6 ways to simplify your finances
Let’s face it – managing money can often feel like a juggling act. But it doesn’t have to be that way! With a few smart moves, you can streamline your finances and make them work for you instead of against you. So if you’re ready to cut through the clutter? Here are 6 easy ways to simplify your financial life.
1. Consolidate your accounts
Having multiple bank accounts, credit cards, and loan products can make managing your money feel like a full-time job. Consider consolidating your accounts wherever possible. Move everything into one or two savings and everyday bank accounts with the best interest rates and lowest fees. Not only will this save you time, but you’ll also be able to see your financial picture at a glance.
2. Automate your bills and savings
Why waste time chasing due dates and minimum payments when you can set up autopilot? Automating your bill payments means you’ll never miss a deadline (or pay a late fee) again. Plus, consider setting up an automatic transfer to your savings account every pay day. Out of sight, out of mind, and before you know it, you’ve built a tidy little nest egg.
3. Trim your subscriptions and memberships
It’s easy to sign up for a free trial, but harder to keep track of those monthly charges when they start rolling in. Take a closer look at your subscriptions – streaming services like Binge, gym memberships, meal kits like Youfoodz and cancel anything you’re not using regularly. You might be surprised at how much you’re spending on things you don’t actually need.
4. Go digital and ditch the paper
If your dining table is buried under a mountain of unopened bank statements and bills, it’s time to go paperless. Most financial institutions now offer digital statements, which means less clutter and more trees saved! Plus, you can access your financial history anytime, anywhere.
5. Create a budget you can stick to
It’s the 'B' word nobody wants to talk about, but a budget is the backbone of a simplified financial life. And it doesn’t have to be complicated! Start by categorising your expenses; think essentials like rent and groceries, fun stuff like entertainment, and the occasional splurge. Set realistic limits and check in regularly to make sure you’re on track. The 50/30/20 rule is a great way to start budgeting. Allocate 50% of your income to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings or debt repayment.
6. Pay down high-interest debt first
Debt can feel like a heavy weight on your shoulders you carry around all day, every day. Lighten the load by focusing on paying off high-interest debts first, like credit cards and personal loans. Once you knock out those high-interest balances, you’ll have more cash flow to tackle other financial goals. Consider transferring your debt to a low or 0% balance transfer credit card, giving you a chance to pay down the balance faster.
Simplifying your finances doesn’t have to mean living a no-fun lifestyle. By consolidating, automating, and trimming the fat, you’ll find yourself with more time, less stress, and maybe even a few extra dollars in your pocket.
Compare savings accounts to help you get ahead
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Savings Account
5.35% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)
4.75% p.a.(for $0 to $1,000,000)
Yes up to $250,000
Bonus variable rate is available for the first 4 months.
Enjoy a high interest savings account with no account keeping fees to pay. Save up to 10% on eGift cards at over 50 retailers with Macquarie Marketplace. Multiple 2024 Mozo Experts Choice Award winner.
CompareCompareSavings Account
Enjoy a high interest savings account with no account keeping fees to pay. Save up to 10% on eGift cards at over 50 retailers with Macquarie Marketplace. Multiple 2024 Mozo Experts Choice Award winner.
- Maximum rate
- 5.35% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)
- standard interest rate
- 4.75% p.a.(for $0 to $1,000,000)
- Govt Deposit Guarantee
- Yes up to $250,000
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- Bonus variable rate is available for the first 4 months.
- Access
- BPay, Branch access, Phone banking, Internet banking
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
- Must have a Macquarie Transaction Account to link with.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Macquarie Savings Account
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Mozo experts choice awards won:
- High Interest Savings - 2024
Savings Maximiser
5.50% p.a. (for $0 to $100,000)
0.55% p.a.(for $0 and over)
Yes up to $250,000
Deposit $1,000 into a personal ING account, make 5 eligible transactions with a linked Orange Everyday account and grow the balance each month.
Great variable rate every month when you grow your balance each month in addition to other eligibility criteria. No ING fees to pay. Save even more with ING Everyday Round Up. Mozo Experts Choice Awards Everyday & Savings Bank of the Year winner for 2024.^
CompareCompareSavings Maximiser
Great variable rate every month when you grow your balance each month in addition to other eligibility criteria. No ING fees to pay. Save even more with ING Everyday Round Up. Mozo Experts Choice Awards Everyday & Savings Bank of the Year winner for 2024.^
- Maximum rate
- 5.50% p.a. (for $0 to $100,000)
- standard interest rate
- 0.55% p.a.(for $0 and over)
- Govt Deposit Guarantee
- Yes up to $250,000
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- For customers who deposit $1000 from an external source into a personal ING account (excluding Orange One and Living Super), make 5 eligible transactions and grow their nominated Savings Maximiser account each month so there is more in the account at the end of the month than there was at the start of each month (excluding interest). The total bonus interest rate is available on balances up to $100,000 on one Savings Maximiser the next month after meeting eligibility.
- Access
- Phone banking, Internet banking
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
- Must be linked to an Orange Everyday transaction account to receive the bonus rate. Where multiple Savings Maximiser Accounts are held, the bonus rate is only applied to one nominated account.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the ING Savings Maximiser
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MoneyMAX Account
No Current Offer
4.70% p.a.(for $1 and over)
Yes up to $250,000
Unlimited access 24/7 via Banking App, Phone & Internet Banking. Interest is calculated daily and paid monthly. No transaction fees or monthly service fees. No minimum balance or withdrawal restrictions. Online access only.
CompareCompareMoneyMAX Account
Unlimited access 24/7 via Banking App, Phone & Internet Banking. Interest is calculated daily and paid monthly. No transaction fees or monthly service fees. No minimum balance or withdrawal restrictions. Online access only.
- Maximum rate
- No Current Offer
- standard interest rate
- 4.70% p.a.(for $1 and over)
- Govt Deposit Guarantee
- Yes up to $250,000
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- n/a
- Access
- BPay, Internet banking
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
- Branch access for deposits only.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Unity Bank MoneyMAX Account
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Savings Accelerator
3.55% p.a. (for $0 to $50,000)
2.85% p.a.(for $0 to $50,000)
Yes up to $250,000
New customers receive an introductory bonus 0.70% p.a. variable kick starter rate for the first 4 months on balances up to $500,000.
Enjoy the flexibility to access your funds with no monthly deposit requirements or lock-in terms. No ING fees to pay. Mozo Experts Choice Awards Everyday & Savings Bank of the Year winner for 2024.^
CompareCompareSavings Accelerator
Enjoy the flexibility to access your funds with no monthly deposit requirements or lock-in terms. No ING fees to pay. Mozo Experts Choice Awards Everyday & Savings Bank of the Year winner for 2024.^
- Maximum rate
- 3.55% p.a. (for $0 to $50,000)
- standard interest rate
- 2.85% p.a.(for $0 to $50,000)
- Govt Deposit Guarantee
- Yes up to $250,000
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- New ING personal savings customers receive an introductory bonus 0.70% p.a. variable kick starter rate for the first 4 months on balances up to $500,000. Reverts to variable ongoing rate.
- Access
- Phone banking, Internet banking
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
- Must link to a transaction account
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the ING Savings Accelerator
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Life - 18-29 years old
5.20% p.a. (for $0 to $30,000)
1.85% p.a.(for $0 and over)
Yes up to $250,000
Make 5 eligible card purchases per month with a linked Westpac Choice account, make one deposit and grow the balance each month.
Are you 18 - 29 years of age? Earn up to a generous variable interest rate on your savings when you spend and save with Westpac. For individuals aged 18 to 29 on Westpac Life account balances up to $30,000.
CompareCompareLife - 18-29 years old
Are you 18 - 29 years of age? Earn up to a generous variable interest rate on your savings when you spend and save with Westpac. For individuals aged 18 to 29 on Westpac Life account balances up to $30,000.
- Maximum rate
- 5.20% p.a. (for $0 to $30,000)
- standard interest rate
- 1.85% p.a.(for $0 and over)
- Govt Deposit Guarantee
- Yes up to $250,000
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- Make 5 eligible card purchases per month with a Westpac Choice account and min 1 deposit and higher balance than at the beginning of the month in Life savings account.
- Access
- Branch access, Phone banking, Internet banking
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
- Must hold a Westpac Choice transaction account. If 5 eligible card purchases are made each month, but savings account balance has not increased, a 2.00% interest rate still applies.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Westpac Life - 18-29 years old
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^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Savings Account Awards
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