Do you want to become a successful real estate investor? If so, you have come to the right place. This guide will talk you through the things you need to know, so you can make sure that you are making quality decisions that go on to benefit you for years to come.

Know your Stuff

One of the first things you need to do is make sure that you know your stuff. You need to understand a lot of real estate terminology, and you also need to know about how things work. Your cash flow, for example, is generated by the property, minus all of the operating costs and general expenses. Real estate is often a big investment as well, so you need to do your research, and you also need to review your documentation. This is called doing your due diligence.  When you buy an investment property, you need to make sure that you know rules like this, as it could end up impacting your property and your investment overall. You might also want to look into how you are going to rent a property and how you are going to lease it and get the money from it. If you want to buy a property as part of your investment strategy, then you should also take the time to understand different types of homes and mortgages as well. If you can do this, then you will find it easier to look into your options.

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Make Long-Term Decisions

Real estate investment is a very popular pursuit that a lot of people are looking into right now. This means you need to be fast if you want to be able to jump on opportunities as they arise. Having a strong presence on social media will help a lot here, but at the same time, you will also want to take steps to network with other people. It may be a good idea for you to rent your property so you can sell when you are ready. On top of this, you might also want to find out how you are going to buy the property. Do you intend to go through an auction? Or are you going to look into things like buying through the market? Either way, having the right kind of connections will help you a lot here. If you need some help with your investment, then it’s a good idea to go through a service like The Goodrich Group.

Soft Skills

If you want to do well in the property business, then you also need to make sure that you have the right soft skills. You will spend a lot of time interacting with other people at the end of the day, so you need to understand how to talk to people and how to diffuse issues. If you can do this, then you will soon find that it is easier for you to get the result you need. You also need to be willing to adapt and know how to navigate tough circumstances.

If you’re looking to get financially independent, then launching your very own business can offer you a much better chance than working for someone else. The internet has made it much easier to start a business than ever, but despite the ease of getting one up and running, it can come with some challenges that need to be figured out, as well. Here, we’re going to look at some of those often unexpected challenges and what you can do to get over them.

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Cash Flow Can Be Unpredictable

For traditional brick-and-mortar businesses, their proximity and location often guarantee some degree of sales, be it from walk-in traffic or contracting with local clients. Online businesses do not have any assurances of visibility, so they can have fluctuating income. This can include sales that spike during launches, holidays, or ad campaigns, but drop after, or subscription cancellations. A lot of digital products are cyclical, moving between feast and famine. As such, long-term planning and budgeting can be harder while you still have to keep up with hosting, software, and advertising expenses. To stay stable, online entrepreneurs need to build a cash buffer, forecast conservatively, and monitor burn rates. One slow month shouldn’t sink your operations, but many entrepreneurs overlook this early on.

Tech Issues Are A Chronic Concern

If the very nature of your business is online and digital, then it should stand to reason that any tech issues can cause business interruptions. Whether it’s something as seemingly minor as a broken link or something as major as a software update crashing your site, these can be a serious hassle. Even fully managed platforms have constant updates that can cause third-party tools to stop working overnight. As such, it’s important that you’re able to take steps to address these issues quickly or work with someone who is able to in order to keep your online business up and running. Relying on agencies or freelancers can become prohibitively costly, so it’s often wiser to have your tech guru as part of the company.

Financial Providers Can Be A Problem

You might think that online business is so established that you would have no problem getting your transactions through, but a lot of business owners get surprised when they find their funds frozen or payments delayed. Unfortunately, a lot of traditional providers, such as banks and even the bigger online providers, can find your business high risk, especially if you’re in an industry that has a high chargeback rate. As such, working with a high-risk merchant account is often recommended, as having your funds held, even for a few weeks, can be devastating to your cash flow. It’s critical to read your provider’s terms, diversify payment options, and keep a close eye on disputes. Communicate clearly with customers, and use contracts or disclaimers when necessary.

There’s A Lot Of Competition

As easy as it is to start an online business, you’re soon going to find that many markets are already quite saturated. If you’re selling products, courses, consultation services, or otherwise, you’re going to find plenty of others doing the same after having hopped over the low barrier to entry. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re going to be hard to outcompete, but it’s not just the quality of your offerings but the strategic positioning and marketing that matters, as well. As such, it’s wise to set aside a budget and find a digital marketing agency that specializes in what your business does, to make sure that your quality is able to get the platform and visibility it deserves.

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The Burnout Is Real

Business owners, in general, have to get used to wearing a lot of hats. Many of them work in marketing, customer service, design, accounting, and more, especially in the early stages. This can be even more true in an online business, where outreach and tech management require a lot more work. This all-in-one role can quickly lead to burnout. Constant context-switching reduces productivity and makes it hard to scale. It’s common to feel overwhelmed and stuck putting out fires rather than being able to focus your efforts on strategic growth. Finding the right automation tools, outsourcing strategically, and setting boundaries can help you manage your work-life balance a little better.

It Takes Time To Build Trust

People are skeptical when they encounter businesses online, especially if those businesses are exclusively online. It’s natural that customers would hesitate to buy from brands or websites they don’t know, given the frequency of scams online. As such, you should be ready to put more work into building trust while conversions start off slow initially. You should work to build up reviews, testimonials, and social proof (such as good word-of-mouth), while putting trust-building measures like refund policies and trust badges in place and visible on your site. The challenge is that trust builds slowly, but bills come fast. To bridge that gap, use guarantees, honest marketing, and consistent branding. Above everything else, do not break trust. It is your primary currency online, and if a public scandal hits, it can tank your entire business.

The Many Gray Areas

Online businesses often have to deal with rather complex legal and regulatory issues, especially if they operate across different territories and jurisdictions. Questions such as how you collect sales tax when selling online and which data privacy laws you need to comply with can easily trip you up. It’s easy to violate policies without even being aware that this is what you’re doing. As such, you should try to get in touch with a business lawyer as soon as possible, especially if your business is growing and trading overseas. That way, you can make sure that you’re sticking to best practices as best as possible.

Is it still worth it to launch an online business despite the many challenges above? That depends on how strong your business idea is. If there’s real profit to be made there, then the answer is certainly “yes.” However, you shouldn’t let any of the problems above blindside you.

The internet is a wonderful place as much as it is a terrifying one. You always hear horror stories about people using the internet, how they have struggled with it, and the problems that have occurred because of it. But, we want to focus on more positive experiences today, which is why we’re going to be talking about how you can use the internet to make some more money!

If you’re struggling for cash right now, or you have found that you would like to be a little more comfortable than you currently are, then the internet can help you out. There are so many options, and we’re going to be focusing on a few to get you started. Have we piqued your interest? We hope so.

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Start A Blog

The first option that we’re going to be looking at is starting a blog! While it takes some time to generate income from a blog as you first need to establish a reader base, you need to ensure that they are reading regularly and engaging with your content. If you can’t get this off the ground, you won’t be able to make money from it which could be a huge problem for you. 

When you first start out, you need to be advertising your blog so that people know it exists, and also using SEO practices to help your content rank for certain keyword searches. Once you’ve done that, you can look into guest posting to drive more traffic to your blog, and you should generate enough of a reader base to start earning.

Create A Shop

Online shops have taken off massively over the last decade or so. While they have been popular for a long time, they have become more of a go-to over the last ten years, which is why so many people are opening them. The thing with this is that you’ve got to get it right if you want to be successful. You’ve got to sell the right products, they’ve got to be priced just right, you’ve got to be competitive, and you need to advertise. It’s a lot of work to do, but it’s worth it if you’re invested in seeing the results. 

There are many different platforms that you can use for this, so it’s a case of deciding which one you think has the most benefits for you. It will take some research and some time to get right, but we know that you will find the right choice for you in the end.

Offer Some Sort Of Freelance Service

Is there anything that you are qualified to do that you could offer on a freelance basis? If there is, you can create a website for yourself and offer your services to people this way. The best thing about doing freelance work is the fact that you are in control. You can work when you want to, as long as you are finished by the deadline. You can set the amount that you want to charge for your service so that you feel as if you are being fairly paid. The general idea is that you have full control to do what you want to do, and that helps you feel good about where you are in life. It’s nice not having to answer to anyone else, but making money on your own without anyone else breathing down your neck.

To do this, you must advertise yourself as much as you can. If you’re on a tight budget then doing so on social media is absolutely fine, you just need to get your name out there so that people know you are an option worth considering.

Leverage Social Media

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You may not know that you can make money from social media, however, many people do it. If you have a pretty big following then you could become an influencer. These people make content and place it on various online platforms, they then work with different brands to promote their products or services. You could make a small fortune from people clicking on your links and videos. 

Get Into Investing

There is a relatively easy way to make money using the internet and that is to do your research on different types of investing. You could invest in something like cryptocurrency for instance and just sit back and watch the pennies climb. You need to know the risks involved in investing, there can be quite a few. If you go big, then you could lose quite a substantial amount of money. However, spin that around, if you win then you could be set for life. 

If you have never been into investing then you might prefer someone else to do this for you. You just give them the money you want to invest and they will do all the legwork. They will also give you plenty of advice on why you should invest in a certain company/brand. 

Teach Online 

Finally, if you have a background in teaching then consider offering your services online. There are plenty of parents and students who want to learn new skills. They often head online to find tutors as this can be done in spare time, often after school hours or in the evenings. You get to choose which age group you want to work with, which subjects you are going to teach, and how much you are going to charge. 

If there is another niche interest you have then you could teach this instead, one you don’t need a teaching background for. This could be something like a personal trainer, many individuals hate working out at the gym so will sign up for online classes. Sign yourself up where personal trainers teach online to start building your client base. 

We hope you found this interesting and it gave you some more ideas on how to make money using the internet. If you don’t have to leave your home to make money then this is even better!

Los Angeles is a dynamic city known for its fast pace and high living costs, where legal battles can often stretch on for months or even years. During such prolonged litigation, plaintiffs may face mounting expenses—from medical bills to daily living costs—while waiting for their cases to resolve. This financial strain can make pursuing justice feel overwhelming. Fortunately, legal funding solutions offer much-needed relief, providing access to cash advances that help cover these expenses without the burden of traditional loans.

One notable provider in this space is High Rise Financial, which specializes in supporting plaintiffs through non-recourse funding, meaning repayment depends on the outcome of the case. For individuals navigating the complexities of litigation in Los Angeles, understanding options like High Rise Financial can be a crucial step in managing both the legal and financial challenges ahead.

Understanding Legal Funding

Lawsuit loans, also known as legal funding, are funds offered to plaintiffs during litigation. Unlike traditional loans, this funding is non-recourse. This means the repayment is contingent on the outcome of the case. The plaintiff pays nothing if they lose.

The Application Process

The process to apply for legal funding is quite simple. In most cases, plaintiffs complete an application that outlines the facts of their case. The company that is funding other parties will then assess whether the case is viable. They often work with the applicant’s attorney to obtain crucial data. After approval, funds can often be disbursed within days. For those who need funding during a legal battle, that speed is important.

Benefits of Legal Funding

Legal funding has many benefits. For one, it offers an instant financial reprieve. Plaintiffs receiving funds upfront can afford to pay for living expenses, medical bills, and other necessities without waiting for their case to be settled. This support provides them with stability during a challenging time.

Conversely, having an attorney may allow you to negotiate for a better settlement. Litigation financing relieves financial pressure on plaintiffs to accept lowball offers out of necessity and allows them to wait for a reasonable settlement.

Who Can Benefit

Anyone can seek legal financing, especially those involved in cases such as personal injury claims, medical malpractice suits, and employment disputes. Any case with a potential financial settlement might qualify. This general applicability allows most people to receive the help they require.

Considerations Before Applying

There are several factors you must consider before applying for legal funding. The first challenge is understanding the terms and conditions. The plaintiffs should understand all fees and interest rates related to the funding. An attorney can help clarify these terms and explain these details. It is also a good idea to look into the funding company. Look for reviews and recommendations, as they can help you identify trusted providers. A good company will be transparent about their process and help you out.

Myths and Misconceptions

There are many myths and misconceptions about legal funding. The first one is that it is too expensive. Many feel the immediate financial support of a bail bond is worth the price, which can vary. The second misconception is that legal funding can hurt your credit score. However, since this is not a traditional loan, your credit rating will not be affected.

The Role of Attorneys

Attorneys are an important part of the legal funding process. They deliver vital information to funding companies and assist clients in understanding the consequences. An experienced attorney will guide their clients and help them make informed decisions. Their backing is critical during this challenging time.

Conclusion

With legal funding, plaintiffs who are struggling financially while waiting for a lawsuit to settle have access to a practical financial solution. Legal funding allows people to focus on their cases with minimal distraction from the threat of financial instability. Learning more about the process and benefits can help people make the best decision for their financial needs during a legal proceeding.

California is home to over 4.2 million residents aged 65 and older. This figure is more than any other U.S. state, representing roughly 11 % of its population, and that number continues to climb. With so many seniors living in urban and rural areas alike across the Golden State, the potential for financial exploitation looms larger each year. Shockingly, Adult Protective Services offices in California receive roughly 200,000 reports of elder and dependent-adult abuse annually, and financial abuse is among the hardest to detect, with only about one in 44 cases ever reported.

This underlines why a California elder financial abuse lawyer isn’t just an option but a vital safeguard. These lawyers offer expert insight into legal protections and practical strategies for victims facing financial harm. As the state tightens regulations, such as mandating banks to flag suspicious transfers for clients over 65, understanding your rights and legal recourse has never been more urgent. Whether it’s confronting unauthorized account access, forged signatures, or undue influence by caregivers, this guide is your compass through complex financial abuse disputes in the legal system. Let us read further why you may want to seek legal assistance and what you should look for when you are picking a lawyer.

Understanding Elder Financial Abuse

Elder financial abuse occurs when someone takes advantage of an elderly person’s funds and assets (legally or illegally) for their profit. It can include everything from unauthorized withdrawals and credit card abuse to forcing seniors to sign financial documents. If this is the case, they may need to seek legal intervention as soon as possible, which can mean recognizing the signs early.

Signs of Financial Exploitation

A few signs help to indicate whether an elder is suffering from financial abuse. Warning signs include abrupt changes in banking habits, unannounced recent changes to wills or financial papers, or unexplained transfers of assets. An elder who seems confused about their finances or begins to appear nervous when money comes up in conversation may also be a sign of trouble.

Why Legal Assistance is Crucial

Hiring a lawyer specializing in elder financial abuse cases has many benefits. These professionals understand the complex nature of the cases. They can advise concerning rights in law, possible solutions, and the appropriate course of action to secure the property.

Selecting the Right Lawyer

Choosing the right attorney is an important step. Experience in elder law is required. Look for attorneys who have experience with similar cases. They should also have compassion and an awareness of the emotional component of these situations.

Questions to Ask a Potential Lawyer

When meeting a prospective lawyer, here are some questions to ask, which should help you ascertain if they are the right fit for the job. Be sure to ask if this person has previous experience with cases of elder financial abuse. Asking them how they deal with these specific cases and their understanding of laws allows you to see how knowledgeable they are on the subject. Also, this reduces the likelihood of pricing surprises down the line.

Legal Remedies Available

Elder financial abuse victims have a variety of legal options available to them. Civil litigation is essential in recovering the assets you lost. The victim may pursue criminal charges against the perpetrator in some cases. An experienced attorney can advise clients about the best option in a given situation.

Prevention Tips for Families

However, there are steps we can take to prevent elder financial abuse. This suggests that families must keep an open line of communication regarding finances amongst their seniors. Adding trusted family members to your bank accounts and establishing a power of attorney also creates another line of defense. You can identify discrepancies sooner by frequently conducting joint reviews of the financial statements.

The Role of Community Resources

Community resources are essential in fighting against elder financial abuse; various organizations provide assistance and knowledge to families and survivors. They can help you identify abuse and provide guidance on what to do about it. Similarly, local support groups can help affected families by providing emotional support.

Legal Reporting Obligations

There is a mandated reporting of suspected elder abuse in each state. These include finance, health care, and social services. Awareness of these obligations can prevent tardy reporting and intervention. Families, too, are expected to report concerns into the system.

To Sum Up

Financial abuse of the elderly is a severe issue that needs to be addressed immediately. Attorneys who focus on this space provide vital assistance and direction. Identifying indicators of elder abuse, obtaining suitable legal representation, and accessing community resources can help families protect their elderly loved ones. This allows elders to spend their later years in peace and security.

Financial independence (FI) means having enough wealth to live comfortably without actively working for a paycheck. It’s about having the freedom to choose how you spend your time, whether travelling the world, starting a business, or just enjoying life on your own terms.

Achieving financial independence in your 30s might sound like a pipe dream, especially when you consider that, according to a 2025 Bankrate survey, only 41% of Americans can cover a $1,000 emergency expense without using credit or borrowing.

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But the truth is, with the right strategy, determination, and early planning, it’s not only possible but also increasingly common.

So, how can you achieve financial independence as early as in your 30s? In this article, we’ll explore a practical, step-by-step approach to attaining FI in your 30s, diving into mindset shifts, budgeting, investing, and more.

1. Understanding Financial Independence

Before you start chasing financial freedom, it’s essential to understand what it really means. 

FI isn’t about becoming a millionaire overnight. At its core, it’s reaching a point where your income from investments or passive sources is enough to cover your living expenses, so you’re no longer dependent on a paycheck. 

This opens the door to a lifestyle where you can choose work because you want to, not because you have to.

The Essence of Financial Independence (FI)

To truly understand financial independence (FI), you have to look beyond simple definitions and consider how it applies to real life. 

FI means creating a financial foundation that gives you true freedom. It gives you the ability to spend your time how you want, live wherever you choose, and make decisions without being driven by money stress. It’s about breaking free from the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle and gaining the confidence to say yes or no without financial fear holding you back.

The Different Flavors of FI

There are several types of FI:

• Lean FI: Living frugally with minimal expenses.
• Fat FI: Financial independence with a higher standard of living.
• Coast FI: Having enough investments early so that they grow without additional contributions.
• Barista FI: Achieving partial FI and working part-time for supplemental income and benefits.

The FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement has made these terms more popular, and more millennials and Gen Zers are embracing the concept than ever before.

2. Assessing Your Current Financial Situation

You can’t reach your destination without first understanding where you are. This crucial step is often skipped, but it lays the groundwork for every financial decision you’ll make moving forward.

The assessment involves two major steps:

Step 1: Conduct a Personal Financial Audit

Take inventory of your full financial picture:

• Income: List all your income sources, whether salary, freelance work, side gigs, investment returns, or anything that brings money in each month.
• Expenses: Track your fixed (like rent, subscriptions) and variable (groceries, entertainment) expenses. Account for every dollar.
• Debts: Include credit cards, student loans, car loans, and mortgages. List balances, interest rates, and monthly payments.
• Assets: Add up what you own. This includes money in your bank accounts, investments, real estate, retirement savings, and valuable personal items.

Once you’ve gathered everything, calculate your net worth:

Net Worth = Total Assets – Total Liabilities

This gives you a snapshot of your current financial health. A report by NerdWallet shows that Americans under 35 have a median net worth of $39,000. Use that as a point of reference, not a rule. Everyone’s journey is different, and yours is about progress, not comparison.

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Step 2: Evaluate Your Financial Habits

Financial success isn’t just about numbers. It’s also shaped by your behavior and mindset. Take a moment to be honest with yourself: Do you often spend impulsively? Are your purchases aligned with your values and long-term goals? Do you avoid budgeting or feel anxious when money comes up? 

Recognizing these patterns is key to setting financial goals that are both realistic and suited to your lifestyle. Self-awareness helps you build habits that support lasting progress.

3. Creating a Clear and Aggressive Financial Plan

A dream without a plan is just a wish. If you’re serious about achieving financial independence, you need a strategy that’s not just clear but also bold and actionable. Your plan should push you while staying rooted in reality.

Set SMART Financial Goals

SMART goals are a powerful way to turn vague intentions into clear, actionable steps, especially when it comes to your finances. 

Instead of saying “I want to save more,” be specific: for example, “I want to save $200,000 by age 35.” Making your goal measurable allows you to track your progress through monthly or yearly savings targets, investment returns, or debt payoff milestones.

It’s also important that your goals are achievable. Take your current income, expenses, and lifestyle into account. Your goal should challenge you, but not be so unrealistic that it leads to burnout or frustration. 

Also, make sure your goal is relevant, tied to your personal vision of financial freedom, whether that means retiring early, starting your own business, or becoming debt-free.

Finally, give every goal a deadline. A time-bound plan creates a sense of urgency and helps keep you accountable along the way.

Calculate Your Financial Independence (FI) Number

To retire or live off your investments, you need to know how much you actually need. Two popular rules can help:

• The 25x Rule: Multiply your annual expenses by 25. Example: If you spend $40,000/year, you need $1,000,000 invested to support that lifestyle long-term.
• The 4% Rule: This rule suggests you can safely withdraw 4% of your investment portfolio each year without running out of money.

Use either rule or both as a baseline to determine your FI number. Adjust based on lifestyle, risk tolerance, and long-term goals.

Build a 5 to 10-Year Roadmap

Once your goal is clear, the next step is to map out the path to get there. Break it down into annual and monthly milestones to make progress more manageable and trackable. 

Use tools like spreadsheets, budgeting apps, or platforms such as Monarch Money or Personal Capital to stay organized. Factor in potential income growth, investment returns, windfalls, and major expenses.

Stay Accountable

Consistency is the engine that drives long-term financial success, and accountability is the fuel that keeps it running. Sharing your financial plan with someone you trust, whether a mentor, friend, or partner, can make a big difference. This person can encourage you, celebrate your wins, and help you stay focused when challenges arise.

For more structured support, consider working with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). A CFP brings professional insight into key areas like investing, tax planning, and preparing for major life transitions. 

Having expert guidance not only adds clarity to your plan but also boosts your confidence as you work toward your financial goals.

4. Build a High-Income Skill or Business

To reach financial independence faster, increasing your income is key. Developing a high-demand skill or starting a business can significantly boost your earnings. 

Here are some options:

• High-Income Skills: Skills like coding, copywriting, and digital marketing are in high demand and can lead to well-paid opportunities. Learning these skills requires an upfront investment of time, but can pay off greatly.
• Freelancing or Consulting: Leverage your expertise by offering freelance services or consulting. This allows you to set your rates and work with multiple clients, creating a flexible and profitable income stream.
• E-Commerce or Online Courses: Starting an e-commerce business or creating a marketplace app or selling online courses is another way to generate passive income. Platforms like Shopify and Teachable make it easy to sell products or share your knowledge.
• Content Creation: Building a YouTube channel, blog, or social media presence can also be a source of income. Though it may start small, with consistency, content creation can lead to significant earnings through ads, sponsorships, and sales.
• Side Hustles: Even a small side hustle earning $500–$2,000 monthly can accelerate your path to financial independence. Many people begin with simple gigs and scale as they gain experience.

Building a high-income skill or business provides more opportunities to save, invest, and ultimately reach financial freedom faster.

5. Master Budgeting and Spending Habits

Budgeting isn’t about restriction. It’s about alignment. Your budget helps you channel your money toward your goals.

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Use a Budgeting Framework:

• Zero-based budgeting – Assign every dollar a job, leaving zero idle.
• 50/30/20 rule – Allocate 50% to needs, 30% to wants, 20% to savings/investing.
• Envelope system – Use cash envelopes for variable spending categories.

Cut Costs Without Feeling Deprived:

Cutting costs doesn’t have to feel restrictive. Sometimes it’s about making the slightest changes in how we do things. 

• Cook at home more often than dining out
• Share streaming subscriptions or cut unused ones
• Use cashback or rewards apps like Rakuten or Ibotta
• Cancel unused memberships and negotiate recurring bills

Track expenses using tools like YNAB, Mint, or Excel sheets. Behavioral studies show that people who track their expenses are 83% more likely to stick to their financial plans, which is especially important if you want to attain FI in your 30s.

6. Eliminate Debt Strategically

Debt, and especially high-interest debt, can seriously hinder progress. So, for you to ensure that your journey towards financial independence proceeds unhindered, prioritize getting out of debt. It will help you increase your savings rate.

There are two methods that you can use to eliminate debt: Either the Avalanche method or the Snowball method. The former involves paying off the highest interest first to minimize total interest, while the latter encourages beginning by paying off the smallest debts first to build momentum and motivation.

7. Invest Early and Consistently

Compound interest is your best friend as you aspire to attain FI in your 30s. It rewards both time and consistency. 

Begin by investing in options like employer-sponsored retirement accounts (such as a 401(k) or 403(b), especially if there’s a match), and consider opening a Roth or Traditional IRA depending on your tax situation. You can also invest in low-cost index funds through platforms like Vanguard or Fidelity.

To diversify, look into real estate, ETFS, mutual funds, dividend stocks, or even small business equity through crowdfunding. For example, consistently investing $500 monthly at a 12% return from age 25 could grow to almost $500,000 by age 45. Automate your investments, rebalance once a year, and stay disciplined.

8. Build Multiple Income Streams

Relying on a single paycheck can be risky. To build financial resilience and speed up your journey to independence, it’s wise to diversify your income. 

Consider additional streams like dividends from investments, rental income from real estate or Airbnb, online sales of digital products, freelance work through platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, or affiliate marketing. 

Recently, a new LendingTree Survey reported that almost 40% of U.S. adults had a side hustle, earning an average of $1,215 per month, nearly $15,000 a year, which could significantly boost your savings.

9. Practice Frugality and Minimalism

Living below your means doesn’t mean sacrificing happiness. It’s about spending intentionally and choosing value over volume.

Embrace:

• Value-based spending – Prioritize things that bring long-term joy.
• Quality over quantity – Invest in fewer, better items.
• Experiences over possessions – Focus on memories and growth.

Minimalism encourages intentional living. When your expenses are lower, your required FI number shrinks significantly, making financial freedom more achievable.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average household spends $72,967 annually. Cutting even 15% of that can redirect over $10,000/year into savings and investments.

10. Build a Strong Emergency Fund and Insurance Plan

Unexpected events are part of life, but they shouldn’t derail your financial goals. An emergency fund acts as a buffer—aim to save 3 to 6 months’ worth of essential expenses in a high-yield savings account that’s easily accessible. Be sure to replenish it after any use.

In addition, having the right insurance coverage is key. Health insurance protects you from major medical costs, life insurance is vital if you have dependents, and disability insurance safeguards your income if you’re unable to work. 

Don’t overlook renters’ or homeowners’ insurance, which helps cover property damage and liability. Together, these tools create a solid safety net for your financial journey.

11. Surround Yourself with the Right Environment

Your circle influences your habits, mindset, and goals. Proximity to growth-minded individuals can keep you motivated.

Find:

• Financially savvy mentors – Learn from those ahead of you.
• Online FIRE communities – Reddit, Facebook groups, blogs.
• Podcasts and books – Follow thought leaders like Ramit Sethi, Paula Pant, or Mr. Money Mustache

One study from Harvard found that your income tends to align with the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Build and engage with your network on LinkedIn. Be intentional about your inner circle.

Conclusion

Financial independence isn’t reserved for the ultra-rich. With commitment, education, and smart choices, you can reach FI in your 30s or set yourself up for it in your 40s. The journey won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. By focusing on earning more, spending wisely, investing early, and staying disciplined, you can build the life you want sooner than most people think possible.

Remember, this isn’t just about money; it’s about reclaiming control over your time, your energy, and your purpose. Start today, and let your future self thank you. You’ve got this!

A Prescribed Registered Retirement Income Fund (pRRIF) works a lot like a RRIF. It’s a way to turn the money you’ve saved in a pension plan or a Locked-In Retirement Account (LIRA) into retirement income.

The pRRIF has unique features, like spousal protection, that set it apart from regular RRSPs or RRIFs, offering additional benefits for your retirement planning.

The key difference is that pRRIFs are only available for pension funds regulated in Saskatchewan or Manitoba. They offer a flexible income option designed to support retirees in these provinces.

How does a pRRIF work?

When it’s time to start drawing a pension, you can convert the money in your pension plan or LIRA into a pRRIF, following the rules set by your province. If you’re transferring directly from a pension plan (e.g., Saskatchewan Pension Plan, Canada Pension Plan), the earliest age depends on the specific rules of that plan. If you’re transferring from a LIRA, you can do so as soon as you are eligible to start your pension.

By age 71, any funds remaining in your pension account or LIRA that haven’t been used to purchase an annuity must be transferred to a prescribed RRIF.

Minimum withdrawal requirements for a pRRIF

You’ll need to withdraw at least the minimum amount each year, but there’s no limit on how much you can take out beyond that. However, the Canada Revenue Agency requires you to start withdrawing a minimum amount starting the year after you set up the plan.

How often you receive payments—whether monthly, quarterly, or annually—is something you can decide with your financial institution. Keep in mind that any withdrawals over the minimum required amount will have income tax withheld. Also, all income from your pRRIF is considered taxable.

To figure out the minimum amount you need to withdraw each year from your prescribed RRIF, just take the value of your pRRIF on January 1 and multiply it by the rate that matches your age. This amount ranges from 2.5% at age 50 to 20% for age 95 and older.

With a prescribed RRIF, there’s no maximum amount on how much you can withdraw each year—you can even withdraw the entire balance in one lump sum if you choose. This is different from other provinces like Ontario and British Columbia, where locked-in funds that aren’t used to buy an annuity must be transferred to a Life Income Fund (LIF) at age 71, which has both minimum (federal) and maximum (provincial) withdrawal rules.

You can choose to base your minimum withdrawals on either your age or your spouse’s age. This is a one-time decision made when the prescribed RRIF is established, and using your spouse’s younger age can help reduce the minimum withdrawal amount.

pRRIF transfers

If your money is in a pension plan, you need to be eligible to start receiving a pension before you can transfer it to a prescribed RRIF (pRRIF). Keep in mind, not all pension plans are required to offer a direct transfer to a pRRIF.

If your money is in a LIRA, you’ll have the option to transfer it to a pRRIF once you’re eligible to begin your pension.

You can also transfer money from one pRRIF to another, but before the transfer happens, you’ll need to take out the minimum annual withdrawal required under the Income Tax Act (ITA). However, you can’t roll that withdrawal into an RRSP or a standard RRIF.

If you’ve been saving in a personal or group registered retirement savings plan (RRSP), you can transfer your account balance into a regular RRIF anytime.

How to set up a pRRIF

To set up a prescribed RRIF (pRRIF), you’ll work with your financial institution. They’ll guide you through the paperwork needed to transfer your money into the pRRIF.

Keep in mind that your spouse must sign a consent form to allow the transfer. This is because, under pension law, your spouse has the right to a survivor benefit of at least 60% of the monthly pension you were entitled to under your pension plan or could have received through an annuity. Without this consent, the transfer can’t happen.

Spousal protection through a pRRIF

A pRRIF works differently—it doesn’t offer a traditional survivor benefit. Instead, your spouse would receive the remaining balance in your pRRIF as of the date of your death. However, there’s no restriction on you withdrawing the entire amount from your pRRIF during your lifetime. If you do that, there wouldn’t be any balance left for your spouse to inherit.

Since a pRRIF includes spousal protection, you’re required to name your spouse as the beneficiary of the funds in your account.

If you don’t have a spouse, or if your spouse has waived their beneficiary status, the funds in your pRRIF will go to your designated beneficiary or become part of your estate.

Learn more with Oaken Financial

To learn more about Oaken RIFs, book an appointment for an in-person chat or call us at 1-855-OAKEN-22 (625-3622). You can even apply online today in as little as five minutes.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is changing the world as it connects devices everywhere and in any form tablets, smart speakers, wearables, cars, stoves, washing machines, factory tools, etc. As people utilize more IoT devices in their daily lives and businesses embrace IoT options in their enterprises, connected assets require timely, contextual and customized information. A headless CMS offers the versatile, architectural and API-first integration needed to facilitate content distribution to various IoT endpoints for expansion, customization and consistency in a disparate setting.

Why IoT Applications Require Flexible Delivery Solutions

IoT does not work on a single type of screen or application. Where web-based or mobile channels function through a single form, IoT applications, interfaces, and uses operate across a variety of options from hi-resolution screens to small LED indicators, audio interfaces, haptic solutions, and beyond. Certain content delivery options already in play will not apply here, whether for devices needing frugal constraints or doom’s day asset delivery. Thus, IoT delivery solutions are flexible (yet highly regimented) to ensure contextual relevance in the moment to myriad protocols or device interactions. A headless CMS is perfectly and peculiarly suited to provide such an option. Contentful alternatives often offer even greater adaptability in tailoring content structures and API delivery to meet the unique requirements of IoT environments, giving organizations more control over performance, scalability, and integration flexibility.

Content Needs to Be Structured for Each Use Case

Content created for IoT applications needs to be light, usable in a modular fashion, and hyper-contextual. Therefore, headless solutions enable content teams to create structured fields and single-use components empowered by tagging either for device-usable functionality or single-use capabilities across IA. For example, IoT applications like smart refrigerators can have content blocks related to temperature alerts, usage instructions, maintenance information, and recipes each created natively inside a headless CMS solution with today’s and tomorrow’s use potential. On the other hand, IoT fitness watches may simply require motivational messages or health visualization information for increased accountability to be pushed between 9-10am when the user is engaged in working out with the tagged indication only to send it as a push notification if sent between 9-10am. Each of these examples requires microcontent that location-based rendering in IoT is best achieved through a headless CMS.

APIs Transport Content to Devices Quickly and at Scale

The API-first structure of headless makes it simple to disseminate IoT information across as many devices as necessary. IoT applications can query via REST or GraphQL requests to receive only what’s needed based on users, device, location and current state. This is helpful as it minimizes memory on storage solutions while still providing maximum efficacy for the device and the content generating site. New adoption and integration scale nicely too as APIs allow developers to build new device integrations without having to refactor previously established CMS or structured content deliveries pre-existing APIs will accommodate new integrations without complicating the previously established system.

Distributing Real Time Messages Across Multiple Devices

IoT content is rarely finite, and countless IoT devices require access to content that pushes real-time messaging. Whether sending content to devices for a firmware update or an emergency alert that must be pushed and disseminated quickly, or real-time analysis of road conditions reported by a car’s sensors, it’s all about the here and now. A headless CMS can connect through webhooks, event-driven mechanisms or serverless functions to push real-time content updates. Additionally, middleware services can listen for IoT events and, in turn, fetch CMS content in real-time based on conditional logic surrounding device usage, sensor status updates, or operating system scenarios. This feedback loop allows the IoT experience to have access to the most up-to-date information at the required time and place.

Localization and Personalization as Part of the IoT Experience

Content sent to IoT devices is often localized or requires a sense of personalization, whether localization occurs in many languages or regions. A headless CMS can take advantage of separation of concerns to better accommodate fields for localized elements and versions. For example, it’s easier for an IoT device to pull a firmware message in its desired language or region-specific variant made for those in a specific area. IoT content can also be personalized; as a vehicle’s entertainment system, for example, can present routing options or maintenance alerts after someone engages specific pathways or utilizes certain activities. Personalization requests can filter through a larger API request making otherwise low-powered devices provide what feels like a personal experience.

Non-Visual Control for Voice-Audio Devices

Countless IoT devices are non-visual; smart speakers and home assistants come to mind immediately. Headless CMS tools allow teams to control audio-ready content apart from visual content renderings. For example, text that should be read by text-to-speech (TTS) engines needs to exist one way compared to what might exist in designed visual renderings. Likewise, metadata like pronunciation hints or speed of speech can exist in separate fields yet still be managed from the same dashboard. Therefore, audio-based content is accessible, contextually understood, and branded appropriately. Moreover, when voice commands are updated on one platform, headless APIs offer integration across the board, eliminating the need to manually update each endpoint that might otherwise thwart the efforts of changing commands that fail to work properly.

Propelling Sensor Events into Dynamic Content Logic

IoT devices are always collecting data through their sensors; IoT temperature and humidity output detects IoT output change, or a motion sensor detects motion or intent use. This data can be used to kickstart content in even more advantageous situations. For example, if a connected thermostat senses that it’s lower than an expected temperature, the headless CMS can be alerted to render content about how to stay warm or how to better insulate one’s home. Middleware helps here by acting as a listening station for such sensor events and pinging the headless CMS. Then, as parameters in various queries from received payloads, the middleware can use information to render various content selections based on what’s being input at the time. This transitive enablement from sensed logging to content rendering creates a relevant, contextual experience that surpasses the potential of static messaging.

Creating Omnichannel Continuity from IoT to Traditional Interfaces

Often, the same incumbents exist entangled between IoT and traditional interactions. A watch might ping a health suggestion linked to an article in the phone application, or a smart appliance might yield a QR code linked to a how-to on the user’s computer. A headless CMS can connect all of these interactions seamlessly and without roadblocks. Since all outputs come from the same storable framework, the editor responsible for messaging can maintain voice and brand approach while developers adjust for what features exist on any given interface. This creates a better customer experience.

Strengthening Content Governance and Deployment

The number of content endpoints for IoT solutions can range from dozens to hundreds. Therefore, greater content governance is required to ensure content doesn’t go where it shouldn’t, that various versions get upgraded in a timely fashion, and that compliance is observed from a regulatory perspective based on geography. A headless CMS allows for version control, approval workflows, and permission settings that empower teams to limit release to only vetted and approved content. They can slowly roll out updates across certain channels in batches previewing what some users see ahead of everyone else and comply with geo-based content regulations via API level filters. A centralized approach like this means less risk and greater opportunity for any content change, however minor, to be put through an enterprise-level assessment.

IoT Content Delivery Security and Data Governance

Security and governance are essential since IoT devices are transmitting and possibly storing or using the data that comes with personalized content. Many headless CMS options offer API authentication, like OAuth2 and JWT tokens, which ensure only verified devices or apps can access the data. In addition, middleware can enable encryption for private data, GDPR compliance, and a capacity to respect user consent. Moreover, by separating the engagement of data usage and transmission from the explosions of data, businesses can reduce risk while still offering customized, data-driven experiences.

Edge Computing and Offline Operation Possibilities

Many IoT devices operate with edge computing or offline capabilities. A headless CMS helps with this functionality; content can be delivered seamlessly to devices that cache locally or sync up at appropriate times. For instance, an app on a device could hold a library of authorized content blocks or snippets that sync when a connection is available. Therefore, even with minimal connectivity, it ensures real-time awareness; industrial IoT applications or temporary installations or IoT endeavors in transportation connect may find reduced need for intensive connection technology.

Faster Content Delivery for IoT Device Upgrades

IoT devices go through faster product developments, from firmware upgrades and feature additions to graphical interface updates. A headless CMS allows for parallel efforts of content delivery with product upgrades from a minimum downtime perspective. There’s no need to wait for a content update in an app to come with a new firmware upgrade; instead, content can be updated across devices instantaneously to include onboarding tutorials, instructional texts, and upgrade notifications. This supports the workflow of product development and user experience by keeping content applicable and up to date.

Promoting Analytics-Based Revisions to Content Efforts

Headless CMS can connect to analytics platforms that track how content is consumed on IoT devices. This feedback loop gives content teams insight into how specific messaging, framing, or interaction works. For example, if users are more inclined to share content after pressing a button, responding to a voice-activated prompt, or engaging with something prompted by door sensors, the content team knows how to iteratively revise the content provided. Thus, content can more easily be adjusted over time to combat content burnout and enhance engagement based on user activity.

Enhancing Brand Experiences with Connected Content

Because so many IoT devices are more than just devices they’re touchpoints brands have a different outlook on their IoT potential. When a smart doorbell gives feedback about visitors, or a voice-activated home assistant gives you tips for a healthier lifestyle, the brand operates in one atmosphere but engages with consumers in another. A headless CMS allows marketing/content teams to spread their word into these connected spaces while keeping the brand voice, tone, and consistency. When brands can provide carefully crafted, on-brand content through consumers’ physical and digital worlds, they are more likely to foster trust and have practical opportunities to deepen relationships with current and future brands.

Supporting an IoT Content Strategy for the Future with Decoupled Architecture

IoT is only going to grow; companies need a content strategy that works now and can be adjusted for future content relevance across devices and user interactions. A headless CMS does this via its separation of content from a connected, decoupled delivery layer. As new devices/content use cases arise, companies can adjust how they formatted and redistributed content in the first place. This separation of architecture makes transformation less costly and simpler down the line when companies want to innovate and stay relevant to future IoT users and not have to reconstruct the content universe.

Conclusion: Powering Intelligent IoT Experiences with Headless Architecture

Wherever IoT exists, the need for intelligent, adaptive consumption of content follows. A headless CMS facilitates the adaptability, growth capabilities, and API-focused framework to make it all possible. From voice-initiated commands via IoT devices to sensor-generated actions that respond in the moment, global personalization efforts and omnichannel efforts requiring content consistency across all touchpoints, the headless approach enables enterprises to craft IoT experiences as smart as the devices. Merging the content-oriented aspects with the distributed features that come with IoT enables enterprises to leverage what they need to quickly and at scale for meaningful, contextualized experiences.

Image source: Shutterstock

An income of $85,000 annually sounds like a comfortable figure, suggesting financial stability and a good quality of life. This amount provides a clear and predictable path for a traditional salaried employee for budgeting and planning. However, for a self-employed individual in Australia, that same number carries a different weight, complicated by the responsibilities of running a business. Navigating taxes, superannuation, business expenses, and income volatility transform the question from a simple yes or no into a more detailed financial analysis. The unique challenges entrepreneurs face mean financial discipline is paramount to making this income work.

Successfully managing an $85,000 income as your boss requires a clear understanding of your financial obligations beyond what a typical employee considers. Recent findings from the Great Southern Bank revealed that 40% of people believe getting a mortgage as a small business owner is harder, primarily due to perceived income instability. This article breaks down what an $85,000 income truly means for a self-employed Australian, exploring the take-home pay, essential financial strategies, and the lifestyle it can support.

What an $85,000 Income Looks Like After Tax

Before determining if $85,000 is a good income, you must first understand how much of it you actually get to keep. Unlike a salaried employee whose employer withholds tax, a self-employed person is responsible for calculating and paying their income tax and Medicare levy. This process requires careful planning throughout the year to avoid a large, unexpected bill at tax time.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) regularly updates its guidelines, and staying informed is a key part of managing your finances effectively as a business owner. According to recent ATO guidelines for 2025 tax returns, meticulous record-keeping for all income and deductions is essential for lodging an accurate return.

Calculating Your Take-Home Pay

To illustrate the financial breakdown, assume that the $85,000 figure represents your taxable income after deducting all allowable business expenses. Using the 2024–2025 tax rates, the calculation shows a significant portion is allocated to taxes. For the financial year, income between $45,001 and $135,000 is taxed at 30%, directly affecting anyone in this bracket. In addition to income tax, the Medicare levy of 2% is applied to your taxable income, contributing to the funding of Australia’s public healthcare system. This structured approach to taxation means that higher earners contribute a bit more on a proportional basis.

This leaves an annual take-home pay of $67,012, translating to approximately $5,584 per month before considering any voluntary superannuation contributions.

The Role of Superannuation

One of the most significant differences between being employed and self-employed is the responsibility for retirement savings. Salaried employees receive mandatory superannuation guarantee (SG) contributions from their employers, a figure set to rise from 11.5% to 12% on July 1, 2025. For a salaried individual, $85,000 amounts to an additional $10,200 annually, which their company pays into their retirement fund. As a self-employed person, you must generate these contributions from your post-tax income or make voluntary concessional contributions to reduce your taxable income.

For the self-employed, disciplined contributions to a super fund are not just a recommendation but a fundamental pillar of long-term financial security. Failing to plan for superannuation can leave a substantial gap in retirement savings, making it a critical component of financial planning. The government continues to adjust superannuation rules, and recent discussions around a new tax that could affect half a million Australians with high super balances underscore the need for all earners to stay informed about their retirement obligations and opportunities.

The Financial Realities of Being Your Own Boss

The autonomy of self-employment comes with financial challenges that extend beyond tax and superannuation. The gross income figure of $85,000 often masks the business’s underlying costs and the pressure of maintaining a steady cash flow. Unlike salaried workers who receive a predictable paycheque, freelancers and sole traders must contend with fluctuating revenue streams and cover operating costs. This reality requires a more proactive and strategic approach to financial management than a traditional employee.

Accounting for Business Expenses

A common mistake is to view the $85,000 gross revenue as personal income. In reality, this amount must first cover all business-related expenses before you can determine your profit. These deductions include software subscriptions, professional insurance, marketing costs, accounting services, and office supplies.

The ATO allows you to claim deductions for expenses directly related to earning your income, but you must keep diligent records to substantiate your claims. For example, if your business expenses amount to 20% of your revenue ($17,000), your taxable income drops to $68,000, significantly altering your final take-home pay and overall financial picture. (Note: the ATO guidelines for 2025 tax returns are referenced earlier, so this mention is without a duplicate link.)

The Burden of Irregular Income

Perhaps the greatest financial hurdle for the self-employed is managing an irregular income. Client projects, seasonal demand, and payment cycles can cause revenue to vary dramatically from one month to the next. This inconsistency is a primary reason lenders hesitate to approve loans for sole traders. The story of Frank Farrelly, a self-employed dental practice worker in Sydney’s Darlinghurst, highlights how even a solid household income and significant savings can be insufficient when banks require at least two years of consistent financial records. This lack of a steady, predictable paycheque complicates budgeting. A substantial cash reserve is necessary to smooth out the inevitable peaks and troughs.

Strategies for Budgeting with a Variable Income

Maintaining financial health on a fluctuating income requires discipline and foresight. The key is to create systems that introduce some predictability into an inherently unpredictable financial life. By establishing robust budgeting techniques and using appropriate financial tools, self-employed individuals can build a stable foundation for their business and personal finances. Taking a proactive approach can mitigate the stress of irregular cash flow and aid in making confident financial decisions. A Salvation Army survey revealed that many low-income Australians are forced to skip meals and forgo essential items, highlighting the importance of financial stability.

Practical Tips for Managing Finances

1. Separate Business and Personal Accounts: This simplifies expense tracking, eases tax preparation, and provides a clear perspective on your business’s financial health.
2. Pay Yourself a Regular “Salary”: Transfer a fixed, conservative amount from your business account to your personal account each month. This creates the discipline of a regular paycheque while ensuring surplus cash remains available for leaner months or tax payments.
3. Build Multiple Emergency Funds: Establish two safety nets – one for 3-6 months of business operating expenses and another for 3-6 months of personal essential living costs.
4. Quarterly Tax Planning: Rather than waiting until year-end, set aside a percentage of every payment into a high-interest savings account to cover quarterly BAS and annual tax obligations.

Securing Cash Flow with Invoice Financing

A major source of stress for self-employed professionals is the gap between completing work and receiving payment. This delay, which can stretch from 30 to 90 days, creates significant cash flow challenges and disrupts personal budgeting and business operations. When payments are delayed, covering immediate expenses or paying yourself a consistent salary can become difficult.

One effective tool to bridge this gap is invoice financing. Instead of waiting weeks or months for client payments, you can sell your unpaid invoices to a third-party financier, converting them into immediate working capital. This solution, provided by firms like Royce Stone Capital in Melbourne, stabilises your income and helps maintain smooth business operations without dipping into personal savings. 

What Your Lifestyle Could Look Like on $85,000

Ultimately, the value of an $85,000 income is best determined by the lifestyle it affords and the long-term goals it enables. After accounting for taxes, business expenses, and voluntary superannuation contributions, your remaining income must cover housing, transport, food, and other living costs while ideally allowing room for savings. Although this income is significantly higher than the national minimum wage, rising living costs—particularly in metropolitan areas—can quickly erode its purchasing power. For instance, Anglicare Australia’s 2025 Cost of Living Index found that a full-time minimum wage worker has only $33 spare each week after essential costs, a stark reminder of tightening budgets.

Affording a Home and Other Major Goals

With an approximate monthly take-home of $5,584, affording a home remains a significant challenge. Lenders evaluate mortgage applications based on consistent, verifiable income – a hurdle for many self-employed individuals. Often, banks require a minimum of two years of consistent financial records and impose strict serviceability criteria. In Australia’s competitive property market, careful budgeting and a substantial deposit are key to turning the dream of homeownership into reality on this income.

Building a Savings Buffer

Building wealth on a self-employed income of $85,000 is achievable with deliberate planning. After covering living expenses and making superannuation contributions, the remaining funds may be modest for additional savings or investments. The 2025 UBS Global Wealth Report shows that Australia has the second-highest median wealth per adult globally, which indicates that with disciplined financial habits, substantial asset-building is possible over time. Creating a clear and realistic budget is the first step in setting aside money for future goals.

Sample Annual Budget: $85,000 Taxable Income

Annual Take-Home Pay (After Tax): $67,012; Monthly Take-Home Pay: $5,584

Detailed Breakdown and Strategies

1. Needs (50.5%): This category covers your core survival expenses. The largest portion is housing, at 34% of take-home pay, which is significant but manageable in Australia’s rental market. Keeping grocery costs in check by cooking at home is a key strategy to control this section.

2. Savings & Financial Goals (29.6%): This is the most critical area for a self-employed person.

• Superannuation: The budget allocates $708 monthly to super. This is calculated as 10% of the gross income ($85,000), a crucial step to avoid falling behind salaried employees who receive the Superannuation Guarantee. These contributions are generally tax-deductible as a self-employed individual, further refining your taxable income.
• Personal Savings: Saving a strong 12.5% ($700/month) allows you to quickly build the recommended 3-6 month personal emergency fund. As highlighted in the article, this cash reserve is essential to manage income volatility and provides peace of mind. Once the emergency fund is established, this allocation can be redirected towards major goals like a home deposit.

3. Wants (19.9%): A disciplined approach to wants is key.

• Health & Fitness: This budget includes private health insurance. This is often a financially sound choice for an individual earning $85,000, as it helps avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge (which applies to incomes over $97,000 in 2024-25, but thresholds can change) and provides access to the government rebate.
• Flexibility: This category offers the most flexibility. In months when income or business expenses are lower, spending on travel, shopping, or entertainment can be temporarily reduced without impacting your core financial stability.

Adhering to a detailed budget like this can help a self-employed person in Australia successfully manage an $85,000 income, build long-term wealth, and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.

Fraud is a common activity that can happen amongst people in general, and even those who are incredibly cautious when it comes to their money can still be caught in a trap involving fraudsters.

Anything that you can do to avoid fraudulent activity from happening to you is important. So with that being said, here are some helpful tips to avoid fraudulent activity with your finances from now on.

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1. Be cautious and always verify

It’s always good to question everything that you do when it comes to keeping a close eye on your finances. Questioning things that are too good to be true is good practice, but often, nine times out of ten, they are.

Be skeptical of any get-rich-quick schemes that are offered or any deals on products or services that are extremely low priced. Verify any senders or recipients before exchanging funds or information, and by all means, don’t click on any suspicious links that are sent your way.

2. Protect your information

Your information is yours to protect, and so it’s incredibly important that you’re doing everything possible to keep that information private and away from prying eyes.

Never share anything personal like your bank details, passwords or other sensitive information that could be used maliciously by individuals you know or don’t know.

Creating strong passwords helps to protect your accounts, and enabling two-factor authentication, if offered, provides extra security.

3. Speak to a fraud solicitor for advice

A fraud solicitor can be helpful in situations where you suspect fraud has occurred and you perhaps feel as though there’s a case for legal action to be taken. 

Whether it’s to just get the money back or to gain compensation from the company that was supposed to protect you as a customer, having this help available can be incredibly useful.

4. Monitor your accounts regularly

When it comes to your accounts, it’s important to monitor every single one carefully. Keeping a close eye on bank statements and credit cards for any unusual activity is a good way to spot the signs of fraud quickly.

Setting up transaction alerts is helpful, as well as making sure to report any suspicious activity that occurs as soon as you spot it. That way, you can get assistance quickly, and hopefully, you can secure your accounts and get the money back fast.

5. Trust your gut when something doesn’t look or feel right

Finally, one of the most important things you can do when it comes to your finances is to trust your gut. If something doesn’t look right or feel right, then you’re probably correct in those feelings. Always walk away from situations like that, whether it’s in-person or online. Trusting your gut can often help avoid a situation like fraud from happening to you or a loved one.

Avoiding fraudulent activity is hard, but it’s certainly something you can do. With that being said, use these tips to help keep your finances safe and to ensure you don’t become a victim of fraud.