Post-Tax Time Planning: Keeping Momentum Through Q3

The end of financial year can feel like crossing a finish line. The stress of closing the books, lodging returns, and managing final obligations is real. But for business owners who want to grow, EOFY isn’t the end—it’s the reset. 

The third quarter (July to September) gives you a powerful opportunity to reflect, reframe, and re-strategise. You have the advantage of fresh financials, clearer business insights, and lenders actively assessing applications based on newly submitted data. Q3 can be where momentum builds, if you act on it. 

Here’s how to use this period to sharpen your financial position and fuel smarter growth. 

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Reassess, Don’t Just Move On 

You’ve just completed a full year of trading. That data is more than paperwork, it’s a blueprint for better decisions. Post-EOFY is the perfect time to evaluate where your business really stands. 

Now that your financials are up to date, revisit your revenue streams, margins, expense breakdowns, and debt levels. Were your cash flow forecasts accurate? Where did costs blow out? What worked well and what didn’t? 

It’s not about getting everything right. It’s about learning from the year behind you to make the next three to six months more intentional. When you work with a broker like Thrift Capital, these financials also become your ticket to faster, better-aligned funding options. 

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Fund While Financials Are Fresh 

One of the most overlooked advantages of post-tax time is timing. When you apply for finance in Q3, lenders have access to your most recent trading data, making them more confident in your eligibility. 

If you are applying for asset finance, such as a chattel mortgage for new equipment or vehicles, or even considering a working capital loan, your EOFY figures become a key part of the approval process. The more current and accurate your numbers are, the better your chances of approval—and the more competitive your interest rate is likely to be. 

Put simply, if you’ve had a strong year, now is the time to leverage that performance while it’s still fresh in the system. 

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Shift From Survival Finance to Strategic Finance 

Many businesses only consider finance when things are tight. But the most successful operators know how to use funding as a tool to accelerate growth, not just to plug gaps. 

Post-tax time is ideal for planning investments. That could mean upgrading to more efficient equipment, hiring the staff you held off on during the last quarter, or finally launching the marketing campaign you’ve been deferring. 

When you approach finance with a proactive mindset, it puts your business on the front foot. This is especially valuable in Q3, where you still have time to set up meaningful wins before the final push in Q4. 

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Set Q3 Goals With Finance in Mind 

Rather than thinking of Q3 as a quiet or recovery period, think of it as a momentum builder. Use this quarter to test, invest, and position your business to finish the calendar year strong. 

That means setting realistic but ambitious goals. It could be acquiring a new vehicle, hiring a new staff member, or boosting output by a percentage. The key is to align your financial planning to support those goals—not just to react to challenges as they arise. 

When you structure your finance around your plans instead of the other way around, your funding becomes a tool, not a burden. 

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Moving Forward With Confidence 

Post-tax time gives your business something incredibly valuable: perspective. It shows you where you’ve been, what you’ve built, and what’s possible in the months ahead.

Q3 is not the time to coast. It’s a chance to apply what you’ve learned and use finance to move intentionally toward your next chapter. Whether you’re aiming for operational improvements, stronger cash flow, or bold expansion, the clarity of this season is your edge.  

At Thrift Capital, we help businesses do exactly that—turn fresh financials into real opportunities through funding that fits. 

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Ready to put your Q3 strategy in motion? 

Speak with a Thrift Capital broker to explore what funding options suit your goals. 

Or check out our Pre-Approval Checklist to get started. 

Top 5 Loan Structures and When to Use Them

Not all loans are created equal—and the right structure can make or break your financial strategy. 

This guide breaks down the five most common business loan structures in Australia, their real-world use cases, and how to decide what works best for your business. 

Why Loan Structure Matters 

Business owners often compare loans based on interest rates alone—but in reality, the loan structure can have an even greater impact on your cash flow, tax benefits, asset ownership, and long-term flexibility. 

A well-structured loan: 

• Aligns with your income cycle 

• Matches the useful life of the asset or need 

• Maximises tax efficiency 

• Minimises strain on working capital 

Let’s explore the top 5 structures in the Australian market—and how to choose the right one at the right time. 

1. Chattel Mortgage 

Best for: Purchasing vehicles, machinery, or equipment 

Also known as: Asset purchase loan 

A chattel mortgage is one of the most tax-effective and popular loan types for businesses. Under this structure, you take ownership of the asset upfront, while the lender registers a mortgage over it until the loan is repaid. 

Key Benefits: 

• Immediate asset ownership 

• Full GST claim (if registered) at the time of purchase 

• Interest and depreciation deductions available 

• Option for balloon/residual payment to reduce monthly outgoings 

When to Use It: 

• You’re purchasing a vehicle or equipment that generates income 

• You want asset control from day one 

• You need to preserve working capital but still want tax benefits 

Example: A landscaping business purchasing two new commercial mowers on a 5-year chattel mortgage with seasonal payments. 

2. Line of Credit (LOC) 

Best for: Short-term cash flow flexibility 

Also known as: Revolving credit facility 

An LOC works much like a credit card—except typically with better terms. You’re approved for a fixed limit and can draw down funds when needed. As you repay, the funds become available again. 

Key Benefits: 

• Only pay interest on what you use 

• Continuous access to funding without reapplying 

• Ideal for variable working capital needs 

When to Use It: 

• You have seasonal income or irregular client payments 

• You need a buffer for day-to-day operations 

• You want flexibility without locking in a term loan 

Example: A café uses a $50K LOC to manage supplier bills and wages during slower winter months, then replenishes it during summer. 

3. Unsecured Business Loan 

Best for: Fast funding or smaller loan amounts 

Also known as: Cash flow loan or short-term business loan 

This loan type doesn’t require asset security, making it easier to access—especially for newer businesses or service-based industries. 

Key Benefits: 

• Quick approvals, sometimes within 24–48 hours 

• No asset collateral required 

• Flexible terms ranging from 3–36 months 

• Based on turnover, not profits 

When to Use It: 

• You need a quick capital injection 

• You’re launching a campaign, hiring staff, or buying inventory 

• You have no assets to secure a loan 

Example: A marketing agency uses an unsecured loan to fund upfront costs for a large project, with repayment aligned to the project’s client payment schedule. 

4. Equipment Finance / Lease 

Best for: Using equipment without upfront ownership 

Also known as: Finance lease, operating lease 

Equipment finance allows you to use the asset without buying it outright. Depending on the lease type, you may own it at the end, return it, or upgrade. 

Key Benefits: 

• Lower monthly payments than purchase 

• Option to upgrade equipment regularly 

• Keeps assets off the balance sheet (for some leases) 

• Tax-deductible lease payments (in many cases) 

When to Use It: 

• You work in a tech-heavy or equipment-dependent industry 

• You want to upgrade every 2–3 years 

• You want to preserve capital and keep liabilities low 

Example: A dental clinic leases diagnostic equipment with a buyout option after 3 years, preserving cash for expansion. 

5. Refinance or Debt Consolidation 

Best for: Restructuring existing finance for better terms 

Also known as: Business loan refinance, debt reset 

If you’ve already taken out one or more business loans, refinancing could save you money—or help you grow faster with less friction. 

Key Benefits: 

• Lower interest rates if your credit or financials have improved 

• Reduce monthly repayments by extending the term 

• Combine multiple debts into a single repayment 

• Free up cash for reinvestment 

When to Use It: 

• Your existing loan is no longer competitive 

• You’re managing multiple high-interest debts 

• You need to improve cash flow before taking on new finance 

Example: A logistics company consolidates three separate finance contracts into one facility—cutting monthly repayments by 30%. 

Final Thoughts: The Smartest Loan Is the One That’s Structured for You 

There’s no one-size-fits-all loan. The best structure depends on: 

• What you’re funding 

• How your business earns income 

• Your short- and long-term goals 

• The strength of your financial profile 

That’s why working with a broker matters. At Thrift Capital, we don’t just find loans—we help tailor structures that reduce risk, improve approval odds, and support smarter business growth. 

Ready to Find the Right Fit? 

Swith a Thrift Capital broker for tailored advice 

Download our Pre-Approval Checklist to get started 

Structure your finance smarter—and grow with confidence 

Navigating Business Finance in a Volatile Economy

Stability is rare—but smart finance decisions can keep your business moving forward. 

What Do We Mean by a Volatile Economy? 

Interest rate hikes, inflation, supply chain shocks, shifting consumer demand—today’s business environment is anything but predictable. And whether you’re scaling up, holding steady, or simply trying to protect your cash flow, navigating finance in uncertain times requires more than reactive thinking.  

But volatility doesn’t mean you have to stop growing. It just means you need to get strategic. 

Here’s how Australian business owners can stay resilient, make confident finance decisions, and come out stronger—no matter what the market throws at them. 

1. Assess Where You’re Most Exposed 

Not all volatility is equal. Your first move is to understand how changing conditions affect your business: 

• Are rising rates increasing your monthly repayments? 

• Are suppliers increasing prices or shortening terms? 

• Are customers slowing down their payments? 

Cash flow forecasting is your best friend here. Look ahead 3–6 months and identify any weak spots. Once you’re clear on your risk areas, you can make finance decisions that fill the gaps—not add to the strain. 

2. Don’t Hoard Cash—Use It Strategically 

In times of uncertainty, many businesses default to hoarding cash. But while liquidity matters, idle capital is lost opportunity. 

Instead, consider: 

• Financing large purchases (vehicles, equipment) with a chattel mortgage 

• Using working capital loans to bridge seasonal slowdowns 

• Refinancing or consolidating old debts into lower, more manageable repayments 

This allows you to free up your cash reserves while still investing in essential tools for growth. 

3. Consider Refinancing Before Rates Shift Again 

If you’re carrying older loans secured during higher rate periods—or if your lender’s policies no longer suit your needs—now might be the time to refinance. 

Benefits of refinancing: 

• Lower monthly repayments 

• Better loan structure for your cash flow 

• Option to roll multiple debts into one facility 

• Potential access to equity or additional funding 

Many lenders are still offering competitive terms for businesses with clean repayment history or strong asset backing—even in a volatile market. 

4. Work With a Broker Who Knows the Terrain 

Not all finance partners are created equal. In a volatile economy, working with a broker can: 

• Save you time by identifying lenders who match your needs today 

• Prevent unnecessary hits to your credit score 

• Give you a clearer path forward when funding needs to move fast  

At Thrift Capital, we work with a broad panel of lenders—each with different appetites, industries, and policies. We help our clients stay agile, access capital quickly, and avoid finance pitfalls that others fall into. 

Final Thought: Volatility Doesn’t Stop Growth—But It Demands Strategy 

It’s easy to delay financial decisions when things feel unpredictable. But often, the right financial move during a volatile period can set you up for long-term strength. 

Whether you’re applying for finance for the first time, refinancing old debt, or planning equipment upgrades—smart, well-timed moves will help you ride out uncertainty and find opportunities others might miss. 

Let’s Talk Strategy  

📞 Speak with a Thrift Capital broker to find the right options for your business 

📥 Checkout our Pre-Approval Checklist to get started today