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
Articles by Ben Lawson (41)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tesla Model 3 Novated Lease: How Much Does It Actually Cost? [2026]
Full breakdown of Tesla Model 3 novated lease costs in Australia for 2026. See real savings at $70K, $80K, $100K and $120K salaries with the FBT exemption.
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.
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.
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.
Net Worth by Age Australia 2026
Median net worth at 30 is $164K, at 50 it's $886K. See where you sit vs other Australians — with ABS data by age group.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Am I Doing Well on an $80K Salary? Where You Stand Financially
Is $80,000 a good salary in Australia? Find out how an $80K income compares, what it means after tax, and whether you should be satisfied or aiming higher.
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.
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.
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.
Cost of Raising a Child 2026: $474K
$474,000 from birth to 18 — that's the real cost in 2026. We break down childcare, school, food, and more by age bracket.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.