Why We Use What We Use: Our Favourite Productivity Tools

"Your business won't grow just by working harder."

We’ve all heard it. We’ve all ignored it and then at some point (usually after our third coffee of the day) we realise… yep, it’s true. At Time Savvy, we’re all about working smart, not just working hard. Working smart? That means picking tools that do the heavy lifting, so we can focus on our clients, creativity, and all the good stuff that we started our business for.

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Fear not, we’re not about to pitch you a miracle app that promises to run your business while you sunbathe in Bali. What we do use are tools that make life genuinely easier, keep things organised, and sometimes make us feel like productivity superheroes (cape optional).

Harvest - Because Time Really Is Money

Time really is money!

We track our time like hawks, and Harvest makes it painless. Start a timer, run a report, and boom, no more wondering if that half-hour lost to email-hunting counts as billable.

Bonus tip: Sole traders will love the free tier. It scales neatly as your business grows (and grows).

Zoho - The Swiss Army Knife of Business

Zoho has a tool for almost everything: CRM, invoicing, project management…you name it. What we love most is how it brings multiple strands of our business together in one place

without feeling like we’re juggling flaming torches. However, be mindful that the 'add ons' can soon get pricey, so really think about what you need and what has a genuine ROI.

Free & flexible: Perfect for testing the waters, then scaling up as needed. Free trails of the paid tiers are also available so you can see if it's worth paying a bit more for.

Xero - Keeping Numbers Simple and Smart

Managing finances can be overwhelming for new business owners.

When it comes to accounting, Xero is our go-to. Invoices, expenses, payroll, and real-time cash flow reporting are all in one intuitive platform. We especially love how it connects with so many other apps we use, so nothing ever falls through the cracks.

Efficiency bonus: Xero plays nicely with other apps, so nothing falls through the cracks while you’re busy doing your thing.

Canva - Making Us Look Good Without the Designer Stress

Want to look polished online without a degree in Photoshop? Canva is the best friend you didn’t know you needed. Templates, brand kits, collaboration. Drag, drop, dazzle. Done.

Free or premium: Great for start-ups, easy to scale as your marketing ambitions grow.

MS 365 - The Reliable Backbone of Productivity (and Hidden Treasure Chest of Tools)

Everyone’s got it, but not everyone uses it. Beyond email and Word, Microsoft 365 hides gems like Planner, To Do, Teams, SharePoint, and Power Automate, all waiting to replace those “extra” apps you keep paying for.

At Time Savvy, we love smart systems, tools, and automation, but we also know there’s a limit. Sometimes you can’t replace the personal touch of a human being. The right tools make life easier, but they don’t replace judgment, empathy, or the nuanced understanding a person brings.

Planner & To Do - Keeping Tasks in Check

Planner helps our team see the big picture, while To Do handles the daily nitty-gritty. Together, they keep projects organised, deadlines visible, and sanity intact, even on the days that feel like herding cats.

Driver’s Note - Because Receipts Shouldn’t Take Over Your Life

Tracking mileage and expenses doesn’t have to be painful. Driver’s Note simplifies the process, helping us claim expenses without hunting through a mountain of crumpled receipts. Small tool, big difference.

Why We're Sharing This

We’re not saying these tools are the best. We’re saying they work for us. They save time, money, and sanity and they might just do the same for you. Most of them have excellent free versions (perfect if you’re a sole trader or just getting started), and they all grow with your business.

Another reason we love these tools? They help us support the diverse range of people we work with, including neurodivergent entrepreneurs and professionals. Clear systems, visual planners, and smart automations can make a big difference, whether it’s reducing overwhelm, keeping track of moving parts, or simply freeing up mental space for creativity.

Just remember: tools are tools. They won’t grow your business for you. That still takes your brain, your judgment, and yes, the occasional strong coffee.

P.S. – We’re existing users of these tools, and from time to time we get “share with a friend” offers or discounts. Click HERE to check for any current deals before signing up, we could save you some money!