Aussie Finance Blog

Australian personal finance news, tips and advices.

Separating Work and Personal Life When Working from Home

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When you work from home and the same space is used as an office and living quarters, your work life and home life mix seamlessly, and it is near impossible to effect a work-life balance that works for you.

Yet working from home is the new normal in our digital business world. As such, more registered trademarks are leveraging its benefits to drive their objectives, and the regular office environment will soon become part of the past. ... (read more)

Calling in Sick When Working from Home

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Posted updated on 16 December 2024.

30-seconds Quick Summary

  • Recognise the Importance of Sick Leave: Taking sick leave when unwell is vital for personal health and maintaining productivity.
  • Understand Legal Rights: Australian employees are entitled to sick leave, even when working from home.
  • Maintain Professional Communication: Inform your employer promptly and professionally when taking sick leave.
  • Avoid Working While Ill: Working during illness can hinder recovery and reduce work quality.
  • Foster a Supportive Work Environment: Encourage open discussions about health to promote a healthy workplace culture.

As we move through 2024, remote work continues to evolve. Many businesses have embraced hybrid models, blending remote and in-office work. Enhanced collaboration platforms, AI tools, and shifting work cultures have redefined how employees take sick days.

Naturally, calling in sick shouldn’t be a big deal. But the nature of the modern workplace has changed. Working remotely is the way businesses have adapted to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. ... (read more)

5 Cost Effective Tips To Optimise Your Work from Home Performance

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Due to the pandemic, more employees have recently switched to a work-from-home setup. Many companies, however, didn’t have the time to organise their new remote work system or plan how to manage and handle various tasks and projects while functioning in an online-only environment. The work-from-home arrangement is new for both companies and employees. Many are also still adapting to this setup while looking for strategies to maintain and improve productivity.  ... (read more)

Money Transfer Services in Australia: Finding the Cheapest Rates for International Payments

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International money transfers are an increasingly important aspect of the global economy. With the pandemic forcing people to work from home, along with the rise in remote working and freelancing, even small businesses are reliant on international money transfers.

Once borders open up again, it’s easy to see how the growth of digital nomading, remote work, and globalisation in general is meaning that the overseas remittance market is ever-expanding. ... (read more)

3 Ways to Get the Best Personal Loan

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Personal loans are in great demand by the Aussie public – just look at the figures.

This year, August saw $391 million worth of loans for personal investment (which doesn’t include property!) get approved – the highest that figure has been since way back in the middle of 2015.

If you’re one of the thousands of Aussies looking at taking on a personal loan this year, here’s 3 ways you can get the best deal for the buck. ... (read more)

How to Improve Your Student Finances with a Personal Budget

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Uni life taking its toll? If you seem chronically short of cash and struggling to pay for rent or groceries each week, you need a budget. A student’s finances won’t be princely sums to begin with, especially since we can’t work full-time amid our studies; but we can make our student finances stretch a bit further with some clever budgeting and some other financial tips.

Debt isn’t always bad: student loans for investing in yourself ... (read more)

What Is a Bank Overdraft Used For

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Australians have a lot of financial obligations to keep track of. It’s not uncommon for a person to hold a dozen accounts with banks, lenders, service and utilities providers, clubs, retailers and more. Keeping financially afloat while the coffers are constantly diminishing is a wearying prospect, and the ongoing pressure of debt is a sign that things need to change. Loose spending and over-commitment can be reined in, but staying on top of finances requires a consistent and balanced approach. Often overlooked as a solution, a bank overdraft can provide smoother sailing for those who need to weather a financial storm.

The safety net of a bank overdraft provides peace of mind. Fluctuating fortunes can be balanced by using a bank overdraft for flexible access to money when it’s needed. When managed properly, an overdraft can provide leeway during times when money is short, with the account again replenished during more lucrative times. With an overdraft, funds are readily available, unlike other loan arrangements that lock borrowers in with rigid terms and conditions. Overdrafts have utility for both short and long term financial advantage when used wisely.

Advantages of a bank overdraft

A bank overdraft allows the withdrawal of funds in excess of the account balance. There are fees and interest involved, so understanding the advantages and disadvantages of a bank overdraft is essential to use it effectively. A history of responsible money management and a reliable income stream (or inconsistent but adequate earnings) are needed to access an overdraft facility. When used wisely, an overdraft can assist a person of average means to remain on top of finances, always having money on hand when required. There are quite a few bank overdraft facility advantages worth considering.

  • Timing the flow of funds is particularly useful for plugging cash flow gaps. Paying bills, clients and even employees can be difficult when expenses temporarily outpace income. Using an overdraft, it’s business as usual, without unwanted financial headaches and distractions.
  • Flexible bank overdraft arrangements mean the money is on hand whenever you need it. Interest is only paid on money used, so the overdraft facility can remain untouched and interest-free until needed. Flexible arrangements facilitate short-term and long-term overdrafts for meeting personal financial obligations and retaining composure even during occasional financial upheavals.
  • Late payment fees are an unwanted and unnecessary expense that way too many people experience on a regular basis. A bank overdraft facility will automatically make timely payments to business and service providers even when there is no balance in your account. Developing a relationship of trust and reliability with your bank results in financial give-and-take for everyone’s benefit.
  • Financial leverage is attained by accumulation of wealth, equity, and a good payment and credit history. A bank overdraft will ensure your credit record remains clean, while also helping you avoid embarrassing situations where a miscalculated bank balance leaves you short of ready cash.
  • Interest repayments on a bank overdraft are often minimal compared to other loans. With an overdraft, interest is only paid on funds utilised, whereas other loan arrangements demand regular and fixed monthly interest repayments.

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    How to Save on Electricity During Summer

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    Australia is known for the hottest summers in the world. Sadly, these summers are not just bound to get even warmer, thanks to climate change – they’re projected to become twice as long as the winter season too.

    This year alone, temperatures are expected to break record highs. You’ll need to make the necessary preparations to keep you and your family cool for the summer months. But with electricity costs skyrocketing, how can you stave off the heat without breaking the bank over your electric bill? ... (read more)

    Debit Vs Credit? Which do Australians Prefer

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    Credit and debit cards have been in existence for decades and provide a familiar and convenient way to pay. The question is though, with the dash from cash, accelerated by Covid-19, what are the preferences of today’s Australian consumers when choosing between these two options? And what are the differences between debit and credit card protection?

    To begin, we will explore the credit and debit card landscape in Australia. ... (read more)

    Strategies for a Fun but Frugal Christmas

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    A growing number of Australians believe that it’s about time for people to stop feeling pressured about gift-giving. This year, they’re reducing the budget they’re allotting for presents and are opting to celebrate the Christmas season for what it’s truly about. 

    You can still have a fun Christmas even if you haven’t saved a lot of money for Christmas shopping. After all, how you spend the holiday with your loved ones can be more memorable than any of the gift they might receive. ... (read more)