SmartFinance Compass

Superannuation Made Simple: Boosting Your Retirement Savings Superannuation Made Simple: Boosting Your Retirement Savings Superannuation is the backbone of retirement savings in Australia. In 2025, rule changes and contribution strategies give everyday Australians more opportunities to grow their nest egg. Superannuation is compulsory, but boosting it is your responsibility. What is superannuation? Superannuation (“super”) is money set aside during your working life for retirement. Employers must contribute at least 11.5% of your ordinary earnings in 2025, but voluntary contributions can accelerate your retirement savings. Ways to boost your super Salary sacrifice: Contribute pre-tax income to reduce taxable earnings. Government co-contribution: If eligible, the government matches personal contributions up to a limit. Spouse contributions: Contribute to your partner’s super and...

How to Build an Emergency Fund Without Stress How to Build an Emergency Fund Without Stress Unexpected expenses happen—car repairs, medical bills, job loss. An emergency fund gives Australians peace of mind in 2025. Here’s how to build one without feeling overwhelmed. Building a safety net doesn’t have to be stressful—start small and grow steadily. Why an emergency fund matters Covers unexpected expenses without debt. Protects against job loss or reduced income. Prevents dipping into long-term investments. Provides peace of mind and financial stability. How much should Australians save? Experts recommend 3–6 months of essential expenses. For most Australians, start with a first milestone of $1,000, then build gradually. Simple steps to build your fund Open a separate account: Keep it separate from daily spending. Automate transfers: Set...

Budgeting Apps Australians Actually Use in 2025 Budgeting Apps Australians Actually Use in 2025 Budgeting apps are no longer just for finance nerds. In 2025, Australians are using simple, connected tools to track spending, save automatically, and reach money goals faster. Here’s a breakdown of the top apps people actually use. Mobile-first money management is now mainstream in Australia. Why use a budgeting app? Automated expense tracking via bank feeds. Goal-based savings jars or envelopes. Visual dashboards showing income vs spending. Push alerts to keep you on track. Top budgeting apps Australians use in 2025 App Pricing Key Features Best For Pocketbook (AU Classic) Free Bank sync, category tagging, budget alerts Everyday tracking ...