Ask Valerie

How am I going to pay my BAS? I’ve already spent it.

Hey there! So, you find yourself in a bit of a pickle, huh? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people have been in a similar situation before, and there’s always a solution waiting around the corner. Let’s tackle this together.

First things first, let’s break it down. BAS, or Business Activity Statement, right? That pesky but necessary task comes around regularly for business owners like yourself. It’s like the never-ending cycle of bills – they just keep coming!

You’ve mentioned something crucial: you’ve already spent your BAS. Well, that’s understandable. Sometimes, unexpected expenses pop up, or maybe you wanted to treat yourself a little. Life happens, right? But now that BAS is looming, it’s time to face the music.

Take a deep breath. 

Seriously, do it now. Inhale, exhale. 

There you go. It’s not the end of the world, even though it might feel like it. Let’s figure out a game plan.

Step 1: Assess the Situation 
Take a good hard look at your finances. What exactly have you spent your BAS on? Was it something urgent, or maybe something not so urgent? Understanding where the money went can help you make better decisions moving forward.

Step 2: Prioritise
Now that you know where your BAS money went, it’s time to prioritise your expenses. What absolutely needs to be paid off right away? What can wait a little longer? Make a list, if that helps. Sometimes, seeing it on paper can make things clearer.

Step 3: Cut Back
This might be the tough part, but it’s necessary. Look for areas where you can cut back on spending. Maybe it’s skipping that daily coffee run or cooking at home instead of dining out. Every little bit helps, believe me.

Step 4: Communicate
Don’t be afraid to reach out for help if you need it. Whether it’s talking to your BAS Agent about payment options or discussing a payment plan with the tax office, there are people out there who can assist you. They’ve seen it all before and won’t judge you for it.

Step 5: Plan for the Future
Once you’ve sorted out this BAS debacle, it’s time to think ahead. How can you avoid this situation in the future? Maybe it’s setting aside a portion of your income specifically for BAS payments or creating a budget to keep your spending in check. Learning from this experience will only make you stronger.

Remember, everyone makes mistakes. It’s how we deal with them that matters. So take this as a learning opportunity. You’ll come out the other side wiser and more prepared for whatever financial curveballs life throws your way.

 

And hey, if you ever need someone to talk to or bounce ideas, I’m here for you. We’ll get through this together. Stay positive, stay focused, and keep moving forward. You’ve got this!

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