SavingsMate

Blog

Plain-English articles on Australian personal finance — tax, super, property, savings, and more.

5 January 2026

Stamp Duty in NSW 2025-26: Rates, Exemptions & Calculator

Complete guide to NSW stamp duty rates for 2025-26. Find out what you'll pay, first home buyer exemptions, and how the property tax option works.

8 January 2026

Stamp Duty in Victoria 2025-26: Rates, Concessions & Changes

How much stamp duty will you pay in Victoria? Full breakdown of VIC transfer duty rates, first home buyer concessions, and off-the-plan savings.

10 January 2026

Stamp Duty in Queensland 2025-26: Rates, Thresholds & Exemptions

Everything you need to know about QLD transfer duty. Current rates, first home concessions, and how foreign buyers pay extra surcharges.

13 January 2026

First Home Buyer Grants & Schemes in Australia 2025-26 (Every State)

Complete guide to every first home buyer grant, stamp duty concession, and government scheme available in Australia right now by state.

16 January 2026

How Much Can I Borrow? Australian Home Loan Borrowing Power Explained

Find out how banks calculate your borrowing power in Australia. We break down income, expenses, HEM, and the 3% serviceability buffer.

19 January 2026

LMI Explained: What Is Lenders Mortgage Insurance & How to Avoid It

Lenders mortgage insurance can cost you tens of thousands. Learn how LMI works, what triggers it, and the strategies to avoid paying it.

22 January 2026

Negative Gearing Explained: How It Works in Australia (2025-26)

Understand how negative gearing works, its tax benefits for property investors, and why it remains a hot political issue in Australia.

25 January 2026

Offset Account vs Redraw Facility: Which Saves You More?

Offset and redraw both reduce your mortgage interest, but they work differently. Here is which one suits your situation and why it matters.

28 January 2026

Capital Gains Tax on Property in Australia: The Complete Guide

How CGT applies when you sell an investment property, the 50% discount, main residence exemption, and six-year absence rule explained.

31 January 2026

Buying vs Renting in Australia 2025-26: Which Is Actually Cheaper?

We crunch the numbers on buying vs renting in major Australian cities. The answer might surprise you depending on where you live.

2 February 2026

Rental Yield Explained: How to Calculate & What's a Good Return

Learn how to calculate gross and net rental yield on investment property, plus what yields to target across Australian capital cities.

4 February 2026

How to Compare Home Loans in Australia: 9 Things Beyond the Rate

Interest rate is just the start. Learn about comparison rates, fees, offset accounts, and features that actually matter when choosing a loan.

6 February 2026

Stamp Duty in WA, SA & Tasmania 2025-26: Rates & Concessions

Transfer duty rates and first home buyer concessions for Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania in one handy guide.

8 February 2026

First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS): How to Use Super for a Deposit

The FHSS scheme lets you save up to $50,000 inside super for your first home deposit. Here is exactly how it works and how to apply.

10 February 2026

Property Investment in Australia: A Beginner's Guide for 2025-26

Thinking about buying an investment property? This guide covers financing, tax benefits, risks, and what to look for in your first purchase.

6 January 2026

Australian Tax Brackets 2025-26: Rates, Thresholds & How Much You'll Pay

Full breakdown of Australian income tax brackets for 2025-26 including the Stage 3 tax cuts, PAYG tables, and take-home pay examples.

12 January 2026

How to Lodge Your Tax Return in Australia 2025-26 (Step-by-Step)

A step-by-step guide to lodging your Australian tax return through myTax, including deadlines, what you need, and common mistakes to avoid.

15 January 2026

Tax Deductions You Can Claim in Australia 2025-26: The Full List

Maximise your tax refund with this comprehensive list of deductions for employees, including work-from-home, car, uniform, and education expenses.

20 January 2026

HECS-HELP Repayment Thresholds 2025-26: When & How Much You Repay

Current HECS-HELP repayment thresholds, rates, and indexation rules. Find out when repayments start and how to reduce your student debt faster.

24 January 2026

Medicare Levy & Surcharge Explained: Who Pays & How to Avoid It

Understand the 2% Medicare levy, the surcharge for high earners without private health, and the income thresholds that determine what you pay.

29 January 2026

GST for Small Business Australia: Registration, BAS & Compliance Guide

Do you need to register for GST? Learn the $75K threshold, how to lodge BAS, and what expenses you can claim GST credits on.

1 February 2026

How Is Redundancy Pay Taxed in Australia? Genuine vs Non-Genuine Explained

Redundancy pay gets special tax treatment if it qualifies as genuine. Learn the tax-free limits, ETP rules, and how to check your entitlements.

5 February 2026

Salary Packaging in Australia: How It Works & Is It Worth It?

Salary packaging can save you thousands in tax, especially in not-for-profit and healthcare. Here is how it works and who benefits most.

9 February 2026

Tax on Investment Income in Australia: Shares, Property & Interest

How dividends, capital gains, rental income, and interest are taxed in Australia. Includes franking credits, CGT discount, and reporting tips.

12 February 2026

Working from Home Tax Deductions Australia 2025-26: What You Can Claim

The ATO's revised fixed rate method for WFH deductions explained. What you can claim, records you need, and how to maximise your refund.

15 February 2026

ABN & Sole Trader Tax Guide Australia: Everything You Need to Know

Starting as a sole trader? Learn about ABN registration, tax obligations, deductions, and quarterly BAS requirements in this complete guide.

18 February 2026

Crypto Tax in Australia 2025-26: How the ATO Taxes Cryptocurrency

The ATO is watching. Learn how Bitcoin and other crypto is taxed in Australia, including CGT events, DeFi, staking, and record-keeping rules.

7 January 2026

Super Guarantee Rate 2025-26: What 12% SG Means for Your Pay

The super guarantee rate is 12% for 2025-26. Here is how it affects your take-home pay, employer obligations, and retirement savings.

18 January 2026

How Much Super Do I Need to Retire Comfortably in Australia?

ASFA says couples need $690K for a comfortable retirement. We break down the numbers by age, lifestyle, and whether the Age Pension helps.

27 January 2026

Salary Sacrifice Into Super: How It Works & How Much You Save

Salary sacrificing into super can save you thousands in tax. Learn the concessional cap, how to set it up, and whether it is right for you.

3 February 2026

Super Co-Contribution Explained: Get Up to $500 Free from the Government

Earn under $60,400? The government will match your after-tax super contribution up to $500. Here is how the co-contribution scheme works.

11 February 2026

Division 293 Tax Explained: Extra Super Tax for High Income Earners

Earning over $250,000? Division 293 means you pay an extra 15% tax on your super contributions. Learn how it works and how to manage it.

16 February 2026

How to Choose a Super Fund in Australia: What Actually Matters

Fees, investment options, insurance, and performance. A practical guide to comparing super funds and picking the right one for your situation.

20 February 2026

Super for Self-Employed & Sole Traders: Your Complete Guide

Self-employed Australians don't get employer super. Learn how to make your own contributions, claim the tax deduction, and plan for retirement.

24 February 2026

Can You Access Super Early? Conditions of Release Explained (Australia)

Find out when you can legally access your super early, including severe financial hardship, compassionate grounds, and terminal illness.

9 January 2026

The 50/30/20 Budget Rule Explained: A Simple Way to Manage Your Money

The 50/30/20 rule splits your income into needs, wants, and savings. Learn how to apply it on an Australian salary with practical examples.

14 January 2026

Emergency Fund Guide: How Much to Save & Where to Keep It

Most experts say 3-6 months of expenses. We show you exactly how to calculate your number and the best high-interest accounts to park it in.

21 January 2026

How to Pay Off Credit Card Debt Fast in Australia (7 Proven Methods)

Drowning in credit card debt? These 7 strategies, from balance transfers to the avalanche method, can help you become debt-free sooner.

26 January 2026

Personal Loan vs Credit Card: Which Is Better for Your Situation?

Comparing interest rates, fees, and repayment structures. When a personal loan beats a credit card and when the card actually wins.

7 February 2026

Debt Consolidation in Australia: Pros, Cons & Is It Worth It?

Debt consolidation rolls multiple debts into one loan. Find out when it genuinely saves you money and when it can make things worse.

13 February 2026

Compound Interest Explained: How Your Money Grows (with Examples)

Albert Einstein called it the eighth wonder of the world. Learn how compound interest works and see the dramatic effect of starting early.

17 February 2026

Best High Interest Savings Accounts Australia 2025-26 Compared

We compare the top high-interest savings accounts in Australia by rate, conditions, and bonus interest requirements to find the best deal.

21 February 2026

Cost of Living by City in Australia 2025-26: Sydney vs Melbourne vs Brisbane

How much does it cost to live in Australia's major cities? Rent, groceries, transport, and utilities compared across Sydney, Melbourne, and more.

25 February 2026

How to Save for a House Deposit in Australia: Practical Strategies

How much deposit do you need and how long will it take? Realistic savings strategies, government schemes, and ways to fast-track your goal.

1 March 2026

25 Side Hustle Ideas in Australia: Earn Extra Money in 2025-26

Looking to boost your income? These 25 side hustles are proven money-earners in Australia, from freelancing to flipping to content creation.

11 January 2026

Youth Allowance 2025-26: Eligibility, Rates & How to Apply

Are you eligible for Youth Allowance? Current payment rates, income and assets tests, and a step-by-step guide to applying through myGov.

14 February 2026

JobSeeker Payment 2025-26: Rates, Eligibility & Mutual Obligations

Current JobSeeker payment rates, who is eligible, income test thresholds, and what mutual obligations you need to meet to keep your payment.

19 February 2026

Age Pension Australia 2025-26: Rates, Eligibility & Income Test

Everything you need to know about the Australian Age Pension, including current fortnightly rates, qualifying age, and the income and assets tests.

23 February 2026

Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Explained: Part A, Part B & How Much You Get

Family Tax Benefit provides fortnightly payments to help with the cost of raising children. Learn about Part A, Part B, income limits, and rates.

5 March 2026

Centrelink Income Test Explained: How Your Payment Is Calculated

The income test determines how much your Centrelink payment is reduced. Learn the free areas, taper rates, and how partnered income affects you.