How to manage your side hustle money & maximise your earnings

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 - last updated 5 May 2024

Search promoted savings accounts below or do a full Mozo database search. Advertiser disclosure
  • 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 . Receive the maximum rate when you grow your balance by at least $200 each month. No Account keeping fees. No minimum balance.

    Compare
    Details
  • 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 four months.

    Competitive introductory variable rate for first 4 months (on deposits up to $250,000). No account keeping fees to pay. Multiple 2023 Mozo Experts Choice Award winner.

    Compare
    Details
  • 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.

    Compare
    Details
  • Savings+Bonus

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

    2.00% p.a.(for $0 to $250,000)

    Yes up to $250,000

    Minimum $100 monthly deposit and no withdrawals to earn bonus interest each month.

    Earn a generous interest rate on your at-call savings (T&Cs apply). Interest is calculated daily and paid to you monthly. A $5 monthly membership fee will not apply if your total account balances with First Option Bank exceed $1,000 or you have a credit card or loan with the bank.

    Compare
    Details
  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    AMP Saver Account

    5.40% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)

    1.20% p.a.(for $0 to $5,000,000)

    Yes up to $250,000

    Enjoy a bonus rate when you deposit at least $1000 per month with the AMP Saver Account.

    No account fees. Unlimited transactions when linked to an AMP Bank transaction account. Easy online access to your money. Option to link your savings account to an everyday transaction account. 2024 Mozo Experts Choice Award winner.

    Compare
    Details

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Savings Account Awards

Mozo provides general product information. We don't consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and we aren't recommending any specific product to you. You should make your own decision after reading the PDS or offer documentation, or seeking independent advice.

While we pride ourselves on covering a wide range of products, we don't cover every product in the market. If you decide to apply for a product through our website, you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product and not with Mozo.