare
• Why building cash reserves before July 2026 is critical

This episode is a must-listen for any business owner who employs staff (or pays themselves wages). 

Download our helpful checklist here: https://myaccountingadvantage.com.au/documents/MAA-Pay-Day-Super-2026-Checklist.pdf

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Welcome back to the My Accounting Advantage podcast.

In this episode, Mai tackles one of the biggest and most common questions Australians ask when it comes to building wealth: is buying an investment property really for everyone?

Property is often seen as the ultimate milestone — something you’re “meant” to do. But as Mai explains, it’s not always that simple. Whether you’re a PAYG employee, a couple with an existing mortgage, or a business owner, the right answer depends on your income, cash flow, risk appetite, and long‑term goals.

Mai breaks down why Australians are so drawn to property, the realities of negative gearing, and the often‑overlooked costs that can catch investors off guard. She also explains why modelling and professional advice should always come before buying — not after.

The conversation also explores alternative strategies, including investing through a self‑managed super fund, and when that approach may (or may not) make sense.

This episode is a practical, honest discussion designed to help you slow down, ask better questions, and make informed decisions, rather than following the crowd.

In this episode, Mai talks about:

• Why property investing is so ingrained in Australian culture
• Whether stable PAYG income versus business income changes the strategy
• How negative gearing works — and what it doesn’t solve
• The importance of cash flow, not just tax deductions
• Common costs that surprise property investors
• When an investment property may not be the right move
• Why financial modelling is essential before buying
• How self‑managed super funds can be used to invest in property
• Why expert advice and clear goals matter more than market hype

Stay tuned for more weekly episodes where Mai shares practical insights, real conversations, and clear guidance to help you build long‑term wealth with confidence — not just get through tax time.

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Welcome to the very first episode of the My Accounting Advantage podcast.

This episode is all about getting to know the person behind the mic, Mai Harris. 

Mai shares with us her journey, how she ended up Director and Principal Accountant of My Accounting Advantage, and why she’s so passionate about helping people do more with their money than just survive tax time.

You’ll hear about Mai’s approach to accounting, why she believes proactive advice makes such a difference, and what really matters to her when working with clients. This down‑to‑earth introduction sets the tone for the conversations to come – practical, honest, and focused on building long‑term wealth, not just ticking boxes.

In this episode, Mai talks about:

• How she got started in accounting and the experiences that shaped her career
• Why she believes accounting should be about planning ahead, not just looking backwards
• Her approach to working with clients and what she values most in those relationships
• The difference between compliance‑only accounting and proactive, wealth‑focused advice
• How AI can boost efficiency without replacing human judgment – and where it can go so wrong.
• Why education, clarity, and asking the right questions are so important
• What listeners can expect from future episodes of the podcast

Stay tuned for weekly episodes where Mai shares practical insights and real conversations designed to expand your knowledge and help you build long‑term wealth with confidence.

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