Not feeling the love for your savings account? Try these simple steps to reignite your savings strategy. The trouble is, traditional budgeting can be light on the fun factor. That leaves plenty of us in the dark about where our money goes. In fact, close to nine out of ten Australians are clueless about their […]
Managing Debts
Tax and Your Budget: Managing Debts | Tax Saving Tips | Budgeting and Saving | Personal Finances | Rental Income
5 Smart Ways to Use Your Tax Refund This Year
This year, before you race off to the shops to spend your tax refund, consider your tax refund could have the biggest impact on your life and your finances. At Etax we hear from lots of Australians (and tax accountants) about the ways they plan to spend their tax refund. Let’s look at some of […]
Saving Money: How to save a million dollars (really) – plus how to save money faster
How to be good at saving money It’s a comfort to know you can quickly get your hands on some money if you need it – without resorting to a loan from a bank, family or friends. It’s also a comfort to know you’ll be able to reach goals like buying a home and retiring comfortably. […]
The All-important Shared Finances Conversation
Every couple has ‘the conversation’ about sharing finances. But, as with all money-related matters, it’s rarely a straightforward process. We discuss all of your options below… Shared finances or keeping things separate The ‘traditional’ idea of shared finances involves a couple simply merging all their financial assets. So, you combine both savings accounts and debt […]
Death and Taxes – What You Need to Do
Any death in the family is a very difficult time for all involved. Apart from the emotional burden, there are also a range of administrative tasks that need to take place after a bereavement. This death and taxes article covers the main steps family members should take to ensure tax obligations are met. Death […]
Pay Off Your Credit Card or Invest? What’s the Smartest Move?
Is it best to pay off your credit card straight away? Or do you make more money by investing in a high-interest account or shares? When it comes to simple savings strategies, this should be one of the first questions you ask. And thankfully, we’ve got all the numbers to help you decide. Credit Card […]
HELP Repayment Rates: How To Repay HELP Debt Quickly
Need help with HELP debts? Here are some tips on repaying your HELP debt… If you are one of many people who graduated university with a HELP (Higher Education Loan Program) debt, you might not be sure exactly what the steps are to repay help debt. It’s important that you know how to repay HELP debt […]
When is the best time to do your tax return?
The best time to do your tax return is generally “sooner, not later”, but the reasons and details depend whether you have a refund coming, or you owe money to the ATO. PART ONE: What’s the best time to do your tax return… IF you expect a tax refund? If you will get a tax […]
Overseas HELP Debt – What is it?
On 01 July 2017 the ATO implemented formal changes to how they recover “overseas HELP debt”. If you live overseas for more than 6 months and have a HELP debt, read on… You may need to make HELP repayments – regardless of where you live. What has changed with how the ATO recovers overseas HELP […]
“Instant Tax Refunds” – Read This Before You Sign
At tax time you often see ads for a “same day tax refund” or “instant tax refund”. That might sound like a good idea, to get your tax refund today, instead of waiting. But the truth is, a “same day tax refund” is not really what the name suggests. Instant Tax Refunds are Usually a […]
How to get your help debt balance
Are you wondering what your current help debt balance is? You’re not alone! Back in 2013 the Australian Tax Office (ATO) made the decision to stop issuing annual HELP debt statements for Australians with a HELP or Financial Supplement debt. Apart from making it harder to keep track of your outstanding government debts, it also […]
Government Ends Discounts for Early HELP Debt Repayment
Important Note: The Federal Government has now legislated this change and ended the discounts for early HELP debt repayments. For a full overview on all things HELP related, we’d suggest viewing our article on how to repay your help debt. Planning to reduce your HELP debt early with extra payments? And are you going to […]
HELP Repayment Scheme to Stay… For Now
Important Note: The Federal Government has legislated this change and ended the HELP repayment scheme. For a full overview on all things HELP related, we’d suggest viewing our article on how to repay your help debt. Back in August 2013 the Federal Government announced they would end the discount for early HELP debt repayments. Good […]
