Most tradies aren’t taught how to run a business—they learn on the tools, not in a finance class. But the difference between a busy tradie and a profitable one? It's how you handle your cash.

Here are the essentials on how you can keep the cash flowing.

1. Know Your Numbers (Not Just Your Day Rate)

Track every quote, job, and payment. Understand your:

• Cost per job (materials, labour, travel, subcontractors)

• Gross profit margin

• Overheads (tools, insurance, fuel, phone, software)

If you don’t know where the money’s going, you can’t plug the leaks.

2. Invoice Fast, Follow Up Faster

The longer you wait to invoice, the longer you wait to get paid. Use invoicing software like Xero, QuickBooks, or Rounded to:

• Send invoices same day

• Set auto-reminders for overdue payments

• Track who’s paid and who’s dragging their feet

3. Set Aside Tax & Super Every Week

Don’t wait until EOFY to panic. Open a second bank account and move 15–20% of income into it weekly for tax, and a cut for super. It's your money—just future you needs it more.

4. Plan for Lulls (They’ll Happen)

Have a buffer—at least 4–6 weeks of expenses—so if work slows down, you’re not scrambling. Cashflow is about timing, not just income.

5. Know When to Get Help

If you're growing or getting swamped, chat to:

• A bookkeeper (weekly/monthly reconciliation)

• A tradie-savvy accountant (for tax strategy)

Outsourcing this stuff frees you up to focus on the work you do best.