Most financial advice feels written for people who already have things figured out. We wanted something different—something that acknowledges the messy reality of managing money while juggling work, family, and unexpected expenses.
These articles come from real conversations with Australians navigating their financial journeys. Some are dealing with mortgage stress. Others are trying to figure out retirement planning after years of putting it off. A few are just trying to understand why their savings never seem to grow.
We don't pretend to have all the answers. But we've learned a lot from working alongside people who are making genuine progress, even when it's slower than they'd like.
Three years ago, Rhiannon Thackwell realized she had five different super accounts scattered across previous employers. She's not alone—and consolidating them turned out to be more complicated than expected.
After hundreds of planning sessions, we've noticed patterns in what creates meaningful financial progress versus what just sounds good on paper.
The people who make sustainable progress usually ignore the comprehensive 47-step plans. They pick one specific area—like tracking discretionary spending or setting up automatic savings—and actually stick with it for three months.
Every single person we've worked with has had months where everything went sideways. The difference isn't avoiding setbacks—it's having a plan for getting back on track that doesn't require starting from scratch.
You don't need to become a finance expert. But knowing your actual income, fixed expenses, and where the rest disappears to? That's not optional. Most people are surprised by what the numbers reveal.
Life happens. Cars break down. Kids need unexpected things. Having even $1,500 set aside changes how you respond to these situations—and stops them from derailing your entire financial plan.
Quarterly check-ins beat daily anxiety. Looking at three months of data shows actual trends instead of making you panic over one expensive week. It also helps you spot what's actually improving versus what you're just worrying about.
Your financial plan should change as your life changes. That's not failure—that's how plans are supposed to work. The goal isn't perfection, it's having a system that adapts when circumstances shift.
These pieces dig into specific challenges we hear about regularly. Some are tactical guides for immediate use. Others explore the psychological side of money decisions. All are based on real experiences from people working through similar situations.
One of you tracks every dollar. The other thinks budgets are oppressive. This isn't about who's right—it's about finding a middle ground that doesn't breed resentment. We interviewed four couples who've worked this out.
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Credit card companies love when you pay the minimum. A $5,000 balance at 19.9% interest, paid at minimum rates, takes 28 years to clear. Here's what happens when you add just $50 extra per month—and why timing matters.
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You're supposed to start at 25, right? Well, most people don't. If you're starting later, you're not behind—you just need a different approach. This guide breaks down realistic options when you've got 15-20 years to work with.
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