Budgeting and cash flow advice
Gain clearer control of your everyday finances, and know what you can spend, save and put towards your priorities.
Earning well, but not getting ahead?
You earn a decent income, pay your bills and cover the everyday expenses, but somehow there's never quite as much left over as you'd expect. Between mortgage repayments, groceries, subscriptions and everything else, it's easy to lose track of where your money goes.
Getting a better handle on your finances doesn't have to mean cutting out everything you enjoy. We look at where your money is going and where adjustments could make a difference, helping you find a more manageable balance between enjoying life today and putting money aside for tomorrow.
How we help
Practical ways to manage your everyday finances, from keeping track of spending to making room for the things you want to save for.
Understanding your cash flow
See how your income compares with your regular expenses, including costs that don't arrive every month. This can reveal spending patterns and expenses that are easy to overlook.
Creating a budget that fits your life
We look at how to balance your essential expenses, personal spending and savings without relying on unrealistic restrictions.
Managing your debts
Credit cards, personal loans and mortgage repayments can take a significant share of your income. We assess interest rates, repayment commitments and possible approaches to managing outstanding debts.
Setting money aside for what's next
A home deposit, school fees or a well-earned holiday can require different savings approaches. We help you consider suitable savings targets, timeframes and how much you may be able to put aside regularly.
Budgeting questions
How much should I have in an emergency fund?
A commonly suggested starting point is enough to cover three to six months of essential living expenses. The amount that's appropriate for you depends on your household costs, income stability and financial commitments.
If saving that much feels out of reach, starting with a smaller amount and building it gradually may be more manageable.
What is the 50/30/20 budget rule?
The 50/30/20 rule is a budgeting guideline that divides your after-tax income into three categories: 50% for essentials such as housing, groceries and bills, 30% for lifestyle spending, and 20% for savings and debt repayments above your required minimum payments.
It's a useful starting point, but it won't suit every household. If your mortgage, rent or other essential expenses already take up more than half your income, the percentages may need adjusting.
Should I save or pay off debt first?
It depends on the type of debt, the interest you're paying and how much you have available in savings.
High-interest credit card debt can be expensive to carry, but putting every spare dollar towards repayments could leave you without money for unexpected expenses.
A combination of debt repayments and building an emergency fund may be worth considering, depending on your circumstances.
Do I have to track every dollar I spend?
Not necessarily. You don't need to record every coffee or grocery purchase indefinitely to understand your spending.
Reviewing your bank transactions over a few months can help identify your regular and occasional costs. Once you have that information, you can choose a budgeting method that suits how you manage your money.
Do I need a lot of money to see a financial planner?
No. Financial planning isn't only for people with substantial savings or investments.
Budgeting and cash flow planning can be relevant if you're managing household expenses, dealing with debt or trying to establish a regular savings habit.
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Feel in control of your money again.
Imagine getting to the end of the month knowing exactly where your money went, with some left over for the things you love.