(With Real-Life Examples You Can Actually Use)
Let’s face it — running a business isn’t cheap. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the game for years, it’s always a good idea to keep a close eye on your expenses. The good news? There are plenty of small, smart changes you can make to save money without sacrificing quality or growth.
Here are some practical tips (with examples!) to help you keep more cash in your business bank account:
1. Review Your Subscriptions Regularly
Go through your software subscriptions every few months. Cancel anything you’re not actively using or look for free versions that meet your needs.
Example: Jess, a graphic designer, realized she was paying for both Canva Pro and Adobe Creative Cloud — but only using Canva for her day-to-day work. She cancelled Adobe and saved over $400 a year.
2. Negotiate With Suppliers and Service Providers
Don’t be afraid to negotiate. Whether it’s your internet provider, phone plan, or insurance — loyalty can sometimes be rewarded (but only if you ask!).
Example: Ben runs a café and reached out to his coffee supplier to ask about bulk order discounts. They offered him a 10% discount for placing larger monthly orders instead of weekly — easy savings with zero compromise.
3. DIY When It Makes Sense
DIY tasks like social media, Canva graphics, or basic bookkeeping can cut costs significantly — especially when you’re just starting out.
Example: Mel, a small business coach, wanted to launch a simple website. Instead of hiring a web developer, she used Squarespace and built it herself over a weekend — saving over $1,000 upfront.
4. Go Paperless and Reduce Office Costs
Switch to digital signatures, online forms, and cloud storage where you can. It saves money and streamlines your workflow.
Example: Sarah, a virtual assistant, stopped printing invoices and receipts and switched to cloud-based tools like Google Drive and Xero. Not only did she save on paper, ink, and postage — she also found things way faster.
5. Outsource Wisely
Use freelancers or contractors for one-off or recurring tasks — design, bookkeeping, admin, content creation — so you’re only paying for what you need.
Example: Tom runs an eCommerce store and hired a virtual assistant for 10 hours a month to handle customer emails. It cost him far less than a part-time employee and freed up his time to focus on sales and strategy.
6. Keep Your Bookkeeping Up to Date
Regular bookkeeping means fewer surprises, better decision-making, and a healthier cash flow. Even if you’re not ready to outsource, find support that fits your budget — like co-working style bookkeeping sessions or monthly check-ins.
Example: Fiona, a copywriter, used to leave her bookkeeping until tax time — and it cost her in missed deductions and avoidable stress. Now, she sets aside one hour a month to update her records (with a little help from her bookkeeper), and it’s saved her hundreds of dollars and a whole lot of stress!
7. Set a Budget — and Stick to It
Even a basic budget gives you guardrails. Try setting monthly goals for income and expenses, and review them regularly. Download my free budget template here, and read the blog post about how to set a budget here.
Example: Steve, who sells handmade furniture, started tracking every business expense in a simple spreadsheet. By setting spending limits, he realised he was overspending on marketing and underinvesting in tools — and was able to adjust quickly.
8. Focus on What’s Working
Track what brings results — whether it’s certain platforms, referral partnerships, or specific services — and direct your energy and spending there.
Example: Amanda ran Facebook ads and boosted Instagram posts, but only the Facebook ads were bringing in leads. She paused Instagram ads and put more budget into what was working — and doubled her ROI.
Final Thoughts
Saving money in your business doesn’t have to mean cutting corners. It’s about working smarter, knowing where your money goes, and getting the most bang for your buck. With just a few changes, you can free up cash flow, reduce stress, and reinvest in the parts of your business that really matter.
What’s one small change you could make this month to save a little more?
Need a Hand with Your Bookkeeping?
If staying on top of your numbers is one of those tasks that keeps falling to the bottom of your to-do list, you’re not alone — and I’ve got just the thing to help.
Boss of Your Books is my low-cost monthly membership for Australian small business owners who do their own bookkeeping. You’ll get access to virtual co-working sessions (via Zoom) where we tackle your books together — ask questions, get support, and finally feel confident in your business finances.
✅ No jargon
✅ No overwhelm
✅ Just support, clarity, and a friendly face to guide you through it
