Ben Lawson
Budgeting & Debt Writer
Ben is a former financial counsellor who spent six years with a community legal centre in Adelaide, helping people deal with problem debt, Centrelink issues, and budgeting. He writes about savings strategies, debt management, and government assistance from a practical, no-judgement perspective.
Dip Financial Counselling, former community legal centre advisor
Based in: Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Specialises in: Personal budgeting, Debt consolidation, Centrelink payments, Financial hardship, Emergency funds, Savings strategies
Articles by Ben Lawson (64)
Can I Afford to Live Alone in Brisbane? (2026)
Can you afford Brisbane in 2026? We break down the 30% rule, ideal salaries, and budget tips for living alone.
How Much to Earn to Live in Gold Coast? (2026)
Need to know how much to earn to live in Gold Coast in 2026? Single, couple, and family salary estimates and key cost breakdowns inside.
How Much to Earn to Live in Perth? (2026)
Need to earn $150k+ to live comfortably in Perth in 2026? We break down rent, groceries, and essential costs.
How the Fuel Crisis Is Quietly Inflating Your Grocery Bill
Diesel hit $2.35/L after the Hormuz disruption. Industry pass-through suggests 1-2% shelf-price rises per 10% diesel jump. Here's how to spot it and what to cut.
Can I Afford a $1.0M House?
Thinking of a $1M home in 2026? Discover the minimum salary, required deposits (5-20%), and estimated repayments to make your dream home affordable.
Can I Afford a $600K House?
Thinking about a $600K house in 2026? Learn the minimum salary, deposit requirements, and LMI costs you need to budget for.
Can I Afford a House on $180K? (2026)
Can you afford a house on $180k in 2026? We break down borrowing power, deposit needs, and realistic city targets (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane).
Can I Afford a House on $120K? (2026)
Buying a house on $120K in 2026? See your realistic price targets, deposit needs, and tips for improving your borrowing power.
Can I Afford a House on $80K? (2026)
Can you afford a house on $80k in 2026? Learn about borrowing power, deposit needs, and realistic target prices in Australia.
$180K Salary Australia: Are You Doing Well?
Earning $180K in 2026? See your take-home pay, how it compares to the average salary, and a plan to buy a house in Australia.
Term Deposits Explained Like You're 5
A term deposit is a locked savings account with a guaranteed rate. Here's exactly how they work, how interest is calculated, and when they beat a high-interest savings account.
$140K Salary Australia: Are You Doing Well?
Is $140k enough in 2026? We break down your take-home pay, house affordability, and how to build wealth in Australia.
Fuel Excise Cut: Your Actual Savings
Excise halved to 26.3c/L for 3 months. On 50L/week, you'll save $13.15/wk or $171 over April-June. Calculate your exact savings.
Fuel Tax Deductions You Can Claim
ATO rate is 88c/km for 2025-26. If you drive for work, you could claim $4,400+ back. Here's what counts and what doesn't.
EV vs Petrol: Real Cost Right Now
At $2.50/L, a petrol commuter spends $5,000+/yr on fuel. An EV costs ~$700/yr in electricity. Here's the full comparison.
$90K Salary Australia: Are You Doing Well?
Thinking about a $90K salary in 2026? See your take-home pay, how it compares to the average, and how much you should really be saving to buy a home.
Pay Off Mortgage or Invest? (Australia 2026)
Mortgage vs. Investing in 2026: Learn if paying off your 6.5% mortgage or investing in ETFs is the best financial move.
EV vs Petrol Costs: $1,600/yr Cheaper
We compared fuel, servicing, rego, and insurance for EVs vs petrol cars. Your annual savings could hit $1,600+ in 2026.
Tax Deductions for Teachers in Australia (2026)
Teachers: Maximise your tax deductions in 2026! Learn to claim for PD, supplies, and home office costs (example: $90k salary).
Novated Lease vs Car Loan: Which Saves You More Money? [2026 Comparison]
Side-by-side comparison of novated lease vs car loan at $60K, $80K, $100K and $120K salaries. See which option saves more for EVs and petrol cars in 2026.
Tesla Model 3 Novated Lease 2026: $1,045/mo at $80K Salary
A Tesla Model 3 RWD on novated lease costs about $1,045/month at an $80K salary in 2026, after the FBT exemption. See real take-home impact at $70K, $80K, $100K and $120K salaries.
Cheapest EVs on Novated Lease 2026 — Under $500/Month
The 10 cheapest electric vehicles you can novated lease in Australia for 2026, all under $500 per month in take-home pay impact. Full cost breakdowns and savings calculations.
Can I Claim My Phone on Tax? (Australia 2026)
Learn if you can claim your phone and internet on tax in 2026. Understand the work-use percentage rules and the $300 deduction threshold.
Novated Lease EV 2026: Save $9,000/yr
On $80K with a $45K BYD Atto 3, you'd save $7,000-$9,000/yr via novated lease. Full FBT exemption still applies in 2026.
How to Build Wealth in Australia: Practical Strategies That Actually Work
A no-nonsense guide to building wealth in Australia. Covers saving, investing, property, super, and the habits that separate wealth builders from everyone else.
Is $80K Enough for a Family in Australia?
Is $80k enough for a family in 2026? Learn realistic budget breakdowns for housing, childcare, and government benefits in Australia.
50 Ways to Beat the Cost of Living Crisis in Australia (2026)
Save $5,000-$15,000/yr across groceries, energy, transport, insurance, and banking. 50 tested cost-of-living tips with real dollar savings.
Cost of Living in Australia 2025: Average Household Expenses Breakdown
A detailed breakdown of the average cost of living in Australia for 2025. See what Australian households spend on housing, food, transport, utilities, and more — with tips to reduce expenses.
Should You Get a Car Loan or Save Up? The Real Cost in Australia 2026
Compare the true cost of a car loan versus saving up in Australia. Covers interest costs on a $30K loan, depreciation, novated leases, when financing makes sense, and strategies to save for a car faster.
Financial Health Check Australia: A Complete Guide to Assessing Your Finances
Run a comprehensive financial health check on your money. Assess your savings, debt, super, insurance, and investments against Australian standards and benchmarks.
Cost of Raising a Child in Australia: $474K
$474,000 from birth to 18 — $26,333/yr average. Full breakdown by age: childcare, school fees, food, activities and more.
Best High Interest Savings Accounts Australia March 2026
Top rates hit 5.35% = $2,675/yr on $50K. Best Australian high-interest savings accounts for March 2026, bonus conditions, and ongoing rates.
The 50/30/20 Budget Rule: How to Apply It on an Australian Salary
Learn how to use the 50/30/20 budget rule on an Australian salary. Includes worked examples at $60K, $80K, and $100K, city-specific adjustments for Sydney and Melbourne, and the 60/30/10 variation for tight budgets.
Average Net Worth by Age Australia 2026
Median net worth: $95K at 30, $500K at 40, $886K at 50. See exactly where you rank vs other Australians with ABS data.
Is $95K a Good Salary in Australia? (2026)
Is $95k a good salary in 2026? Find out your after-tax pay, what it affords in Sydney/Melbourne, and how to budget effectively.
Financial Hardship in Australia: Free Help, Government Payments & Your Rights
If you're struggling financially, help is available. Covers the National Debt Helpline, bank and utility hardship provisions, Centrelink crisis payments, emergency relief, no-interest loans (NILS), and state-by-state utility programs.
How Much Should I Have Saved by 30 in Australia? (2026 Benchmarks)
Find out how much savings, super, and net worth you should realistically have by age 30 in Australia. Data-backed benchmarks, plus what to do if you're behind.
Woolworths vs Coles vs Aldi: Which Supermarket Is Cheapest in 2026?
Aldi saves $40-$60/wk on a typical basket vs Coles and Woolworths. Real price comparisons from ACCC data and independent basket tests.
Petrol Prices Hit $2.20/L: How to Save on Fuel During the Iran Oil Crisis
The Iran conflict has sent oil prices surging and Australian petrol past $2.20 per litre. Here are 12 practical ways to cut your fuel costs, plus why prices may stay high for months.
Credit Score Australia: How It Works, What's Good & How to Improve Yours
Everything you need to know about credit scores in Australia. Score ranges for Equifax, Experian and illion, what affects your score, how to check for free, and proven strategies to improve it.
$80K Salary Australia: Take-Home $62,500
$80K = $62,500 after tax ($2,400/fortnight). Budget breakdown, savings targets, and home-buying options at this income.
Is $55K a Good Salary in Australia? (2026)
Is $55k a good salary in 2026? We break down the take-home pay, budgeting tips, and what lifestyle this income affords in Australia.
How to Reduce Your Energy Bills in 2026: Australian Guide to Cheaper Power
Save $600-$1,200/yr on power. Government rebates worth $600, retailer switching, solar ROI, time-of-use tariffs, and your most expensive appliances.
Buy Now Pay Later in Australia 2026: New Regulations, Risks & Smart Use
BNPL is about to change forever in Australia. New credit laws from June 2026, how BNPL affects your credit score, Afterpay vs Zip vs Klarna compared, and when you should avoid it entirely.
Financial Health Check at 40: How Much Should You Have by Now?
How much super, savings, and net worth should a 40-year-old have in Australia? Real data, ASFA benchmarks, and actionable steps for your financial health at 40.
Private School Fees Australia 2026: What It Really Costs K-12
Private school fees in Australia range from $8,000/year (primary) to $52,000/year (elite Year 12). We compare costs by state, Catholic vs independent, reveal the hidden extras, and calculate the total K-12 bill with savings strategies.
25 Side Hustle Ideas in Australia: Earn Extra Money in 2025-26
Earn $500-$5,000/month on the side. 25 proven Australian side hustles from freelancing to reselling, with realistic earnings for each.
How to Save Money on Groceries in Australia: 15 Proven Tips for 2026
Save $3,000-$5,000/yr on a $250/wk grocery bill. 15 proven tips: Aldi vs Coles vs Woolworths, markdown timing, unit pricing, and meal planning.
How to Save Money on One Income (Australia 2026)
Save money on one income in Australia 2026. Learn to use government support and cut the Big 3 expenses to build your savings.
Financial Health Check at 25: Where Should You Be in Australia?
Find out where you should be financially at 25 in Australia. Real benchmarks for savings, super, net worth, and debt — plus what to prioritise in your mid-twenties.
Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Explained: Part A, Part B & How Much You Get
Up to $6,900/yr per child (Part A) plus $4,460/yr (Part B). Family Tax Benefit income limits, payment rates, and how to maximise your claim.
First Home Guarantee Scheme 2026: Buy With Just 5% Deposit, No LMI
Everything you need to know about the First Home Guarantee Scheme (FHGS) in 2026. Covers eligibility, income caps, property price caps by state, how to apply, and comparison with FHOG and Help to Buy.
Financial Health Check Before Buying a House: Are You Ready?
Think you're ready to buy your first home? Run through this financial health check to make sure your savings, income, credit, and budget can handle home ownership.
Cost of Living by City in Australia 2025-26: Sydney vs Melbourne vs Brisbane
$2,500/wk in Sydney vs $1,800/wk in Brisbane for a family of four. Rent, groceries, transport, and utilities compared across major cities.
How to Save for a House on $80K Salary
Save for a house deposit on $80K in 2026. Learn how to use FHSS, grants, and budget hacks to achieve your 10-20% deposit goal.
Financial Health Check at 35: Australian Savings, Super & Net Worth Benchmarks
How do your savings, super, and net worth stack up at 35? Compare against real Australian benchmarks and find out where you stand financially.
JobSeeker Payment 2025-26: Rates, Eligibility & Mutual Obligations
$762.70/fortnight for singles, $693.10 each for couples. JobSeeker eligibility, income test thresholds, and mutual obligation requirements.
Compound Interest Explained: How Your Money Grows (with Examples)
$10,000 at 7% becomes $76,000 in 30 years without adding a cent. How compound interest works and why starting 5 years earlier changes everything.
Do I Need Private Health Insurance? (2026 Guide)
2026 Guide: Do I need private health insurance? Learn if the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS) makes basic hospital cover cheaper than the penalty for high earners ($101k+).
Personal Loan vs Credit Card: Which Is Better for Your Situation?
7% personal loan vs 20% credit card on $10K = $650/yr difference. When a personal loan beats a card and when the card actually wins.
Can I Afford to Travel? Budget Travel Guide 2026
Planning a 2026 trip? Learn how to budget for travel from Australia, comparing costs for SE Asia, Europe, and the USA.
Emergency Fund Guide: How Much to Save & Where to Keep It
3-6 months of expenses = $15,000-$30,000 for most Aussies. How to calculate your emergency fund target and the best accounts to park it in.
What Happens to My Super If I Die?
Learn what happens to your super when you die. Understand binding nominations and tax rules before it's too late.
Oil Price Crash 2026: How Falling Petrol Prices Save Australians Thousands
Global oil prices are crashing due to OPEC+ disputes and oversupply. Here's how it affects Australian petrol prices, what you could save on fuel, and the flow-on effects for inflation and interest rates.