CFO Voicenotes from Harriet Formby

Today I'm chatting all things Making Tax Digital! What Making Tax Digital actually is Does this affect me, and when? Including what changes from April 2026 and who it actually applies to What counts towards the threshold (and what doesn't) "Should I just set up a Ltd company to avoid it?" (Spoiler: probably not just for that reason) What to do now, if you're in MTD from April 2026 (and what to do if you're not) You can access the MTD presentation slides and check out my LTD vs ST comparison guidance and Google Sheet. And if you want to watch the full MTD workshop I delivered especially for Wild Coworking, you can get the recording in the Wild member's library by joining the community! Connect with Harriet Formby: Instagram   Linked In    Website  The information shared in this episode is for general guidance only, as at the publication date. It is not tax advice. I recommend that you obtain appropriate, tailored professional advice to inform your own business or tax decisions.

Why does the 31 January tax deadline feel so viscerally wrong? I'm naming the feelings, unpicking the nervous system stuff, and explaining why paying taxes in deep winter goes against everything our bodies and ancestors knew about survival. We get into some practicalities too like: - why you might be feeling unexpectedly uneasy even though it’s all totally fine on paper. - what to do if the tax bill feels unmanageable and why there is no shame in this. - how the enforced focus on tax time can amplify pressures and ‘shoulds’ and the wider context that bring us back into perspective - when demand avoidance kicks in and how I relate to this too!

This week, I’m exploring some major news for small UK companies - but also pulling back the curtain a bit on what a company really is. Because underneath the filings and frameworks, a limited company is kind of… imaginary. A structure we all agree to treat as real. And when you start to see it that way, Companies House becomes more than compliance - it becomes an archive of stories. Some centuries old. In this episode, I share: - The recent reversal of UK plans to make small Ltd companies publish their full profit & loss accounts - Why the idea of a limited company is actually a form of collective imagination - The story of the UK’s oldest surviving Ltd company - founded in 1856 and still trading today - How the Companies House register began as a fraud prevention tool in the 1840s - What modern Companies House reforms are trying to prevent now (and how it connects to the past) - A practical breakdown of the different taxes relevant to Ltd company owners  Pictured: a parliament of rooks (yes thats the collective name). A reminder that birds also have their own social systems - just as we’ve imagined legal ones like Ltd companies into being.

If you’re just tuning in for the first time hi! I’ve ditched all polish and podcast formalities…. to bring you a genuinely authentic voice note  Today I’m talking about how to fund the world we actually want to live in right now - even when the world’s on fire and finances might feel wobbly! This is about enabling your money to match your values - through small but mighty shifts in how you spend, price, and resource things in your business. This isn't a dull to-do list of obligations. They are all quick, creative, or collaborative (or a mix of all three!) - things you can experiment with right now!  What’s inside: how to check what your money is actually is funding in under 10 seconds a simple way to build giving into your pricing without waiting for “leftover” profit make this small switch to amplify the creators who make life more joyful and equitable how to crowdsource better alternatives to Amazon instead of doing all the research yourself the seed of an idea: sharing tools, supplies, or even building a “library of things” between businesses I'd love to know how you get on! Here is a link to the August workshop I mentioned!  

Back after a break, with a reminder that we don’t need to follow the rules - not in podcasting, and definitely not in business planning. In this episode: When a rough week spirals into guilt and questioning what “being professional” even means The pressure of quarterly targets and seasonal productivity - and what to do if it doesn’t work for you Why even gentle financial advice can become another to-do list Trusting what you’ve already built - and starting your planning from truth, not targets Messy, honest, unpolished. Because maybe that’s exactly what’s needed right now?

Could your pet be your best business mentor? For those of us with pets, they’re not just cute distractions while we work—they’re witnesses to our business journey. From snoozing beside us during client work to crashing our Zoom meetings, they see it all. But what if they actually have something profound and practical to teach us about business, money, and confidence? In this episode, we explore:  What our pets can teach us about business—and why they don’t hesitate, overthink, or undervalue themselves.  Lessons from my whippet, Alfonzo—how his boldness, confidence, and ability to just go for it are exactly what I needed in business.  A fun experiment: What would your pet say if you asked them for financial or business advice? (And yes, I’m serious—try it!)  Why business finance doesn’t have to be dry, jargon-heavy, or overwhelming—and what’s coming next on the podcast to make it more engaging, clear, and actually useful. Welcome to Voice Notes from Your CFO Bestie! The podcast where we make managing the financial side of your business lighter, more fulfilling, and dare we say—enjoyable! Hosted by Harriet Formby, a Fractional CFO and business mentor, behind Below The Line Finance Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors and Get Number Savvy Finance Training this podcast offers bite-sized insights to help you feel in control of your business finances. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee, walking the dog, or on the go, hit subscribe and start your journey toward financial clarity and peace of mind. Connect: Dedicated Podcast Instagram: @cfo_voicenotes Follow Harriet on Instagram: @belowthelinefinance  Connect on: Linked In Facebook Get involved with the podcast: Submit your very own question to be covered on the podcast - and receive a 'voice note from Harriet' Subscribe Now: Be sure to follow for more episodes, and leave a review if you enjoy the show! More ways to listen: Spotify or Apple Podcasts Visit: Podcast Homepage Visit www.belowthelinefinance.co.uk for more tips and insights. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice.  

Are you tired of financial routines that just don’t work for you? In this episode, we’ll explore how to create a routine that feels supportive and doable, without the overwhelm. Personalise your routine to fit your lifestyle and energy levels, making it easier to stay on top of your finances. Tips for neurodivergent business owners, offering ways to make routines more manageable and stress-free. Simple tools and techniques for tracking finances—whether with software or a basic spreadsheet. The power of accountability and self-care to help make financial routines easier and more enjoyable. Welcome to Voice Notes from Your CFO Bestie! The podcast where we make managing the financial side of your business lighter, more fulfilling, and dare we say—enjoyable! Hosted by Harriet Formby, a Fractional CFO and business mentor, behind Below The Line Finance Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors and Get Number Savvy Finance Training this podcast offers bite-sized insights to help you feel in control of your business finances. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee, walking the dog, or on the go, hit subscribe and start your journey toward financial clarity and peace of mind. Connect: Dedicated Podcast Instagram: @cfo_voicenotes Follow Harriet on Instagram: @belowthelinefinance  Connect on: Linked In Facebook Get involved with the podcast: Submit your very own question to be covered on the podcast - and receive a 'voice note from Harriet' Subscribe Now: Be sure to follow for more episodes, and leave a review if you enjoy the show! More ways to listen: Spotify or Apple Podcasts Visit: Podcast Homepage Visit www.belowthelinefinance.co.uk for more tips and insights. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice.  

Did you know debt has a surprising historical significance as a connector between people and communities, going far beyond finances? In this episode we: Redefine debt in business as not something to fear but as a tool that, when approached with care and strategy, can be an empowering resource rooted in community and connection.   Examine the key difference between debt and bringing on investors—and how choosing debt can allow you to grow while keeping full control over your business and its vision.   Explore three practical, supportive tips to manage debt with confidence, including crafting a repayment plan that feels safe and only borrowing what truly aligns with your needs.   Release the fear of debt and shift towards viewing it as an opportunity for growth and support, helping you make empowered decisions for your business. Welcome to Voice Notes from Your CFO Bestie! The podcast where we make managing the financial side of your business lighter, more fulfilling, and dare we say—enjoyable! Hosted by Harriet Formby, a Fractional CFO and business mentor, behind Below The Line Finance Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors and Get Number Savvy Finance Training this podcast offers bite-sized insights to help you feel in control of your business finances. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee, walking the dog, or on the go, hit subscribe and start your journey toward financial clarity and peace of mind. Connect: Dedicated Podcast Instagram: @cfo_voicenotes Follow Harriet on Instagram: @belowthelinefinance  Connect on: Linked In Facebook Get involved with the podcast: Submit your very own question to be covered on the podcast - and receive a 'voice note from Harriet' Subscribe Now: Be sure to follow for more episodes, and leave a review if you enjoy the show! More ways to listen: Spotify or Apple Podcasts Visit: Podcast Homepage Visit www.belowthelinefinance.co.uk for more tips and insights. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice.  

Discover how to tell if the money in your business account is really yours (hint: it’s probably not all spendable). In This Episode: Learn the importance of setting aside money for taxes and how much to save. Find out why you should be paying yourself a regular salary—and not just dipping into your business funds. Get practical tips on organising your finances with separate “pots” or accounts for taxes, savings, and expenses. Access a free cash flow forecast template to help you track your expenses and stay in control of your money. Sign up to our email list to receive the cashflow template in your inbox   Welcome to Voice Notes from Your CFO Bestie! The podcast where we make managing the financial side of your business lighter, more fulfilling, and dare we say—enjoyable! Hosted by Harriet Formby, a Fractional CFO and business mentor, behind Below The Line Finance Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors and Get Number Savvy Finance Training this podcast offers bite-sized insights to help you feel in control of your business finances. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee, walking the dog, or on the go, hit subscribe and start your journey toward financial clarity and peace of mind. Connect: Dedicated Podcast Instagram: @cfo_voicenotes Follow Harriet on Instagram: @belowthelinefinance  Connect on: Linked In Facebook Get involved with the podcast: Submit your very own question to be covered on the podcast - and receive a 'voice note from Harriet' Subscribe Now: Be sure to follow for more episodes, and leave a review if you enjoy the show! More ways to listen: Spotify or Apple Podcasts Visit: Podcast Homepage Visit www.belowthelinefinance.co.uk for more tips and insights. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice.  

Ever felt like you’re just terrible with numbers? You’re not alone—but what if that’s not actually true? In This Episode: I’ll be sharing a surprising secret about my own journey with finances that might just change how you feel about managing money. We’ll explore why finances feel so emotional and how you can start reshaping your relationship with money in a simple but powerful way. Plus, I’ll introduce you to a unique exercise that could help you let go of financial stress and gain a clearer perspective. Welcome to Voice Notes from Your CFO Bestie! The podcast where we make managing the financial side of your business lighter, more fulfilling, and dare we say—enjoyable! Hosted by Harriet Formby, a Fractional CFO and business mentor, behind Below The Line Finance Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors and Get Number Savvy Finance Training this podcast offers bite-sized insights to help you feel in control of your business finances. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee, walking the dog, or on the go, hit subscribe and start your journey toward financial clarity and peace of mind. Connect: Dedicated Podcast Instagram: @cfo_voicenotes Follow Harriet on Instagram: @belowthelinefinance  Connect on: Linked In Facebook Get involved with the podcast: Submit your very own question to be covered on the podcast - and receive a 'voice note from Harriet' Subscribe Now: Be sure to follow for more episodes, and leave a review if you enjoy the show! More ways to listen: Spotify or Apple Podcasts Visit: Podcast Homepage Visit www.belowthelinefinance.co.uk for more tips and insights. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice.  

Introducing Voice Notes from Your CFO Bestie and explain the purpose behind the podcast.  In This Episode: We explore about the emotional side of finances and how sometimes all you need is a pep talk to feel more confident and in control. I share why short, bite-sized episodes are perfect for busy business owners and entrepreneurs who need practical, relatable financial insights on the go. Welcome to Voice Notes from Your CFO Bestie! The podcast where we make managing the financial side of your business lighter, more fulfilling, and dare we say—enjoyable! Hosted by Harriet Formby, a Fractional CFO and business mentor, behind Below The Line Finance Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors and Get Number Savvy Finance Training this podcast offers bite-sized insights to help you feel in control of your business finances. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee, walking the dog, or on the go, hit subscribe and start your journey toward financial clarity and peace of mind. Connect: Dedicated Podcast Instagram: @cfo_voicenotes Follow Harriet on Instagram: @belowthelinefinance  Connect on: Linked In Facebook Get involved with the podcast: Submit your very own question to be covered on the podcast - and receive a 'voice note from Harriet' Subscribe Now: Be sure to follow for more episodes, and leave a review if you enjoy the show! More ways to listen: Spotify or Apple Podcasts Visit: Podcast Homepage Visit www.belowthelinefinance.co.uk for more tips and insights. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice.

Welcome to Voice Notes from Your CFO Bestie! The podcast where we make managing the financial side of your business lighter, more fulfilling, and dare we say—enjoyable! Hosted by Harriet Formby, a Fractional CFO and business mentor, behind Below The Line Finance Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors and Get Number Savvy Finance Training this podcast offers bite-sized insights to help you feel in control of your business finances. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee, walking the dog, or on the go, hit subscribe and start your journey toward financial clarity and peace of mind. In This Trailer:  Meet your host, Harriet Formby, your CFO bestie. Learn what this podcast is all about: making finance simpler, lighter, and actually enjoyable.  Get ready for short, practical episodes that give you the confidence to manage your money and grow your business.   Subscribe Now: Be sure to follow for more episodes, and leave a review if you enjoy the show! Get involved with the podcast: Submit your very own question to be covered on the podcast - and receive a 'voice note from Harriet' Connect: Dedicated Podcast Instagram: @cfo_voicenotes Follow Harriet on Instagram: @belowthelinefinance  Connect on: Linked In Facebook Visit: Podcast Homepage  Or listen on: Spotify or Apple Podcasts Go to www.belowthelinefinance.co.uk for more tips and insights. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice.