Being your own boss offers flexibility, but it can also mean dealing with uneven income. Learn how contractors and freelancers can budget more effectively, prepare for tax obligations and super contributions, and build financial buffers to help smooth out the ups and downs of self-employment.

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Budgeting can be hard enough for those in regular employment, who need to cover today’s bills as well as, hopefully, tomorrow’s emergency savings and investment in their future. But if you’re a self-employed sole trader, you have three more financial headaches to add to the list: setting aside correct amounts to pay the ATO, covering your own super contributions, and dealing with periods when there is no income flowing in. It can seem like a formidable task, but with the right advice, you can create a budget that will help you to navigate this potential minefield.

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Our latest quarterly economic update includes commentary on the Iran–US peace deal and its impact on oil prices and share markets, the RBA's latest interest rate decisions, sweeping tax changes for property investors, the falling gold price and the resurgent US dollar.

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It was a quarter of two halves. Overseas, the US and Iran agreed to end their war, sending oil prices tumbling and sharemarkets rallying. At home, households copped another rate rise before the RBA hit pause, and the Federal Budget rewrote the rules for property investors.

Peace in the Middle East — Oil Falls and Markets Rally

After more than three months of conflict, the US and Iran agreed on 14 June to end the fighting and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries about one-fifth of the world's oil. Prices had already been easing as hopes of a deal grew — Brent crude fell to around US$83 a barrel, down from its March peak of US$126, and by late June US crude was below US$70 as ships began moving again. A big relief for motorists, and for inflation.

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Small monthly subscription fees can quietly add up, costing your household hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year. This article explains how to conduct a simple subscription audit, eliminate unnecessary expenses, and put the savings towards achieving your financial goals.
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How many subscriptions does your household currently have?

Most of us, when we consider subscriptions, think Netflix, Prime, perhaps an online newspaper or magazine. But if you pause for a moment, there are probably more than you realise, and they’re not cheap!

Subscription creep is a real thing. It’s that quietly increasing number of services we sign up to without even noticing.

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Lower mortgage repayments can be tempting, but resetting your home loan back to 30 years could cost you far more in the long run. Discover the

hidden disadvantages of extending your mortgage, from extra interest and slower equity growth to the risk of carrying debt into retirement.
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The federal government has tried (via 2009 legislation and later instructions to banks from APRA, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority) to ensure that mortgage borrowers will be able to service their loan and cope with any future interest rate rises. Despite this, many Australian homeowners are struggling financially as a result of inflation’s impact on the cost of living, geopolitical influences on fuel costs, and the Reserve Bank’s interest rate increases.

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Many Australian households are feeling the pressure of the “middle-class squeeze,” where rising living costs are making once-comfortable incomes feel increasingly stretched. This article explores the impact of lifestyle inflation and cost-of-living pressures, while highlighting practical budgeting strategies and the value of professional financial advice to regain control and build long-term financial security.

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Not so long ago, a six-figure salary was considered a solid income. But you didn’t suddenly become extravagant, so why are you now feeling like you need to tighten your belt?

You’re not imagining that growing sense of financial unease, nor are you alone. Chances are you’re experiencing what’s become known as the “middle-class squeeze.”

Middle-class squeeze is a concept that describes households on respectable incomes that are considered too well-off to qualify for government welfare or meaningful rebates, but are experiencing cost-of-living strain.

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A consideration of what ‘fair’ means in blended family asset distribution, and a guide to the associated risks of contested wills and how best to avoid them.
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About one in 10 families in Australia is a blended or step family, according to census data, and this trend has increased in recent years. Blended families can work well, but it’s best to aim to avoid any potential problems with the division of money and other assets. These may occur when there are children from previous relationships, a new spouse, shared assets and sometimes former partners in the background, making the question of what is ‘fair’ quite complex.

Here are the most important principles for protecting assets fairly in a blended family.

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Do you have too many bank accounts, or too few? This article will help you to set up a bank account structure tailored to your own needs, allowing you to take control of your bills, beat stress and invest for your future.
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There’s no such thing as a perfect number of bank accounts that will suit everyone. But there are good reasons for avoiding the extremes of having only one account struggling to cover all your needs and goals, or on the other hand, having a large and confusing mix of accounts with different banks, some of which you’ve simply forgotten to close.

There is a smarter way to structure your money so that it feels organised, controlled, and easier to manage. It’s especially important when you’re not just handling day-to-day spending, but also aiming to build wealth through investment.

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A practical, step-by-step guide for lowering your private health insurance premiums without sacrificing essential cover or leaving yourself exposed to expensive medical risks.
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For many Australians, private health insurance feels like one of those bills that just keeps going up every year. The instinct is often to cut back on cover or shop for the cheapest option available.

But there’s a catch: the cheapest policy is rarely the best one. The real goal is to pay less while still being covered for the things that could seriously impact your finances. So follow these simple steps to save heaps while maintaining peace of mind.

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With housing affordability continuing to challenge many Australians, alternative pathways to home ownership are gaining attention. This article explores emerging models such as build-to-rent-to-buy, community land trusts, and fractional ownership, highlighting both the opportunities and considerations for prospective buyers.

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Home ownership has always been central to the Great Australian Dream, but for many, that dream may feel increasingly unattainable.

This reality has prompted some thinking outside the box, giving rise to a number of purchase models aimed at helping first-time buyers plant a foot on the property ladder.

Teaming up with siblings or friends to pool income and improve borrowing power has become popular. Alternatively, some parents or grandparents gift inheritances, while still alive, to assist young family members get started.

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Cutting costs can be a useful starting point when you’re struggling to make ends meet. But true financial progress comes from mastering your cash flow. This article explores how creating a consistent surplus through smarter budgeting can help you move beyond simply getting by and start building long-term wealth through investing.
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The core purpose of budgeting is to control cash flow: cash in, cash out, and what’s left over.

Kudos to you if you’ve created a budget where your annual expenditure is less than your annual income. The surplus cash can help you to reduce debt, establish a buffer, and ultimately, create wealth. But you won’t be able to use the surplus effectively unless you protect it by organising your costs (not just cutting them) and managing the timing of your cash inflows and outflows. To do this, you may have to adjust your budgeting mindset, and as an added bonus, your credit score may improve.

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This article focuses on the financial and lifestyle considerations of renting versus buying a home, and how each choice can impact your retirement outcomes. It discusses that while there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, aligning your housing decision with your long-term financial strategy is key to achieving retirement confidence.
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Home ownership – is it still the Great Australian Dream? According to a recent survey, it is, but the option of renting for life is becoming increasingly attractive.

Real Estate agents, LJ Hooker, conducted a survey of Australians and found that 74% of respondents aspired to own their own home.
Meanwhile, in a survey of renters conducted by Budget Direct, almost 20% of respondents planned to rent forever.

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This article explains the concept of “loyalty tax,” where long-term customers may end up paying more than new customers for services such as insurance, utilities, and loans, often without realising it. The article highlights how regularly reviewing expenses, negotiating with providers, and seeking advice can help reduce costs and improve your overall financial position.

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Sandy joined her local gym a decade ago. She was proud of her long-member status and was content to pay the monthly $200 fee.

Imagine her surprise, when a friend was offered a sign-on deal of just $150 per month for the first year!

Known as loyalty tax, it’s that extra amount you pay effectively subsidising the sweetheart deals companies use to lure new customers.

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Not sure whether income protection insurance is a vital safety net for you, or just a cost burden you can do without? This article will help you decide.

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Income protection insurance is a financial tool that’s essential for some people, ‘nice to have’ for others, and possibly quite unnecessary for a third group. In other words, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to whether the premium cost justifies the risk. It depends on your circumstances, so it’s worth examining what the cover provides and the factors that should influence your decision-making.

What is income protection insurance?

Income protection insurance is meant to replace your income, based on your annual earnings in the year before a serious illness or injury that prevents you from working. It can pay up to 90% of your pre-tax income for the first six months of your disability and up to 70% for a further period.

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Congratulations on your pay rise! Commiserations on your resulting higher tax bracket. Find useful information here on how to avoid the consequences of income tax bracket creep so that you can actually feel the benefit of your salary increase.

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You earn more money; you pay more tax. So far, so fair.

But what’s not so fair happens when your wage rise bumps your earnings into a higher tax bracket, even though your pay increase may only be in line with inflation. This is known as ‘bracket creep’, and the combination of inflation and a higher tax rate can mean you have less purchasing power than before your pay rise.

However, you can avoid bracket creep by putting your earnings to work in a way that means they won’t be consumed by tax. Here’s how:

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This article explains how debt consolidation works and describes how combining multiple high-interest debts into a single loan may simplify repayments and potentially reduce interest costs. A case study is used to highlight the benefits, trade-offs and key considerations to help readers decide whether the strategy suits their circumstances.
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For many households, debt doesn’t come from one big decision. It builds up gradually — a credit card used for everyday expenses, a personal loan for a car or renovation, and maybe a store card that seemed convenient at the time.

Before long, you’re juggling multiple repayments, all with different interest rates and due dates. Even when you’re making every payment on time, it can feel like you’re running just to stand still.

This is where debt consolidation is sometimes considered.

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Higher interest rates may be causing many Australians to delay buying property, but waiting for rates to fall is not always the safest financial strategy. This article explores how borrowers can navigate a higher-for-longer rate environment and includes a checklist to help review existing mortgages or prepare for a future home loan.
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Interest rates are rising, and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has hinted that they could stay elevated for longer than expected.

While people who live off their investments, including self-funded retirees, welcome the rise, homebuyers must think about what higher rates will mean for them, especially if those rates stay higher for longer.

Many households put their lifestyles and financial decisions on hold until rates eventually start to come down – notably those who are looking to buy a home.

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Follow the tips in this article to put your new romance on a sound financial footing, which will ensure that it does not collapse under the weight of a monetary outlook mismatch.
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In the exhilarating early days of a new personal relationship, it can be easy to overlook warning signs that you and your prospective partner may be financially incompatible. This may lead to future stress and legal risk. It’s not a question of always being suspicious, but simply of being aware of these red flags if they appear:

• Secrecy around money matters

Although there’s no need to have financial discussions immediately, be wary of ongoing refusal or reluctance to talk about money matters such as income, debt, employment, personal or business finances, or financial goals.

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This article highlights some of the key super issues (excluding investment markets) that should be at the forefront in these volatile times. The article covers salary sacrifice to cash, and life insurance through super.
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When markets get bumpy or household budgets feel tighter, it’s common for people to start questioning their super. If your balance has dipped or returns haven’t met expectations, you might wonder whether continuing to contribute is worth it — or whether super is really doing its job.

Before making any big decisions, it helps to step back and consider what superannuation is designed to do, and how it can still play a useful role even when conditions feel uncertain.

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Are you sitting on a huge pile of frequent flyer points that you are struggling to redeem? How much are they really worth, and is it worth the effort (and cost) of collecting them? Find the answers here.

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The average Australian is sitting on a balance of 73,000 frequent flyer points, according to a 2025 survey. About a quarter of those surveyed used their points for travel occasionally, but didn’t keep track of their balance, while 18% said they rarely redeemed them, and 15% didn’t understand how frequent flyer programs worked.

Clearly, there’s a lot of confusion about collecting points, using points and their true value. Let’s remedy that.

Collecting points

Although purchasing flights (and to a lesser extent hotel accommodation) is the traditional way to earn points, this only works well for regular business travellers. Most Australians accumulate points via credit card spending and other shopping, including converting Coles Flybuys and Woolworths Rewards Points into frequent flyer points.

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Are you currently a remote worker or digital nomad? Or are you considering becoming one? This article will explain some of the tax, income structure, superannuation, banking, cash flow, insurance and investment issues you may face, and how to adjust your financial planning to meet them.
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Conventional employees can usually plan for their financial future knowing that certain fundamental parameters will not change: their regular income, their Australian tax residency, their banking arrangements, their superannuation contributions and their insurance needs.
But for digital nomads and remote workers, the picture is completely different, and their situation will have implications for how they pay tax, contribute to super, conduct their banking and investments and ensure they are covered for health problems and income protection.

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