This week’s Let’s Talk uncovers a growing crisis hiding in plain sight across Australian businesses.
Small and medium enterprises are drowning in subscription costs, with the average company now managing over 130 SaaS applications: a 300% increase from just five years ago. What starts as a handful of essential tools quickly morphs into a complex web of overlapping subscriptions, forgotten trials, and duplicate functionalities. Without proper oversight, these seemingly modest monthly fees spiral into budget-busting expenses that can cripple cash flow, drain resources meant for growth, and leave business owners wondering where their money actually goes each month.
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Elise Balsillie, Head of Thryv Australia and New Zealand
“SaaS budgeting tools give SMEs something traditional spreadsheets often struggle to provide: real-time control and clarity. By integrating live data from your banking, invoicing, and operational platforms, they provide a dynamic picture of business spending, broken down by category, frequency, and ROI.
“That level of visibility is where smart decisions begin for SMEs. A business owner can spot patterns early, set spending limits, forecast accurately and receive alerts before costs spiral. Whether it is marketing, supplier payments or unexpected overheads, these tools act as a financial early warning system, by allowing the business owner to course-correct before small oversteps become costly habits.
“However, the real advantage with SaaS budgeting tools is a strategic one. When you understand exactly where the money is going and what it is delivering, the business can then fund with intention. The business is not trimming for the sake of cutting but optimising to make every dollar work harder.
“Overspending does not usually happen in one big moment. It tends to creep in quietly and over time. Saas budgeting tools give your business the discipline, visibility and confidence to lead with accuracy and precision – two vital ingredients in how a small business can stay resilient and grow.”
Derek Chung, Head of Performance, TBS Digital Labs
“Running a business is expensive, and running it profitably is impossible without knowing your numbers.
“In an agency, the team’s hours are the most expensive asset, so it’s critical that time is spent effectively on clients to avoid scope and cost creep.
“Budgeting software and time-tracking tools make it much easier to monitor spending, allocate resources, and keep projects on track. They help SMEs stay within budget by providing real-time visibility into where money and time are being spent, identifying inefficiencies early, and allowing for faster course correction when things go off track. Many platforms also offer forecasting features, so business owners can plan ahead with greater confidence and avoid nasty surprises at the end of the month.
“We’ve found Everhour to be a good fit; it’s lightweight, easy to adopt, and unlike some platforms, it avoids invasive features like keystroke or screen monitoring, which can erode trust and make teams feel micromanaged. It’s also designed to be simple to use, with browser and desktop integrations that fit neatly into existing workflows.
“These tools are critical, but it has to be the one that’s fit for purpose for your business.”
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