New Year’s Eve – that day we make all sorts of resolutions, often only to start breaking them approximately 24 hours later.But have a look at the following few business ideas, and see how many you can adopt as resolutions for 2025 – and then will stick to as the year goes by….1. To look forward, start by looking back.Review your goals for 2024 – did you achieve them all? Did you achieve any?If not, why not?Use your learnings from this exercise to make sure your goals for 2025 are truly going to make a difference.Targets shouldn’t be so easy to hit that they aren’t really a challenge, but they have to be realistic and within your capabilities at the same time.2. Don’t try to be all things to all people in 2025.Stick to what you know, and what you believe in, and don’t be swayed by others’ strong opinions.3. Don’t say one thing to one person, and the opposite to another especially if they are both members of the same team.Chances are, they will talk to each other.Be consistent in your approach.4. Whatever system you use, keep it up to date.If it’s MYOB, or Xero, or whatever, keep the data input and the reporting current all the time, and above all don’t let the backlog get too big to tackle.5. Use your system to produce reports that are meaningful and useful to you – and then use them.Reporting just out of habit, and using the info, is about as useful as not reporting anything at all.Put yourself in a better place to identify issues well before they become real problems.6. Stay on top of cashflow.Know ahead of time when the pinch points might be, and take as much action as you can to reduce the impact.Sometimes the simplest of actions can make a difference – here’s just one example: change your invoice payment prompt from 20th of the following month to 7 days after invoice – not everyone will meet this last request, but even if just a few do, then your cashflow WILL get better.7. Don’t ignore the creditors – doing so will NOT make them go away unfortunately.Hoping they don’t notice won’t work, nor will not communicating.8. If you have specific known obligations coming up (tax payments for example) and you put money aside for these things regularly, you will find the bills when they do fall due are so much easier to deal with, and you won’t fall behind.9. If you DO put money aside in this way, remember it is solely for the stated purpose and is NOT to be ‘borrowed’ to pay something else that crops up.Yes, I know you intend to put it back before the tax bill is due, but will you?10. When you are paid by a customer, clear the associated materials immediately from the revenue.Or if you haven’t been billed by your supplier yet, then put the money aside and pay the resulting invoice the day it is received (but don’t forget point 9 above)Paying attention to these suggestions may just make the difference your business needs in 2025, so every best wish for the year ahead.And maybe – just maybe – these goals stand a better chance of being met than the usual ones like eating less chocolate, going to the gym regularly and so on.Send me a message on www.matchboxconsulting.co.nz if you’d like to have a chat about all this over a coffee.Happy New Year, from Andrew.

If you're new to the world of borrowing money, it might seem like we're speaking another language! The loan industry is filled to the brim with words that seem to be designed to make things unclear, instead of the opposite. Hopefully this will help untangle the jargon and make it easy for you to understand the ins and outs of loans. Here are some words you will likely come across: Arrears If your loan or account is "in arrears", that means that you've missed one or more payment. You want to avoid being in arrears – it's not great for your credit score and can ultimately cause further fees. If you think you might fall behind on repayments, it's a good idea to contact your lender as soon as possible. Asset An "asset" is something of long-term value that is owned by you, or your business. This is often also called "collateral". Common personal assets are your home and car. If you're in business, you might own office computers or factory equipment. Authority In loan terms, giving authority means giving permission - not putting someone in charge. When we set up a direct debit for your loan repayments, we will request payment authority. When you grant this authority, you are saying that we are allowed to withdraw money from your bank account, on a regular schedule and at a pre-set amount. CCCFA This is NZ legislation that lays out many of the rules for both parties in a contract for consumer finance (its full name is Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act). The most important job of the legislation is to protect consumers from being taken advantage of when taking out a loan and to make sure you're given the opportunity to fully understand what you're signing. Co-borrower This refers to someone who will join you in signing the loan contract. The reason for including a co-borrower are varied, and the co-borrower has the same legal responsibilities under the loan as the borrower. Credit Score or credit history Credit scores are like haircuts: we all have one, and some are better than others! Your credit score is a number between 1 and 1000 that gives lenders an idea of what your previous financial history is like, along with how good you are at paying your bills. Most credit scores are between 300 and 850; if yours is above 500 you're doing OK. Credit scores are based on everything you've done financially in the past - so if you've had a loan, buy now / pay later or internet bill and paid it off on time, then that's a good thing for your credit score. Having a negative history - like a bankruptcy, debt collection, or a lot of missed payments - lowers your overall score. If you have a good credit score, it will be easier to borrow money and it may assist in getting a better interest rate. Was the above useful? We hope this has helped you to cut through some of the jargon - it's important to us that you understand the language and feel comfortable and confident about your lending. If we've missed something, or there's another term you'd like to know more about, please call in and talk to us or give us a quick call. You are protected by responsible lending laws. Because of these protections, the content above is not regulated financial advice. This means that duties and requirements imposed on people who give financial advice do not apply to this content. This includes a duty to comply with a code of conduct and a requirement to be licensed. As this is part 1 of 3 instalments, if you feel you want to know the rest now, don't hesitate to email us at [email protected] for the full Loan Jargon Buster!

The coming holiday break will be a time for family, relaxation, and recharging the batteries. For business owners, it can also be an opportunity to prepare for next year while still enjoying the festive spirit.Here are some tips to help you balance a well-deserved holiday with getting ready for 2025.Plan and PrioritiseWhat will 2025 bring?Begin by prioritising tasks that will set a strong foundation for the new year.This means setting new goals, identifying areas for improvement, and mapping out the steps to achieve these objectives.Creating a detailed plan can help you focus your efforts on what’s most important.Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.This will allow you to make steady progress even during the busy holiday season.By planning ahead, you ensure that when you return to work, you can hit the ground running.Reflect and ReviewReflecting on the past year is crucial for making informed decisions about the future.Take time to analyse what worked well in 2024 and what didn’t.Review internal information such as sales data, customer feedback, and market trends.This analysis can provide valuable insights into where you should focus your efforts in 2025.Updating your SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) can be particularly useful.Understanding your business’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as the opportunities and threats it faces, will also help you develop a strategic plan for the new year.Engage Your TeamIf you have employees, involve them in the planning process.Engaging your team in discussions about the future can provide new perspectives and ideas.You can start by sounding them out before the break, gathering their thoughts and suggestions.Alternatively, you can include them in the planning process after the holiday, ideally in the first week back.This allows you to think things through yourself before presenting a more concrete plan.Involving your team not only boosts morale but also fosters a sense of ownership and motivation among your staff.A motivated team is essential for achieving your business goals.Be OrganisedOrganisation is key to a smooth transition into the new year.Ensure your financial records are up-to-date, review your progress against the budget, and start thinking ahead to the next financial year, which for many will be just three months away.(And before you head off to the beach, just double check to make sure you are going to get through Christmas and New Year safely, cashflow wise).Set Personal GoalsFinally, set personal goals alongside your business objectives.Aim to enter 2025 with renewed energy and focus, both in your personal life and business activities.Personal goals could include spending more time with family, improving your health, or learning a new skill.Balancing personal and professional goals will help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, which is essential for long-term success.By following these tips, you can make the most of the holiday season while setting the stage for a prosperous 2025.Enjoy the festive break, recharge your batteries, and come back ready to tackle the new year with enthusiasm and a clear plan.Merry Christmas everyone – and here’s to a prosperous New Year!

Nothing beats a good old-fashioned Kiwi road trip.Luckily, it's an all-season activity in NZ, but during the festive season there are more Kiwis doing just that - raising the need for greater care.Before every road trip, things must be planned, considered, packed and (crucially) communicated.Here's a guide to tackling your next road trip to make sure you and your whānau are safe:1. Check your vehicle Before you hit the road, it always pays to do a quick vehicle check to ensure everything is in tip-top condition.a. All tyres are in good condition, and the spare is at the correct tyre pressure.b. Check your windscreen, wipers and mirrors, if your windscreen has a chip or crack get it fixed, check your wiper blades and top-up the washer fluid.c. Check that your lights are all working including indicator and brake lights.d. Do you have a current WOF and registration?e. Does the car need a service?f. If you're unsure, head to your local testing station where they'll check brakes, structure, steering and safety belts.2. Plan your route carefully A good plan will help you relax, whether you've driven the route before or you've got GPS to show the way.a. Check NZTA Journey Planner (https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz) for real time updates on disruptions or information you should know about your route.b. For example; SH1 between Turangi to Waiouru, including the Desert Road, will be closed from Monday 13 January 2025 for around 2 months.3. Pack the essentials Make sure you take your map, notebook and pen, first aid kit, water, umbrella, phone charger, hand sanitiser, sunglasses and a toilet roll or tissues for that unexpected moment.You could even take a used ice cream container or plastic bag in case of car/motion sickness.Snacks, a good playlist and sunblock also never go amiss, as well as activities for your children which might include their favourite toy.4. Tell friends or family about your plans It's always a good idea to let someone know about your plans in case of an emergency - that's the thing with the unexpected, you never know what's around the corner.5. Check out local must-try places Sure, we all know that Google reviews and Tripadvisor have ratings on local eats and activities - but why not hear the latest from the locals?Use social media to find the local hotspots for the freshest flavours and activities.Search for your destination or hashtag on Instagram and Facebook to get the latest!If you need a new vehicle for your upcoming trip, then there is still time to be pre- approved to find that replacement vehicle to ensure you and your whānau are safe.As detailed recently by Waka Kotahi (NZTA), people are twice as safe in a 5- star vehicle than a 1-star vehicle.Contact MTF Silverdale on 09 421 0335 or email us at [email protected] so that we can help make that trip even safer.From the team at MTF Silverdale, we wish you all safe travels, and an enjoyable and rewarding upcoming holiday season.

In today’s fast-paced digital world, email remains the cornerstone of professional communication. Whether it's for sealing a deal, clarifying a point, or simply staying in the loop, email keeps the wheels of business turning. But here’s the thing: how you manage your inbox can say a lot about your professionalism.There seem to be two distinct camps when it comes to email etiquette. On one side, you have those who acknowledge emails promptly—ensuring that communication flows seamlessly. On the other side, there are those whose inboxes might as well be black holes, leaving senders guessing if their message was even received.If you’re reading this and thinking, “I could do better with email,” you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: mastering email etiquette doesn’t require a massive overhaul. With a few simple habits, you can not only improve your communication but also enhance your reputation and relationships.Why Quick Email Responses Make a DifferenceLet’s break down why responding to emails promptly is one of the smartest professional moves you can make:1. Respecting Time and EffortWhen someone sends you an email, they’re investing their time to communicate with you. By responding quickly, you’re acknowledging their effort and showing that you value their time. It’s a small gesture, but it goes a long way in building mutual respect.2. Projecting ProfessionalismQuick responses signal that you are organised, proactive, and on top of your workload. These traits don’t just help you manage tasks—they help you stand out. Whether you’re corresponding with a colleague, a client, or a potential partner, your email habits can create a lasting impression of reliability and competence.3. Avoiding MiscommunicationEver had an email sit too long in your inbox, only to realise later that a missed reply caused confusion or frustration? Delayed responses can escalate minor issues into major headaches. A timely reply can nip problems in the bud, clarify misunderstandings, and keep projects on track.4. Strengthening RelationshipsWhen you respond promptly, you’re sending a subtle yet powerful message: You’re important to me. This kind of attentiveness can foster trust and deepen professional relationships, whether you’re dealing with a long-time client or a new connection.5. Taming the Inbox BeastLet’s face it—an overflowing inbox can feel overwhelming. By addressing emails as they come in, you can keep your inbox manageable and reduce stress. A clear inbox isn’t just satisfying; it’s a productivity booster.How to Step Up Your Email GameIf you’re convinced that better email habits can make a difference (spoiler: they can), here are a few tips to start implementing today:Commit to the 24-Hour RuleMake it a priority to respond to emails within 24 hours, even if it’s just to acknowledge receipt and let the sender know you’ll follow up soon. This keeps the communication loop active and sets expectations.Use Smart ToolsSet up filters, labels, or folders to organise your inbox.Automate responses for routine queries, and block time in your schedule to tackle emails in focused batches.Prioritise ClarityWhen replying, be concise and clear. Address the key points and, if necessary, confirm next steps to ensure everyone is aligned.Acknowledge When You’re BusyIf you’re swamped, a quick response like, “Thanks for your email! I’ll get back to you by [specific time/date]” can go a long way in maintaining trust.End with a Call to ActionWhen appropriate, close your email with actionable steps or a question to keep the conversation moving forward.Why 2025 Is the Year to Master This SkillAs we move further into an era dominated by digital communication, the ability to manage emails effectively is no longer optional—it’s essential. The difference between those who respond promptly and those who don’t often comes down to opportunities gained or missed.By adopting these practices, you’re not just improving your email game—you’re enhancing how others perceive you in the professional world. After all, in a world of endless notifications and messages, being responsive and attentive is a rare and valuable skill.So, as you dive into your inbox today, take a moment to consider: are you sending the right message with how you respond? A simple, timely email reply could be the first step in unlocking better relationships, smoother workflows, and greater success in 2025.