Lisa Chen
Senior Finance Writer
Lisa spent seven years as a financial planner at a mid-tier firm in Melbourne before switching to finance writing full-time. She specialises in tax planning, superannuation strategy, and helping everyday Australians make sense of their money. She holds a Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning from Kaplan Professional.
GradDip Financial Planning, Kaplan Professional
Articles by Lisa Chen (81)
How to Read a Strata Report (First Home Buyer Guide)
A strata report tells you what you're really buying. Here's what to look for — sinking fund balance, special levies, defects — with red flags that should make you walk away.
Debt Recycling Australia: How It Works [2026]
Turn your mortgage into a tax deduction. Debt recycling converts non-deductible home loan debt into deductible investment debt — here's how.
Extra Repayments: How $200/Month Saves $100K+
$200/month extra on a $500K mortgage at 6% saves $114,000 in interest and cuts 5 years off your loan. Here's the full breakdown.
Paid Parental Leave 2026: 26 Weeks From July
From 1 July 2026, PPL increases to 26 weeks. That's $25,194 at $969/week. Here's how it works, who qualifies, and how to maximise your total leave pay.
Super Contribution Caps Rising July 2026: What It Means for Your Retirement
From July 1, 2026, the concessional super cap rises to $32,500 and the non-concessional cap to $130,000. Here's what's changing, the new transfer balance cap, and strategies to maximise your retirement savings before and after the increase.
Best Savings Account Rates March 2026: Where to Park Your Cash at 4.10%
With the RBA cash rate at 4.10%, savings account rates are competitive again. We cover the best high-interest savings accounts (up to 5.50%), term deposits, and offset accounts — plus how much $50K, $100K, and $200K earns per year at each rate tier.
Tax Changes 2026-27: New Brackets, Standard Deduction & What You'll Save
The 2026-27 tax changes bring a new 15% bracket, a $1,000 standard deduction, and real savings for workers earning $50K to $200K+. We break down exactly what changes on 1 July 2026, compare your tax bill under the old and new rates, and show how the standard deduction works.
Medicare Levy Surcharge: Who Pays It & How to Avoid It
Understand the Medicare Levy Surcharge — income thresholds, rates from 1% to 1.5%, how private health insurance exempts you, and the difference between the MLS and the standard Medicare levy.
BYD Novated Lease Australia — Dolphin, Atto 3, Seal & Shark 6 Compared
Compare every BYD model available on novated lease in Australia for 2026. Monthly costs, tax savings at different salaries, and which BYD is the best value on salary sacrifice.
How Does a Novated Lease Work? Simple Explanation + Calculator
Plain-English explanation of how novated leases work in Australia, with step-by-step guide, diagrams concept, and links to free calculators to model your savings.
How to Save Money on Petrol in Australia 2026 — 15 Proven Tips
15 practical ways to save money on petrol in Australia in 2026. From fuel price apps and loyalty cards to driving habits and the EV switch calculation.
Best Salary Sacrifice Cars 2026
Top 15 EVs ranked by novated lease savings — the best can save you $7,000+/yr pre-tax.
Mortgage Stress Test: Can You Afford Another Rate Rise in May 2026?
Markets price a 40% chance of a third RBA hike in May 2026. Here's what your repayments look like at 4.10%, 4.35%, and 4.60% on loans from $400K to $1M — plus the warning signs you're in mortgage stress and what to do about it.
Side Hustle Tax Australia 2026: ABN, GST & What You Must Declare
Tax guide for Australian side hustlers. How the ATO determines hobby vs business, when you need an ABN, what income you must declare, and the deductions you can claim for your side gig.
Negative Gearing Changes: What the May 2026 Budget Could Mean for Investors
Treasury modelling for the May 2026 Budget includes capping negative gearing at 2 investment properties and cutting the CGT discount from 50% to 33%. Here's what's being proposed, who it affects, grandfathering provisions, and worked examples of the tax impact.
Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Australia: Complete Guide with Examples
Everything you need to know about Capital Gains Tax in Australia. When CGT applies, how the 50% discount works, the main residence exemption, and strategies to legally minimise your CGT bill.
Debt Consolidation in Australia: Should You Consolidate Your Debt?
A complete guide to debt consolidation in Australia. Understand how it works, when it makes sense, the risks to avoid, and alternatives like the debt avalanche and snowball methods.
Am I Doing Well Financially for My Age? Australian Benchmarks by Age Group
Compare your savings, super, debt, and net worth against real Australian data for your age group. Find out where you stand and what to focus on next.
How to Calculate Your Net Worth in Australia: Step-by-Step Guide
Learn exactly how to calculate your net worth in Australia with a simple step-by-step method. Includes what to count, what to exclude, and how to track it over time.
How Much Should I Save Each Month in Australia? Savings Rate Guide by Income
Find out how much you should be saving each month based on your income, age, and goals. Includes savings rate benchmarks, tips for different income levels, and practical strategies.
Can I Afford to Buy a House? Australian Affordability Guide & Calculator
Work out whether you can realistically afford to buy a house in Australia. Covers deposit requirements, borrowing power, hidden costs, and the rent-vs-buy decision.
Am I Saving Enough for Retirement? Super Adequacy Check for Australians
Find out if your super and savings are on track for retirement. Includes super adequacy benchmarks, gap analysis, and practical strategies to boost your retirement savings.
Financial Health Check at 30: Are You on Track? (Australian Benchmarks)
Australian financial benchmarks at 30 — how much super, savings, and net worth you should have. Data-backed targets and practical steps if you're behind.
Financial Health Check at 50: Are You Ready for Retirement?
How much super, savings, and net worth should you've at 50 in Australia? ASFA benchmarks, retirement readiness check, and strategies to close any gap before retirement.
$100K Salary in Australia: Are You Doing Well? Financial Reality Check
Is $100,000 a good salary in Australia? How it compares to the average, what you take home after tax, and whether six figures means financial success.
Am I Doing Well on a $60K Salary? Australian Financial Benchmarks
Is $60,000 a good salary in Australia? Find out how far it goes, what you should be saving, and how your finances compare to other Australians on a similar income.
Financial Health Check Before Having Kids: What You Need in Australia
Planning to start a family? Here's the financial health check every Australian couple should do before having kids — from parental leave to childcare costs.
Financial Health Check After Divorce: Rebuilding Your Finances
Going through a divorce or separation? Here's your complete financial health check — from dividing assets and super to rebuilding savings and starting fresh.
Australian Tax Return Checklist 2026: Don't Miss These Deductions
Complete tax return checklist for the 2025-26 financial year. Every deduction category, income type to declare, and common items Australians miss when lodging their return.
Energy Bills 2026: Why Your Power Costs Just Jumped 32% (And What to Do)
Australian electricity bills have surged up to 32% since January 2026 after Government rebates ended and wholesale prices climbed. We break down average bills by state, explain what happened, and give you actionable steps to cut your power costs — including solar, plan switching, and hardship options.
Subscription Audit: How Australians Waste $2,400/Year on Forgotten Subscriptions
The average Australian spends $200/month on subscriptions — many forgotten or unused. Learn how to audit your subscriptions, negotiate discounts, and find free alternatives to save thousands.
Australian Tax Brackets 2025-26: Rates, Calculator & Stage 3 Cuts Explained
$85K salary = $20,432 tax + $1,700 Medicare levy. Full 2025-26 tax brackets after Stage 3 cuts, offsets, and how to calculate your bill.
How Much Should You Save Each Month? Australian Benchmarks by Income
Find out how much Australians at different income levels should be saving. Covers savings rate benchmarks, emergency funds, automated savings strategies, and the best high-interest accounts to maximise returns.
HECS-HELP Repayment Thresholds 2025-26: Rates, Indexation & Tips
Repayments kick in at $54,435 (1% = $544/yr). 2025-26 HECS-HELP thresholds, new indexation cap tied to wages, and strategies to manage your debt.
Fixed vs Variable Mortgage 2026: Which Should You Choose?
Fixed or variable in 2026? We compare current rates, analyse when fixing historically paid off, explain split loans and break costs, and give you a decision framework based on the RBA outlook and your risk tolerance.
Extra Into Super or Mortgage? Which Saves You More in 2026
$500/mo extra into super vs mortgage: one saves $180K in tax, the other $95K in interest. We run the 2026 numbers to help you decide.
Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards Australia 2026: 0% Offers Compared
Compare the best 0% balance transfer credit card offers in Australia for 2026. How they work, current deals up to 36 months interest-free, fees to watch, and traps to avoid.
Private Health Insurance Rebate 2025-26: Do You Need Private Cover?
Understand the private health insurance rebate, Medicare Levy Surcharge, and whether private health insurance is worth it in Australia for 2025-26. Includes income thresholds and rebate tiers.
First Home Buyer Grants & Schemes 2026: Every State Guide
$10,000-$30,000 in grants plus $0 stamp duty. Every 2026 first home buyer scheme: FHOG, Home Guarantee, Help to Buy, and state programs.
Average Credit Card Debt in Australia 2026: Stats, Interest & Payoff Strategies
Australian credit card debt statistics for 2026, including average balances, interest rates, the minimum payment trap, and proven strategies to pay off your cards faster.
Emergency Fund Australia: How Much You Need & Where to Keep It
$15,000-$30,000 covers 3-6 months for most households. How much emergency savings you really need, the best 5%+ accounts, and how to build it.
Aged Care Costs 2026: What You'll Actually Pay
Aged care in Australia involves a basic daily fee ($65.55/day), means-tested care fees, accommodation costs (RAD vs DAP), and home care packages. We break down every cost, explain the new Aged Care Act changes, and show what you'll actually pay.
How to Save on Insurance in Australia: Home, Car & Health in 2026
Save $500-$2,000/yr on premiums. Proven strategies to cut your home, car, and health insurance costs without losing the cover you actually need.
How to Get Out of Debt in Australia: Step-by-Step Guide for 2026
A practical, no-judgment guide to getting out of debt in Australia. Covers the snowball and avalanche methods, negotiating with creditors, debt agreements, free help from the National Debt Helpline, and when bankruptcy might be the right option.
Australian Inflation & Cost of Living 2026: What's Rising, What's Falling
Insurance up 16%, rent up 7%, but fuel down 12%. Australia's 2026 inflation breakdown: what's rising, what's falling, and what the RBA is doing.
Should You Cancel Private Health Insurance? The Real Cost in 2026
Thinking about dropping your private health cover? Here's the real financial impact — Medicare Levy Surcharge, Lifetime Health Cover loading, gap costs, and when cancelling actually makes sense.
Health Insurance Going Up April 2026: How Much More You'll Pay & How to Save
Private health insurance premiums are rising an average of 4.41% from April 2026. Here's exactly how much more you'll pay, which funds are increasing the most, and practical strategies to reduce your costs without losing the cover you need.
How to Save for a House Deposit in Australia: Practical Strategies
20% on $800K = $160K, but you can buy with just 5% ($40K). How long it takes to save a house deposit and government schemes to help.
Strata Fees Explained: What You Pay, What's Included & Red Flags
A complete guide to strata fees in Australia. Covers what they pay for, average costs by city, capital works vs admin funds, red flags in strata reports, and how strata affects your borrowing power.
Average Savings by Age Australia 2026: How Do You Compare?
How do your savings compare to other Australians? We break down median and average savings by age bracket from the 20s to the 60s, define what 'enough' looks like at each stage, and show how to catch up if you're behind.
Capital Gains Tax on Property in Australia: The Complete 2025-26 Guide
Understand how capital gains tax (CGT) works when you sell an investment property in Australia. Learn about the 50% CGT discount, exemptions, and how to calculate your CGT bill.
Super for Self-Employed & Sole Traders: Your Complete Guide
No employer super means $0 going in unless you do it yourself. Claim a full tax deduction on up to $30K/yr in contributions. Here's how.
EOFY Tax Planning Checklist 2026: 15 Things to Do Before June 30
Don't wait until July to think about tax. Here are 15 actionable strategies to reduce your 2025-26 tax bill before June 30, from super contributions to prepaying expenses and timing capital gains.
Investment Property Tax Deductions 2026: Everything You Can Claim
Complete guide to investment property tax deductions in Australia for 2026. Covers interest, depreciation (Div 40 & 43), property management fees, insurance, and common mistakes to avoid.
Best High Interest Savings Accounts Australia 2025-26 Compared
Best rates hit 5.35% in 2026 = $2,675/yr on $50K. We compare Australia's top high-interest savings accounts by rate, conditions, and bonus rules.
ABN & Sole Trader Tax Guide Australia: Everything You Need to Know
Claim $10,000+ in deductions from home office to vehicle costs. Starting as a sole trader? ABN, tax obligations, BAS, and deductions explained.
Should You Fix Your Mortgage in 2026? Fixed vs Variable Rate Analysis
With oil prices dropping and inflation easing, is now the time to fix your mortgage? Detailed pros and cons analysis of fixed vs variable rates in the current Australian market.
Division 293 Tax Explained: Extra Super Tax for High Income Earners
Extra 15% tax on super above $250,000 combined income. Division 293 could cost you $4,500 on a $30K contribution. How it works and what to do.
Tax on Investment Income in Australia: Shares, Property & Interest
$1,000 in franked dividends includes ~$430 tax already paid. How dividends, capital gains, rental income, and interest are taxed in Australia.
Buying Off the Plan in Australia: Risks, Benefits & What to Check
A comprehensive guide to buying off-the-plan property in Australia. Covers stamp duty savings, sunset clause risks, developer insolvency, valuation gaps, and cooling off periods by state.
First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS): How to Use Super for a Deposit
Withdraw up to $50,000 from super for your first home deposit. The FHSS scheme saves you $6,000-$10,000 in tax vs saving outside super.
Debt Consolidation in Australia: Pros, Cons & Is It Worth It?
Roll $20K across 3 cards at 20% into one 8% loan and save $2,400/yr in interest. When consolidation works and when it makes things worse.
First Home Owner Grant 2025-26: Eligibility & Amounts by State
Complete guide to the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) in every Australian state and territory for 2025-26. Check eligibility, grant amounts, and how to apply.
How to Compare Home Loans in Australia: 9 Things Beyond the Rate
0.5% rate difference = $180/mo on a $600K loan. Comparison rates, fees, offset accounts, and the features that actually matter when choosing.
How Is Redundancy Pay Taxed in Australia? Genuine vs Non-Genuine Explained
First $12,524 is tax-free plus $6,264 per year of service. How genuine redundancy tax treatment works, ETP rules, and your entitlements.
Buying vs Renting in Australia 2025-26: Which Is Actually Cheaper?
$600/wk rent vs $4,000/mo mortgage on the same property. We crunch buying vs renting in every major Australian city. The answer depends on where.
Should You Refinance Your Mortgage in 2026? A Step-by-Step Guide
A step-by-step guide to refinancing your home loan in 2026. Covers when it makes sense, break costs, comparison rates vs headline rates, cashback traps, and what banks look for.
Salary Sacrifice Into Super: How It Works & How Much You Save
Save $3,000-$6,000/yr in tax by salary sacrificing into super. $30K concessional cap, how to set it up, and whether it suits your situation.
Help to Buy Scheme 2026: Government Pays Up to 40% of Your Home — Full Guide
The Help to Buy shared equity scheme lets the government buy up to 40% of a new home or 30% of an existing home with you. Here's how it works, eligibility criteria, property price caps, and how to apply.
Offset Account vs Redraw Facility: Which Saves You More?
$50K in offset saves ~$3,250/yr on a 6.5% mortgage. Offset vs redraw: how each works, tax traps for investors, and which suits your situation.
Medicare Levy & Surcharge Explained: Who Pays & How to Avoid It
2% of taxable income = $1,700 on $85K. Plus up to 1.5% surcharge without private health. Medicare levy thresholds and exemptions explained.
How to Pay Off Credit Card Debt Fast in Australia (7 Proven Methods)
Average Aussie card debt is $3,200 at 20% interest = $640/yr wasted. 7 strategies from balance transfers to avalanche method to get debt-free.
LMI Explained: What Is Lenders Mortgage Insurance & How to Avoid It
LMI on a 90% LVR costs $8,000-$15,000 on a $600K loan. How lenders mortgage insurance works, what triggers it, and smart ways to avoid it.
How Much Super Should I Have at 30, 40, 50? Average Super Balance by Age
Compare your superannuation balance to the Australian average by age. See benchmarks for 30, 40, 50, and 60 year olds, plus strategies to catch up if you're behind.
Property Investment for Beginners Australia 2026: Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about property investment in Australia in 2026. Covers location selection, negative gearing, tax deductions, LMI, tenant management, and SMSF property.
Tax Deductions You Can Claim in Australia 2025-26: The Full List
WFH claims alone can add $1,500-$2,500 to your refund. Every tax deduction for Australian employees: car, uniform, tools, education, and more.
First Home Buyer Grants & Schemes in Australia 2025-26 (Every State)
Up to $30,000 in grants plus $0 stamp duty in most states. Every first home buyer scheme in Australia by state, updated for 2025-26.
The 50/30/20 Budget Rule Explained: A Simple Way to Manage Your Money
On $85K take-home: $3,400/mo needs, $2,040 wants, $1,360 savings. How to apply the 50/30/20 budget rule on an Australian salary.
Stamp Duty in Victoria 2025-26: Rates, Concessions & Changes
$44,000+ on a $800K VIC property. First home buyers save up to $33,250 on homes under $600K. Full Victorian stamp duty rates and concessions.
Super Guarantee Rate 2025-26: What 12% SG Means for Your Pay
12% of your salary = $8,400 on $70K or $12,000 on $100K. How the super guarantee rate affects your pay, employer obligations, and retirement.
Australian Tax Brackets 2025-26: Rates, Thresholds & How Much You'll Pay
0% up to $18,200, then 16% to $45K, 30% to $135K. Full 2025-26 tax brackets after Stage 3 cuts, with take-home pay at every salary level.