How to manage your side hustle money & maximise your earnings

By Cameron Thomson · · 2 min read
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Have you been making some extra cash on the side, but you’re not too sure how to manage it? Well, you might not be alone as according to new research from GoDaddy, the average Aussie side hustle generates over $21,000 a year.

So, on top of your regular job, you’re probably wondering—how do you actually get that money working for you?

The best thing about having a lot of extra income isn’t splurging out (although a few of you might disagree), but actually giving yourself more breathing room. It’s good to always remember that money is a tool, and having a full belt is pretty handy.

Budget your expenses and side income 

So, if you haven’t already, make a budget so that you can figure out your total income and expenses. That way, you’ll know where your money vacuums are and you’ll be able to cut them back to more manageable levels. 

Another advantage to cutting discretionary spending is that, alongside all that side hustle money, you can make sure that you’ve got plenty going into savings, loan repayments, or whatever else you might have elected to funnel your money into.

Consider a high-interest savings account

Once you have a good handle on what you’re income and expenses are, it’s time to actually get that spare cash actually working for you. Most people don’t actively search for the best savings account they can get. But by searching you can set yourself up ahead of a lot of other savers.

One of the best kinds of savings accounts you can have is a high-interest savings account. To reap the full benefits of these accounts, you’ll usually need to meet certain conditions—this is known as a bonus rate. Some conditions are fairly simple, however, with some only requiring regular transactions or deposits.

Set financial goals for savings

It’s important to know what you’re saving your money for, and setting goals to save towards can help keep you motivated to stash away your cash every paycheck. You also don’t have to set grand goals or only one singular goal -  there are loads of ways of going about it.

Short-term or smaller goals you can set can be as simple as saving towards an emergency fund or a deposit for a car. Longer-term goals can be as big as a home deposit or simply building a nest egg of savings for retirement. 

Ready to get saving towards your goal with a high-interest savings account, but you don’t know which one you should use? At Mozo, we have dozens of savings account providers for you to compare so that you can get the account that works best for you.

Savings account comparisons on Mozo

Mozo may receive payment if you click the products below. We don’t compare the entire market, but you can search our database of 274 savings accounts.
Last updated 27 July 2024 Important disclosures
  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    Savings Maximiser

    5.50% p.a. (for $0 to $100,000)

    0.55% p.a.(for $0 and over)

    Yes up to $250,000

    For customers who have an Orange Everyday account, deposit $1000 into a personal ING account, make 5 eligible transactions and grow their nominated Savings Maximiser account 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.^

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  • Reward Saver Account

    5.25% p.a. (for $0 to $1,000,000)

    0% p.a.(for $0 and over)

    Yes up to $250,000

    Intro bonus rate of 5.25% for balances up to $1,000,000 for the first 4 months, reverting to 3.25%. Minimum deposit of $50 and no withdrawals.

    Introductory bonus rate for balances up to $1,000,000 for the first 4 months. Minimum deposit of $50 and no withdrawals. Start your account online in under 10 minutes and earn interest on balances up to $1,000,000 (T&Cs apply). No monthly account fees, helping you save smarter and faster.

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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.

    Competitive introductory variable rate for first 4 months (on deposits up to $250,000). No account keeping fees to pay. Multiple 2024 Mozo Experts Choice Award winner.

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  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    High Interest Savings Account

    5.75% p.a. (for $0 to $250,001)

    4.40% p.a.(for $0 to $250,001)

    Yes up to $250,000

    Bonus rate for the first 4 months from account opening

    Reward yourself with a higher rate for your good savings habits with the Rabobank High Interest Savings Account. No Account keeping fees. No minimum balance. Support Aussie farmers with every dollar you save.

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  • Bonus Saver Account

    5.00% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)

    0.05% p.a.(for $0 and over)

    Yes up to $250,000

    Bonus rate when at least $20 is deposited each month and five Visa Debit transactions are made each month using linked Glide transaction account.

    Start saving and earn interest with just a $20 deposit and make 5 eligible transactions each month. No fees or penalties for withdrawing money.

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^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Savings Account Awards

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