Hey there,

What could your super be doing while you’re busy making things?

A real story about super, fees, and why a small financial conversation can change the trajectory of your future.

Let me introduce you to Tom Noble.

Tom is 38. He’s a creative, a contractor, and, like many people working in the arts, his income and working life don’t necessarily follow the neat 9–5 path that so much financial advice seems to be designed around.

And until recently, superannuation was something that existed somewhere in the background of his life.

Money went in. He assumed it just… sat there.

Tom has given me permission to share his story because he wants to help me help other creatives ask better questions about their money. And I think there’s something really valuable in what happened when we sat down together.

“I didn’t really know how super worked.”

For around 15 years, Tom was with the super fund his first employer had chosen for him.

It was the default.

He didn’t think too much about it — because, like many of us, he assumed super was something that happened to him rather than something he could actively manage.

Then, about two years ago, he moved into working with an investment company. He had high hopes. He expected that by contributing to super and having professionals manage his investments, he would be building something meaningful for his future.

But there was a problem. The fees were high. And the results weren’t stacking up.

Over the two-year period, Tom ultimately found himself worse off once the costs were taken into account.

There was another frustration, too: the communication.

Tom described the reporting as dense and complicated — information that seemed designed for an investment professional rather than the person whose retirement money was actually being invested.

And outside of a mandatory, fee-based review, there hadn’t been much proactive conversation.

Tom knew something probably wasn’t working. He just didn’t know exactly what.

Then We Looked at the Numbers.

This is often the part of financial literacy that changes everything. Not because the numbers are particularly complicated. But because seeing them in the context of your own life is different from hearing someone talk about money in general.

When we sat down, we looked at where Tom’s super was sitting, what he was paying, and what his investment results had actually been doing.

The comparison was confronting.

The investment outcome we were looking at was around 0.79%, compared with a roughly 7% long-term return assumption that can be used for illustrative retirement modelling.

That isn’t a promise of what any fund will return — investment returns fluctuate, and past performance is never a guarantee of future results.

But over 20+ years, the difference between a low-return scenario and a stronger long-term investment outcome can become enormous.

For Tom, our rough modelling suggested that the difference could potentially be in the order of $250,000–$300,000 by retirement, based simply on improving what was already happening with his super.

• No dramatic lifestyle overhaul.

• No magic investment strategy.

• Just getting the foundations working harder.

Tom realised:

“It’s mostly mindset and planning.”

I think that’s one of the most important things creatives can take from this story. We often think financial progress requires a huge amount of money. It doesn’t necessarily.

Sometimes it starts with understanding what you already have.

• Understanding where your super is.

• Understanding what you’re paying.

• Understanding what your investments are actually doing.

• And understanding what could happen if you made a different choice and stuck with it for decades.

Tom said seeing the projection was a “kick in the pants” — particularly because the potential retirement balance felt lower than he wanted it to be. But rather than feeling overwhelmed, he came away with something much more useful: a sense of direction.

Super isn’t “set and forget.” One of Tom’s biggest realisations was that super isn’t simply an account where money goes in and then you forget about it until you’re 65.

• There are decisions to make.

• There are investment options to understand.

• There are fees to question.

• There are contributions to consider.

And, importantly for creatives, there are ways to think about super that need to take into account the reality of irregular income, contracting, sole trading and the way money actually moves through an arts career.

That’s where we’re heading next with Tom.

Building A Plan That Actually Fits His Creative Life

Tom is mostly a sole trader, so one of our next steps is to work through how he can factor super into his broader financial structure — including how to think about contributions as part of his overall costs and fees.

Rather than throwing a complicated savings strategy at him, we’re starting with the fundamentals.

• What is realistic?

• What can be sustained?

• What does his income actually look like?

• Where does he want his super balance to be at retirement?

• And how can we build a system that works with his creative career rather than against it?

What I Loved Most About Tom’s Feedback

When I asked Tom what mattered to him when choosing someone to help with his finances, his answer really stayed with me.

He wanted someone who understood the artistic landscape.

Someone who understood contractors.

Someone who understood that the financial reality of a creative career can look very different from the traditional 9–5 model.

And when I asked what he appreciated about my approach, he said:

“You actually asked questions and were proactive in support.”

That is exactly what I want financial literacy to feel like for creatives. Not intimidating. Not judgemental. Not buried under jargon.

And definitely not designed around the assumption that everyone has a predictable salary arriving every fortnight.

Just clear conversations, useful information and a plan that makes sense for your life.

Before we finish Tom’s story, I think it’s worth knowing a little more about the person behind the numbers. Tom is a portrait and event photographer, a lifelong arts-centred human, and a creative who brings colour, humour, joy and collaboration into his work. Based in Naarm/Melbourne, with a studio in Brunswick, Tom works across portraits, live performance, events and more, and regularly travels for his work.

See Tom's work here.

I’ve used super in working towards the future with Tom because of its potential tax advantages, but the same principles apply to investing outside of super too: know your numbers, understand what you’re investing in and why, and have a plan.

If you’d like me to write more about investing in general, let me know. I’d love to hear what you want to understand better.

Tom’s story is a great reminder that the earlier you understand your financial foundations, the more time you have to do something with that knowledge.

And perhaps the best part?

When I asked Tom what he’d love to be able to say if we had this conversation again in 20 years, his answer was:

“That it was the best financial decision of my life and I’ve been able to have iced coffees every day.”

Note: Tom’s number one fear when we started talking “budgeting”? Losing the take-out iced coffees. The goal isn’t to cut out the things you love — it’s to build a plan that lets you enjoy them and invest in your future.

Until next time,

Let’s make financial literacy part of creative practice.

Ronnie

P.S. I’m always here to chat. I’d love to hear if you have any topics you’d like me to cover. Get in touch!

Hey there,

A conversation with a young arts worker got me thinking this week.

They told me they didn’t feel like they earned enough to really think about their financial future yet.

And honestly? I get it.

When you’re working in the arts, creative industries or a portfolio career, money can feel like something that arrives, gets allocated to rent, groceries, transport, equipment, subscriptions, tax (hopefully) and the next project — and then disappears.

“Future me” can feel like a very luxurious concept.

But during our conversation, they mentioned something that stopped me:

They were putting $1,000 a year into their superannuation because the government could add another $500.

And that is a very creative way of thinking about money.

It’s not necessarily about finding a huge amount of money. It’s about finding the places where a small amount can unlock something bigger.

So I thought: let’s run the numbers.

First, Is The $1,000 → $500 Thing Actually True?

Yes — if you meet the eligibility rules.

For the 2025–26 financial year, the Australian Government’s super co-contribution can add up to $500 when an eligible low-to-middle-income earner makes personal, after-tax contributions to their super.

The maximum $500 co-contribution applies when your relevant income is $47,488 or less and you make at least $1,000 of eligible personal after-tax contributions. The entitlement then gradually reduces as income rises, disappearing at $62,488. There is also a requirement that at least 10% of your total income comes from employment or carrying on a business.

So our arts worker’s strategy is real — assuming they meet the other eligibility requirements.

And importantly, you don’t have to make the $1,000 in one hit. You can drip-feed it into super throughout the year. The contribution needs to reach your fund by 30 June for that financial year.

For a creative freelancer, that might mean:

$19.25 a week → $1,000 a year → potentially $500 from the government.

That feels very different from “I need to find $1,000 for retirement.”

Now Let’s look 41 Years Into The Future

The young arts worker I spoke to is currently 24, has $4,000 already sitting in super, and has 41 years until age 65.

Let’s make the maths deliberately simple.

We’ll assume:

• Starting super balance: $4,000

• Personal contribution: $1,000 per year

• Investment return: 8% per year

• Time: 41 years

• Contributions are made at the end of each year

• No fees, insurance costs, taxes or inflation are included

• The 8% return is an assumption, not a promise of what super will actually earn - you can review your super to see your annual return.

Scenario 1: Just the $1,000 a year

Over 41 years, our creative personally contributes:

$1,000 × 41 = $41,000

Add the existing $4,000 and that’s $45,000 of their own money going into the equation (This doesn’t include their employers contributions).

But here’s where compound growth gets interesting.

At an assumed 8% annual return, the original $4,000 grows to approximately: $93,850

And the $1,000 annual contributions grow to approximately: $280,781

So at 65, the projected balance is approximately: $374,631

That’s from putting in $41,000 over 41 years — plus the $4,000 they already had.

Now Let’s Add The Government’s $500

Here’s the clever bit.

Our creative still only puts in $1,000 a year.

But, assuming they qualify for the maximum co-contribution, the government adds another $500 a year.

So instead of $1,000 going into super each year, $1,500 is being invested.

Over 41 years:

Our creative contributes: $41,000

Government contributes: $20,500

Total new contributions: $61,500

And the projected balance at 65 becomes approximately: $515,021

That’s about $140,390 more than the first scenario.

And remember: our creative hasn’t personally found another $500 every year. They’ve still only contributed their $1,000 per year. The additional $500 per year from the government gets 41 years to compound too.

That’s the bit I find particularly interesting.

The government contribution itself is $20,500 over those 41 years — but, under our 8% assumption, it helps create an additional roughly $140,000 of retirement savings compared with the $1,000-a-year-only scenario.

That’s the magic of starting early.

What Else Is The Government Doing?

This is where it gets interesting for people who don’t have huge salaries. There are several different super incentives, and they don’t all work in the same way.

Think of them as different tools in your financial toolbox.

1. The Super Co-contribution: “You put some in, we might chip in too”

This is the one we’ve just looked at.

You make an after-tax contribution to your own super.

If you’re eligible, the government adds money too — up to $500.

Creative translation:
If you’re earning modestly and can spare $20-ish a week, check whether you’re leaving a government contribution on the table.

2. LISTO: the government may put money in because you’re on a low income

This one is easy to miss.

LISTO stands for the Low Income Superannuation Tax Offset.

If your adjusted taxable income is $37,000 or less, you may receive up to $500 a year into your super. It is designed to effectively refund the contributions tax paid on eligible concessional contributions. You don’t apply for it — the ATO works out your eligibility.

This is different from the co-contribution.

So don’t assume that because you know about one, you’ve automatically considered the other.

And here’s an important wrinkle: the type of contribution you make matters. A personal contribution that you claim as a tax deduction is treated differently from an after-tax contribution you’re using for the co-contribution.

Creative translation:
If you’re earning a fairly modest income, make sure you understand both the co-contribution and LISTO rather than treating “super contributions” as one big bucket.

3. Your partner can contribute to your super — and potentially get a tax offset

This one is particularly interesting for couples where one person earns more than the other.

If your partner contributes to your super, they may be entitled to a tax offset of up to $540.

The maximum generally comes from contributing $3,000 to their spouse’s super when the spouse’s relevant income is $37,000 or less.

The offset is 18%, so:

$3,000 × 18% = $540

The benefit gradually reduces once the spouse’s income goes above $37,000 and disappears at $40,000.

So:

Partner puts $3,000 into your super → they may get up to $540 off their tax bill.

That’s not $540 going into your super. It’s a tax offset for the contributing partner. And, as always with super, eligibility conditions apply.

This Is Why I Think Creatives Have An Advantage

Not because we necessarily earn more.

Often, we don’t.

But creatives are very good at making a little go a long way.

• We know how to work with a small budget.

• We know how to reuse something.

• We know how to find another purpose for an existing resource.

• We know how to collaborate.

• We know how to turn $50 of materials into something worth much more.

Financial literacy can work the same way.

You don’t always need to dramatically increase your income before you can start improving your financial future. Sometimes the trick is understanding the system well enough to get more value from the money you’re already putting in.

That $1,000 co-contribution example is exactly that.

It’s not about becoming a person who suddenly has thousands of dollars to spare. It’s about knowing that, if you’re eligible, your $1,000 can potentially become $1,500 before investment growth even enters the picture.

That’s a pretty good return on knowing the rules.

Financial literacy can sometimes feel like another thing you’re supposed to be good at.

• Another spreadsheet.

• Another admin task.

• Another thing you should have figured out by now.

It doesn’t have to be.

Start with one question: “Is there anything I’m entitled to that I’m not currently getting?”

For super, that might be a co-contribution.

• It might be LISTO.

• It might be a spouse contribution.

• It might be salary sacrifice.

• It might be making sure your employer is actually paying the right amount at the right time.

Or it might simply be finding your super account, checking the balance and understanding where your money is invested.

You don’t have to solve your retirement today.

But your future self might be very grateful that your current self spent 20 minutes learning how the system works.

And if there’s one thing this week’s conversation reminded me of, it’s this: Creatives know how to make a little go a long way.

Your money can learn to do the same.

Want to know more?

The best place to check out the current rules, eligibility requirements is the Australian Taxation Office.

Super for individuals and families

You can also use the Australian Government’s MoneySmart Super Contributions Optimiser to explore how different contribution strategies might work for your circumstances.

Until next time,

Let’s make financial literacy part of creative practice.

Ronnie

P.S. I’m always here to chat. I’d love to hear if you have any topics you’d like me to cover. Get in touch!

Hey there,

If you’ve got a home loan with an offset account, this might be the most important thing you read all year.

Recently, ASIC (the Australian Securities and Investments Commission) uncovered a widespread issue across several Australian banks: thousands of offset accounts were either never linked to the customer’s home loan or became disconnected without the customer knowing. The result? People were paying far more interest than they should have been. Collectively, banks have already refunded more than $55 million to customers, and ASIC expects remediation to continue as more affected borrowers are identified.

For creatives, every dollar matters. Whether you’re building your business, saving for your next project or simply trying to get ahead, paying unnecessary interest is money that could be working for you instead.

What Actually Happened?

An offset account is designed to reduce the amount of your home loan that interest is calculated on.

For example:

• Home loan: $500,000

• Offset account balance: $50,000

If everything is working correctly, you should only be paying interest on $450,000, not the full $500,000.

ASIC reviewed more than 200,000 home loans across eight major lenders and found basic administration failures including:

• offset accounts that were never linked to the loan

• linked accounts becoming disconnected

• incorrect account setup

• poor monitoring systems that failed to detect the errors.

In some cases, customers paid thousands of dollars in additional interest before the problem was discovered.

What Are Banks Required To Do?

ASIC has made it clear that banks are expected to:

• identify affected customers proactively

• refund any additional interest charged

• compensate customers where appropriate

• improve their systems and processes so these mistakes don’t continue

• strengthen ongoing monitoring instead of waiting for customers to discover the issue themselves.

The key takeaway?

Don’t assume your bank has it right. Verify it yourself.

How Are People Discovering The Problem?

Interestingly, many borrowers only found out when:

• refinancing their loan

• changing loan products

• speaking with their broker

• comparing interest calculations

• noticing their interest charges seemed higher than expected.

Sometimes the offset account still appeared in online banking, giving customers every reason to believe everything was working correctly.

How To Check Your Own Offset Account

Here’s a simple process you can follow this week.

Step 1: Confirm you actually have an offset account

Check your loan documents or internet banking.

Your account should clearly state it is an Offset Account, not simply a transaction or savings account.

Step 2: Check which loan it is linked to

Many banks display the linked loan account number in online banking.

If you have multiple loan splits (fixed and variable), your offset may only apply to one portion.

Make sure it’s linked to the loan you expect.

Step 3: Compare your interest

Look at your latest home loan statement.

Take a look at your:

• your loan balance

• your offset balance

• your interest rate

• the interest charged during the month.

As a rough guide:

(Loan balance − Offset balance) × Interest rate ÷ 365 × Number of days in the interest period

The result should be reasonably close to the interest charged (small differences can occur due to daily balance changes). If the numbers are wildly different, ask your bank to investigate.

Step 4: Call your bank

Don’t simply ask, “Do I have an offset?”

Instead ask:

“Can you please confirm that my offset account is actively linked to my home loan account and that it is currently reducing the interest charged on my loan?”

Then ask them to confirm:

• the loan account number

• the offset account number

• the date it was linked

• whether it has ever been disconnected or changed.

Step 5: Ask for written confirmation

Request the confirmation by email or secure message. That way you have a record if an issue is identified later.

One of my clients recently highlighted exactly why this matters.

While discussing their home loan, I noticed something wasn’t adding up. They had diligently built a healthy offset balance, yet the interest they were being charged didn’t reflect the savings they should have been receiving.

After they asked their bank to investigate, it became clear the offset wasn’t correctly linked to the loan.

The client had done everything right—they were saving consistently, using the offset exactly as intended and trusting the bank’s systems.

The problem wasn’t their financial habits.

It was the administration behind the scenes.

It was a reminder that even when you’re financially organised, it’s worth checking the numbers rather than assuming everything is working as promised.

Key creative takeaway

As creatives, we’re used to checking the details in our work. Proofreading. Colour matching. Editing. Reviewing contracts. Your finances deserve the same attention.

An offset account can save tens—or even hundreds—of thousands of dollars over the life of a mortgage. But it only works if it’s actually connected.

This fortnight, spend ten minutes checking yours. It could be the highest-paying ten minutes you’ll spend all year.

Until next time,

Let’s make financial literacy part of creative practice.

Ronnie

P.S. I’m always here to chat. I’d love to hear if you have any topics you’d like me to cover. Get in touch!

Hey there,

This week I had the pleasure of presenting at the Theatre Works Future Stage Symposium, delivering a session on financial literacy and financial sustainability to a room filled with arts industry veterans, mid-career practitioners, senior arts workers, and around 30 emerging creative industry students.

The session brought together two pieces of work that have become deeply connected for me over the past year.

The first was sharing some outcomes of the Creative Australia financial sustainability project I’ve been fortunate to work on. Through this project, I partnered with arts organisations to look at financial sustainability through a different lens—not by asking “Where can we cut costs?” but “What revenue opportunities already exist within the assets, expertise, and offerings we have?”

We explored practical examples of organisations discovering new income streams, rethinking existing programs, and finding ways to create financial resilience without compromising their artistic vision. It was incredibly rewarding to show that sometimes the greatest opportunities are already sitting within the work we’re doing.

From there, we shifted from organisational finance to personal finance.

Together we worked through the financial literacy fundamentals that every creative deserves to understand but so few of us are ever taught. We covered topics including:

• Understanding superannuation and why it matters.

• The incredible power of compound interest.

• How to calculate your own retirement number.

• Building a flexible spending plan that works with irregular creative income.

• Setting up bank accounts to make managing money simpler and less stressful.

One of my favourite parts of the session was running my “How to Make Everyone in the Room a Millionaire at Retirement” workshop.

The volunteers were fantastic, the room was completely engaged, and you could feel the shift happen as people realised that long-term wealth building isn’t reserved for people who are already wealthy. It’s something creatives can absolutely achieve too, with the right knowledge and enough time.

Earlier in the day I’d attended several sessions discussing the realities facing our sector—the ongoing funding pressures, shrinking grant opportunities, and the uncertainty many artists and organisations are experiencing.

That’s why it felt so meaningful that the symposium finished the day on such an optimistic note.

Rather than leaving feeling defeated by the challenges, people left with practical tools they could use immediately. There was a long line of conversations afterwards, and the feedback was incredibly encouraging. The message I heard again and again was:

“Why aren’t we taught this in the arts?”

It’s a question I’ve been asking for years.

Financial literacy isn’t about becoming an accountant. It’s about understanding enough to make informed decisions, reduce financial stress, and give yourself more options to keep making great work.

Personally, I walked away feeling incredibly grateful. Helping fellow arts workers build confidence around money has become something that’s genuinely close to my heart. Watching people move from feeling intimidated by finance to feeling empowered is one of the most rewarding parts of the work I do.

If you or someone you know is organising a conference, festival, symposium, company development day, or creative sector event and think your audience would benefit from practical, engaging, and accessible financial literacy education, I’d love to chat.

I have a session that shows creatives that finance isn’t something to fear—it’s simply another creative tool that can help build a sustainable career.

Until next time,

Let’s make financial literacy part of creative practice.

Ronnie

P.S. I’m always here to chat. I’d love to hear if you have any topics you’d like me to cover. Get in touch!

Hey there,

About a year ago, I sat down and wrote the very first edition of this newsletter with one simple hope: that I could help my fellow creatives and arts workers feel a little more confident with money.

I’ve spent my entire career surrounded by some of the most talented, resourceful and generous people I know. We somehow pull off magical productions, festivals, exhibitions and events with tiny budgets, impossible deadlines and a whole lot of passion. We make extraordinary things happen for hundreds—often thousands—of people.

And it got me thinking...

If we’re capable of creating that kind of magic, surely we’re capable of building financial security for ourselves too.

Financial literacy isn’t about becoming a finance person. It’s about learning a craft—just like lighting design, producing, directing, writing or performing. One small skill at a time. One conversation at a time. One good decision after another.

Slowly. Steadily.

That’s why I started writing.

What has surprised me most over the past year has been the conversations this little newsletter has created.

I’ve had the privilege of working with people from Creative Australia, arts organisations and independent artists and arts workers from all over the country. I’ve received emails asking questions, suggesting topics to cover, sharing financial wins, and even simply saying, “Thank you—I thought I was the only one doing this.”

Those messages honestly mean the world.

Because one of the hardest parts about money is that we often don’t talk about it. We celebrate opening nights, reviews and grants (and rightly so), but we rarely talk about emergency funds, investing, superannuation, paying ourselves properly or being paid properly.

The more we talk about money, the less mysterious it becomes.

And that brings me to something I’m incredibly excited to share.

Creatives Who Count

A little while ago I received a phone call from producers Dianne Toulson and Steven Mitchell Wright.

They’ve been creating something pretty special: Future Stage Symposium, a five-day national gathering for Australia’s independent theatre and performance community, taking place 13–17 July 2026.

When they asked if I’d like to run a session on financial literacy, my answer was immediate.

Absolutely.

I’ve affectionately titled the session Creatives Who Count because, well... creatives count.

Our work counts.

Our time counts.

Our money counts.

And we deserve to build financial lives that are just as intentional as the creative careers we’re building.

Rather than a formal lecture, we’re doing something that feels much more “us.”

We’ll be gathering in the Theatre Works theatre on Tuesday evening, sitting on picnic rugs, bringing snacks and drinks, and having an honest conversation about money.

We’ll chat about finding extra revenue in work you’re already doing, creating financial breathing room, and planning for the future in the same slow, sustainable way we develop our artistic practice.

Not overnight.

Not by getting rich quick.

Just by building good habits that compound over time.

Because financial security isn’t something reserved for other people. It’s something we can learn.

If the vision behind Future Stage resonates with you, I’d love to see you there. The symposium is bringing together independent artists, producers, creative leaders and organisations from across Australia to ask some of the biggest questions facing our sector—not just about making great work, but about sustaining the people who make it possible.

I honestly can’t thank Dianne and Steven enough for creating space for conversations like this. It feels like such an important part of strengthening our creative community, and I’m incredibly grateful to be part of it.

Check Out Future Stage Here.

A Funny Full-Circle Moment

Before I let you go, here’s a story that made me smile.

I first met Steven 20 years ago when we were both working at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Steven (below middle) was one of the wonderfully glamorous collaborators performing with Amanda Palmer.

I (below right), meanwhile, was the ticketing and box office babe at the Famous Spiegeltent—usually running between box offices, balancing floats and counting cash.

Apparently, some things never change.

When Steven called about Future Stage, we chatted about that Edinburgh season.

What he probably didn’t know was what I was doing between performances.

Whenever the box office was quiet, I’d be sitting behind the counter reading financial literacy books.

I’d grown up around financial insecurity, and somewhere during that festival I decided I wanted a different future. I realised that if I was going to build a life in the arts, I also needed to learn how money worked.

That Edinburgh Fringe was where my investing journey began.

Looking back, my biggest takeaways from that season were:

• Scots apparently drink warm beer.

• Amanda Palmer’s version of Umbrella is still one of my favourite covers.

• Spend less than you earn.

• Invest the rest.

Twenty years later, I’m still working with creatives and their cash.

Only now, instead of counting ticket sales, I get to help artists count towards a more secure future.

And honestly?

I can’t imagine a better full-circle moment.

Until next time,

Keep making beautiful things—and don’t forget to make space for your financial future too.

Ronnie

P.S. I’m always here to chat. I’d love to hear if you have any topics you’d like me to cover. Get in touch!

Hey there,

It’s that time of year again.

The end of financial year (EOFY) rolls around and suddenly everyone is scrambling for receipts, searching inboxes for invoices, and promising themselves that next year they’ll be more organised.

If you’re a creative, you’re not alone.

Many artists, designers, photographers, writers, makers and freelancers leave their tax until the last minute. Not because they’re lazy. Usually it’s because tax feels disconnected from the work they actually love doing.

Creating feels rewarding. Tax feels administrative.

And when money lands in your account, it can feel like you’ve finally been paid for all those late nights, revisions, client meetings and projects.

So why would you want to immediately move some of it aside for tax?

The Creative Tax Trap

For many creatives, income doesn’t arrive in neat, predictable pay cycles.

One month you might invoice $5,000.

The next month you might invoice nothing.

That uncertainty creates a mindset of: “I’ll keep the money now and figure out tax later.”

The problem is that “later” always arrives.

When tax time comes around, many creatives discover that the money they thought was theirs was actually partly the ATO’s.

The result?

• Stress

• Unexpected tax bills

• Payment plans

• A cycle of constantly feeling behind

The reality is that putting money aside for tax isn’t losing money. It’s simply separating money that was never truly yours to spend.

Future You will be extremely grateful.

EOFY and Super: The Wealth-Building Opportunity Most Creatives Ignore

While tax gets all the attention at EOFY, superannuation is often the bigger long-term opportunity.

Many creatives spend years focused on making more income but very little time thinking about where that income is going to take them in 20, 30 or 40 years.

Super isn’t exciting.

It’s not glamorous.

But it is one of the most powerful wealth-building tools available to Australians.

What’s Changing from 1 July?

There are a couple of important super changes coming into effect from 1 July 2026.

1. Higher contribution caps

The concessional contribution cap (generally pre-tax contributions) is increasing from $30,000 to $32,500 per year.

The non-concessional contribution cap (after-tax contributions) is increasing from $120,000 to $130,000 per year.

2. Payday Super

A major change coming into effect from 1 July 2026 is “Payday Super”.

Instead of employers paying super quarterly, they will generally be required to pay super at the same time they pay wages, with contributions reaching the employee’s fund within seven business days.

This might sound like an administrative change, but it’s actually great news for workers.

Why?

Because money enters your super account earlier and starts working for you sooner.

And in investing, time matters.

The contribution cap and Payday Super information above reflects changes commencing from 1 July 2026. Always verify current rules with the ATO or a licensed financial adviser, as legislation can change.

The Magic of Compounding

Compounding is simply earning returns on your previous returns.

Imagine planting a tree.

In the first year it grows a little.

In the second year it’s growing from a larger base.

By year ten, growth is happening on growth.

That’s exactly how investing works. And the money in your Super account is invested.

The earlier money enters your super account, the longer it has to compound.

Even small amounts invested consistently over decades can become significant sums.

How Much Would You Need to Invest to Reach $1 Million by Age 65?

Assuming:

• A 7% annual return

• No starting super balance

• Contributions made annually

• Goal of reaching $1 million by age 65

The lesson isn’t that you need to become a millionaire overnight.

The lesson is that time does most of the heavy lifting.

Starting earlier dramatically reduces how much you need to contribute.

Your EOFY Super Checklist

EOFY is the perfect time to spend 30 minutes checking your super.

Step 1: Check Your Balance

Log into your super fund or myGov account and check:

• Your current balance

• Recent contributions

• Whether employer contributions have been received

You can’t improve what you don’t measure.

Step 2: Make Sure You Only Have One Super Account

Many Australians accidentally end up with multiple super accounts after changing jobs.

Multiple accounts can mean:

• Multiple administration fees

• Duplicate insurance premiums

• Slower growth over time

Consolidating into a single account can reduce unnecessary costs and make your super easier to manage.

Before consolidating, always check whether you’ll lose any insurance cover or benefits attached to an existing account.

Step 3: Review Your Investment Performance

Most people spend more time researching a new phone than they do checking how their retirement savings are performing.

Ask yourself:

• How has my fund performed over the past 5 and 10 years?

• What investment option am I currently invested in?

• Is it aligned with my age and risk tolerance?

Don’t focus on short-term performance.

Long-term consistency matters more.

Step 4: Compare Fees

Fees might seem small, but over decades they can have a significant impact on your final balance.

Look at:

• Administration fees

• Investment fees

• Insurance costs

Small percentage differences can add up to thousands of dollars over your working life.

Step 5: Check Your Beneficiaries

Make sure your nominated beneficiaries are up to date.

Life changes. Relationships change. Your super paperwork should keep up.

The Big EOFY Reminder

EOFY isn’t just about tax deductions. Remember a tax deduction only reduces your taxable income, it doesn’t give you your money back. If your marginal tax rate is 30% and you spend $100 on a tax deductible item, you save about $30 in tax. You are still $70 out of pocket.

This time is an opportunity to pause and ask: “Am I making financial decisions that help Future Me?”

For creatives, building wealth isn’t usually about one big decision. It’s about dozens of small decisions repeated consistently.

Putting money aside for tax.

Checking your super.

Reducing unnecessary fees.

Taking advantage of compounding.

The creative work is what you do today.

Financial literacy is making sure that work continues to benefit you long into the future.

For many years, my wife and I have had a simple EOFY habit: whenever we received a tax refund, bonus, or any unexpected windfall, we'd put some or all of it into our super. Sometimes it was only a few hundred dollars, sometimes it was considerably more, but the amount was never as important as the consistency. Looking back, those contributions have quietly grown into a meaningful part of our long-term wealth. Each year in the lead-up to EOFY, we sit down together and review our super contributions, discuss whether we'd like to make any additional top-ups before 30 June, and check that our super fund is delivering the investment returns we're expecting. It's not the most exciting financial conversation we have all year, but it's one of the most valuable. Those small annual check-ins help ensure we're making conscious decisions today that will benefit our future selves for decades to come.

Thanks for taking the time to tune in. It means a lot!

Catch you in the next one,
Ronnie

P.S. I’m always here to chat. I’d love to hear if you have any topics you’d like me to cover. Get in touch!

Hey there,

Last week, we talked about why so many of us were taught to have one bank account and how that approach can make managing money harder than it needs to be.

You can read about it here.

This week, I want to introduce a simple concept that can make a huge difference to your financial confidence: sinking funds.

If you’ve never heard the term before, don’t worry. A sinking fund is simply money you set aside regularly for a future expense that you know is coming.

Instead of scrambling to find $500 when you need it, you’re gradually putting aside smaller amounts over time so the money is waiting for you when you need it.

For creatives, freelancers, performers, and anyone with an irregular income, sinking funds can be one of the most practical financial tools available.

A Conversation That Got Me Thinking

Recently, I was chatting with a couple of young performers who were excited about an upcoming festival.

As the conversation continued, a familiar theme emerged.

They were talking about all the shows they wanted to see, the artists they wanted to support, and the workshops they hoped to attend. Then someone said they probably wouldn’t be able to afford many tickets because they didn’t have the money available right now.

It struck me that this is exactly where a sinking fund can help.

Imagine if, six months before the festival, they had started putting aside just $10 or $20 a week into a dedicated “Festival Tickets” fund.

By the time the event arrived, they would have money specifically reserved for tickets. They wouldn’t need to choose between seeing a show and paying their bills. The money would already have a purpose.

Now, this isn’t about saying everyone should create a festival ticket fund.

It’s simply an example of how sinking funds work.

They don’t always have to be practical or serious goals. They can be for experiences, hobbies, creative development, travel, concerts, festival registration fees, equipment upgrades, or anything else that’s important to you.

The key idea is that not all of your money needs to sit in one big pot.

Why Short-Term Goals Work So Well

When people think about financial goals, they often jump straight to the big ones:

• Buying a home

• Building an investment portfolio

• Saving for retirement

Those goals matter, but they’re often years away.

Sinking funds work best when they’re connected to shorter-term goals that feel achievable and relevant to your life right now.

When you can see a clear purpose for your money, you’re much more likely to stay motivated.

Some examples might include:

• Festival and event tickets

• New costumes or performance wear

• Professional development courses

• Home renovations

• Annual subscriptions

• Travel

• Gifts

• Emergency pet expenses

• Car registration and insurance

• A weekend away

• A new laptop

These are all expenses that aren’t monthly bills, but they aren’t surprises either.

They’re future-you expenses.

Sinking Funds Can Support Your Cash Flow During Quiet Months

For creatives, freelancers, and performers, income often isn’t consistent.

Some months are packed with work, performances, commissions, or bookings. Other months can feel surprisingly quiet.

This is where sinking funds can become incredibly powerful.

Most people think of sinking funds as a way to save for future expenses, but they can also help smooth out the natural ups and downs of irregular income.

Imagine you’ve just finished a busy season and have earned more than usual. Instead of allowing every extra dollar to disappear into everyday spending, you could direct some of that money into a dedicated “Income Buffer” or “Quiet Month Fund.”

Then, when work slows down, you have money set aside specifically to help cover your regular expenses.

This is particularly useful for creatives because work often arrives in cycles. Festival seasons, touring periods, teaching contracts, production schedules, and client projects can all create periods of feast and famine throughout the year.

A cash flow sinking fund can help reduce the stress of those quieter periods because you’ve already planned for them.

For example, if you know January is usually a slow month for work, you might decide to set aside $50 or $100 from every payment you receive during your busiest months. By the time January arrives, you’ve built a financial cushion that can help cover rent, groceries, utilities, or other essential expenses.

This is different from an emergency fund. An emergency fund is there for unexpected events. A cash flow sinking fund is there for expenses and income fluctuations you can reasonably anticipate.

For many creatives, having a dedicated fund for quieter work periods can create something incredibly valuable: choice. Instead of feeling pressured to take every opportunity purely for financial reasons, you may have more flexibility to pursue projects that align with your goals, invest time in developing your craft, or simply navigate a slower season with less financial stress.

Just like a festival ticket fund or an equipment fund, a cash flow fund gives a specific purpose to a portion of your money. It’s another example of how separating your savings into different categories can help your money work harder for the life and career you’re building.

How to Set Up a Sinking Fund

The process is surprisingly simple.

Step 1: Choose the Goal

Pick something specific.

Instead of “save more money,” try:

• Fringe Festival tickets

• New microphone

• Creative retreat

• Car registration

Specific goals are easier to commit to.

Step 2: Work Out the Cost

Estimate how much you’ll need.

Let’s say you want $600 available for festival tickets.

Step 3: Calculate the Timeline

If the festival is six months away, you need:

$600 ÷ 26 weeks = approximately $23 per week.

Now you have a clear savings target.

Step 4: Automate It

Set up an automatic transfer as soon as income arrives.

Even if the amount feels small, consistency matters more than perfection.

Where Should You Keep a Sinking Fund?

The best place is usually somewhere separate from your everyday spending account.

This could be:

A Separate Savings Account

Many online banks allow multiple savings accounts or “buckets” under one login.

You might have:

• Festival Fund

• Equipment Fund

• Tax Fund

• Travel Fund

This makes it easy to see exactly what each pool of money is for.

A High-Interest Savings Account

If the goal is several months/years away, earning some interest can be a bonus. The interest won’t usually be life-changing, but every little bit helps.

Digital Savings Buckets

Some banks now allow you to create categories or virtual envelopes inside your account. This can work well if you prefer fewer accounts but still want your money organised.

The best option is the one you’ll actually use consistently.

The Benefits of Sinking Funds

Less Financial Stress: You already know the money is there when the expense arrives.

Better Cash Flow: Large expenses become manageable because you’re spreading the cost over time.

Fewer Surprises

• Many “unexpected” expenses are actually predictable.

• We know our registration is due.

• We know birthdays are coming.

• We know festival season happens every year.

More Intentional Spending: When money has a purpose, it’s easier to make decisions about where it goes.

Greater Freedom: Ironically, giving your money structure often creates more freedom because you’ve already planned for the things that matter to you.

The Downsides of Sinking Funds

Like any system, sinking funds aren’t perfect.

More Accounts to Manage: If you create too many funds, things can become complicated. Start small. Two or three funds is often enough.

Money Can Feel “Unavailable”

Some people find it frustrating seeing money in an account but knowing it’s allocated for something else. That’s actually part of the point, but it can take some adjustment.

It Requires Ongoing Maintenance

• Goals change.

• Life changes.

• You may need to pause, increase, decrease, or repurpose funds occasionally.

• That’s normal.

How Much Should You Put In?

There isn’t one right answer.

You might choose:

• A fixed weekly amount

• A percentage of every payment you receive

• A percentage of your monthly income

• Any surplus left over at the end of the week

For creatives with irregular income, percentages can work particularly well.

For example:

• 5% toward professional development

• 5% toward equipment replacement

• 10% toward tax obligations

When income fluctuates, the contribution adjusts automatically.

The Bigger Lesson

Sinking funds aren’t really about bank accounts. They’re about giving your money direction. Last week we explored the limitations of keeping everything in one account.

This week’s lesson is the natural next step. When every dollar sits together, it’s easy to lose sight of what that money is meant to do.

Sinking funds help create clarity.

Whether you’re saving for tax, a new camera lens, a creative workshop, or a stack of tickets, the principle is the same:

Future-you will need the money. Present-you gets to make the plan.

And when the time comes to buy the ticket, pay the bill, book the course, or replace the equipment, you’ll have something many people don’t:

A fund that’s been quietly waiting for exactly that moment.

Before I wrap up, I wanted to share a cost-of-living initiative that could put a little extra money back into the pockets of Victorian drivers.

The Victorian Government is currently offering a 20% rebate on vehicle registration costs for eligible light vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, utes, vans and 4WDs. Eligible vehicle owners can receive up to $186 back per vehicle, with claims available for up to two vehicles registered in their name.

The rebate applies to vehicle registrations paid during the 2025–26 financial year, and applications are open from 1 June 2026 until 31 July 2026. Eligible Victorians can apply through Service Victoria using either the website or app.

One of the reasons I wanted to mention this in a newsletter about sinking funds is that rebates like this can be a great opportunity to get ahead financially.

Rather than letting the rebate disappear into everyday spending, you could direct it straight into a sinking fund for your next registration payment. Future-you will thank you when that renewal notice arrives.

If you’re a Victorian vehicle owner, it’s worth checking whether you’re eligible.

More information and applications can be found here:

Vic Rego Rebate Info & Application

Thanks for taking the time to tune in. It means a lot!

Catch you in the next one,
Ronnie

P.S. I’m always here to chat. I’d love to hear if you have any topics you’d like me to cover. Get in touch! Let’s start the conversation.

Hey there,

Most people never really question the way they bank.

You get paid into one account, tap the same card for everything, your bills come out automatically, and hopefully there’s enough left over at the end of the week. For many people, that setup feels completely normal because it’s the only system they’ve ever known.

But have you ever stopped to ask: Why were we taught to manage money this way in the first place?

In Australia, many people’s first experience with money came through the famous Dollarmites program. If you grew up here, you probably remember the yellow deposit wallets, school banking day, and collecting little rewards for saving coins.

It was positioned as financial education, but it also created lifelong banking habits. Many children opened their first account at the affiliated bank and simply stayed there into adulthood — not necessarily because they compared systems or consciously chose it, but because it became familiar.

Over time, many people adopted what became the “normal” financial setup:

• one everyday spending account

• maybe a savings account

• eventually a mortgage and offset account

• often a credit card possibly for points or rewards

And that’s where it stopped.

But our financial lives have become far more complex than the systems most of us were taught to use.

We’ve Become More Disconnected From Money

A generation ago, people physically handled cash every day. You could actually watch money leaving your hands. There was a level of awareness built into spending because you could see and feel it happening.

Now most transactions are invisible.

Money disappears through:

• tap payments

• subscriptions

• direct debits

• online shopping

• automatic renewals

• buy-now-pay-later services

Because of that, many people have become deeply disconnected from where their money is actually going.

And when everything runs through one account, it becomes incredibly difficult to understand:

• what money is available

• what’s already allocated to bills

• what should be saved

• what can safely be spent

• what you’re actually spending each month

For many people, this creates constant financial fog.

One Account Means Your Brain Has To Do All The Work

When rent, groceries, subscriptions, savings, tax money, business expenses and everyday spending all sit in one place, your brain has to mentally separate everything manually.

You open your banking app, see a number, and immediately start calculating:

“Can I afford this?”

But that number doesn’t actually tell you very much.

• Some of that money belongs to future bills.

• Some is meant for savings.

• Some needs to cover tax.

• Some is already mentally spent before you’ve touched it.

This is one of the reasons so many people feel overwhelmed by money — even when they’re earning well.

Financially Organised People Often Use More Accounts, Not Fewer

Interestingly, people who feel the most in control of their money often have multiple bank accounts. Not because they’re wealthy or obsessed with budgeting, but because separate accounts create clarity.

Many people structure their finances with accounts for:

• bills

• everyday spending

• savings

• tax

• business expenses

• emergency funds

• travel or fun spending

• separate savings buckets

People with mortgages may also use:

• offset accounts

• credit cards for rewards or cash flow management

The important thing isn’t having the “perfect” setup.

It’s giving your money different jobs instead of expecting one account to do everything.

Why Multiple Accounts Can Help

For creatives, freelancers and self-employed people especially, income is often inconsistent. Which means clarity becomes even more important.

Having separate accounts can:

• reduce overwhelm

• make bills easier to prepare for

• reduce accidental overspending

• create clearer spending boundaries

• make saving feel more automatic

• reduce financial anxiety

• help you actually understand your habits

And honestly, sometimes the biggest benefit is emotional.

When your bills are already separated, you stop carrying that constant low-level stress of:

“I hope I haven’t forgotten something.”

This Isn’t About Restriction

A lot of people avoid financial systems because they assume systems mean restriction.

But good financial systems aren’t about punishment.

They’re about reducing decision fatigue.

They help you spend more intentionally, and often more freely, because you know your essentials are already accounted for. The truth is, most of us are still using the financial setup we accidentally inherited as kids — not necessarily the one that best supports our lives now.

A Small Challenge

This week, open your banking app and review your setup.

Ask yourself:

• Does this system actually help me understand my money?

• Do I know what every dollar is for?

• Does my setup reduce stress or create more of it?

• What feels messy or unclear?

• What would make money feel simpler?

You don’t need to overhaul everything overnight.

But sometimes even adding one extra account with a clear purpose can completely change the way money feels.

Financial literacy isn’t always about earning more money.

Sometimes it starts with organising the money you already have in a way that actually supports your life.

Over the years, my wife and I have gone through so many different versions of how we manage our bank accounts. My wife is originally from the UK, so very early in our relationship we set up a joint account partly to help “prove” our relationship history for visas and paperwork. From there, we experimented with all sorts of systems — shared accounts, multiple savings accounts for different goals like travel, buying a home and preparing for a baby, all the way through to eventually combining things more fully and managing our finances as a team focused on building wealth together.

What I’ve realised through all of this is that there’s no single “right” way to structure your accounts. Different seasons of life require different systems. At one point we had so many sub-accounts and automatic transfers happening that payday felt like watching a choreographed dance routine where money was spinning around between accounts like luggage on an airport conveyor belt.

But despite all the iterations, the biggest thing that helped us was moving away from having one pot of money and trying to mentally track what every dollar needed to do — both now and in the future. Separating money by purpose created so much more clarity and reduced a huge amount of financial stress.

If there’s one thing I’d encourage, it’s this: allow yourself to experiment with your financial setup. If something isn’t working, change it. Adjust it. Keep iterating until it supports the way your life actually works. Your banking system should make money feel clearer, not more overwhelming.

Thanks for taking the time to tune in. It means a lot!

Catch you in the next one,
Ronnie

P.S. I’m always here to chat. I’d love to hear if you have any topics you’d like me to cover. Get in touch! Let’s start the conversation.

Hey there,

Lately I’ve noticed this topic coming up constantly around me — with friends, family, clients and other creatives. People are feeling the pressure of rising costs, hearing terms like “inflation” and “interest rates” on the news every day, and trying to work out why life suddenly feels more expensive. I thought I’d try to break things down in a simple, approachable way (fingers crossed) to help people build a basic understanding of what’s actually going on — because financial literacy is becoming increasingly important for all of us, especially in uncertain times.

If you’re a creative in Australia right now, chances are you’ve noticed something strange:

• Coffee costs more.

• Petrol costs more.

• Rent costs more.

• Mortgage repayments are painful.

• Yet governments are announcing “free” initiatives like public transport weekends and subsidies.

So how does all of this connect? And why should artists, musicians, designers, filmmakers and freelancers care?

Let’s break it down simply.

First: Nothing Is Really “Free”

As an example, Victoria recently introduced periods of free public transport across April and May. On the surface, this sounds fantastic. More affordable travel. More movement. More accessibility. More support during a cost-of-living crisis.

And honestly — those are good things.

But here’s the economic question worth asking: If the government spends more money helping people today… where does that money come from tomorrow?

Governments don’t magically create wealth. They either:

• collect taxes,

• borrow money,

• or increase spending into the economy.

When governments spend heavily, more money flows around the system. People spend more. Demand rises. And when demand rises faster than supply?

Prices go up.

That’s inflation.

What Inflation Actually Means

Inflation is simply: The general increase in prices over time. Not just one thing becoming expensive — but everything gradually creeping upward.

You’ve already experienced it:

• groceries,

• insurance,

• rent,

• electricity,

• petrol,

• concert tickets,

• streaming subscriptions.

Inflation happens for many reasons:

• government spending,

• global wars,

• supply shortages,

• companies increasing prices,

• wage growth,

• and consumer demand.

The important part is this: When inflation rises too much, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) steps in.

So What Is the RBA?

The Reserve Bank of Australia is Australia’s central bank. Its job is to keep the economy relatively stable. One of the biggest tools it uses is interest rates.

The RBA looks at:

• inflation,

• employment,

• wages,

• spending,

• housing,

• global events,

• and economic growth.

Then it decides whether interest rates should:

• go up,

• stay the same,

• or come down.

Why? Because higher interest rates make borrowing money more expensive.

And when borrowing becomes expensive:

• people spend less,

• businesses slow down,

• housing cools,

• and inflation can reduce.

It’s basically the economic version of tapping the brakes.

What’s a Basis Point?

You’ll often hear: The RBA raised rates by 25 basis points. Sounds complicated, but it’s actually simple.

A basis point is:

• one hundredth of 1%.

So:

• 25 basis points = 0.25%

• 50 basis points = 0.50%

• 100 basis points = 1%

Why not just say percentages?

Because finance people needed a precise way to talk about tiny changes without confusion.

If someone says:

• “rates rose 1%”

Do they mean:

• from 5% to 6%?
  OR

• by 1% of 5%?

Basis points remove ambiguity.

So “25 basis points” always means exactly 0.25%.

That tiny number can add hundreds of dollars a month to a mortgage.

The Hidden Question Behind “Free” Services

Now comes the uncomfortable but important conversation.

Free public transport sounds amazing.

But would you still support it if:

• your mortgage repayment increased by $400 a month?

• or your landlord’s mortgage rose and your rent jumped another $80 a week?

This is where financial literacy matters.

Good policies can still create economic pressure.

And sometimes governments introduce popular spending because voters love immediate benefits — even if the long-term economic consequences arrive later.

That doesn’t mean free public transport is bad.

It means: Every policy has trade-offs.

Understanding those trade-offs is part of becoming financially literate.

The Middle East War & Why Petrol Prices Matter Here

A lot of Australians wonder: Why does a war overseas affect my fuel bill? Because Australia is connected to the global economy. Conflict in the Middle East can disrupt oil supply and create uncertainty in global energy markets.

When oil prices rise internationally:

• petrol prices rise in Australia,

• transport costs rise,

• businesses pay more,

• and those costs eventually flow into the prices of everyday goods.

That’s called a supply shock.

Even if Australia isn’t directly involved in the conflict, we still feel the economic effects.

And because petrol impacts almost everything:

• deliveries,

• flights,

• logistics,

• food transportation,

• trades,

• rideshares.

Higher fuel prices can contribute to inflation across the whole economy.

Why Financial Literacy Matters More Than Ever

You don’t need to become an economist.

But understanding: inflation, debt, interest rates, taxes, investing, and government policy is becoming essential life knowledge.

Especially for creatives and freelancers.

Why?

Because creative careers often involve:

• irregular income,

• self-employment,

• contracts,

• unstable work cycles,

• and less financial security.

Financial literacy helps you:

• negotiate better,

• save more effectively,

• avoid bad debt,

• understand mortgages,

• invest wisely,

• and make calmer decisions during uncertain times.

How to Learn Financial Literacy Simply

The good news?

You don’t need a finance degree.

Start small:

• read and share this newsletter - talk about it,

• watch YouTube explainers,

• listen to podcasts,

• follow economists and finance educators,

• read one article a week,

• learn basic investing terms,

• understand your superannuation,

• and ask questions.

Even learning:

• what inflation is,

• how mortgages work,

• or why rates move

already puts you ahead of many people.

Financial literacy is less about becoming rich and more about: Understanding the system you already live inside.

A Video That Might Be Worth Watching

One thing I’d recommend watching if you want to better understand all of this is the recent press conference from Michele Bullock (Governor of the RBA) following last week’s interest rate increase announcement by the Reserve Bank of Australia.

Michele Bullock RBA press conference

This is probably one of the best places to start if you want more insight into:

• why rates are going up,

• how the RBA thinks about inflation,

• what global events are influencing Australia,

• and how these decisions actually get made.

What makes it interesting is that you’re hearing directly from the person who is part of making the decisions rather than through headlines or social media reactions. Even if you don’t understand every economic term yet, watching conversations like this can help build familiarity with the language of finance and economics over time. Often financial literacy starts with curiosity. You watch one video, hear one unfamiliar phrase, then go and look it up. Maybe it’s “inflation,” “cash rate,” “basis points,” or “monetary policy.” That next question is usually where real learning begins.

You definitely don’t need to become an economist overnight, but exposing yourself to these discussions is one of the simplest ways to start understanding the financial system that affects all of us every day.

Despite Everything… Australia Is Still Incredibly Lucky

It’s easy to focus on what’s going wrong.

But Australia still offers enormous advantages:

• relatively high wages,

• strong worker protections,

• Medicare,

• public infrastructure,

• political stability,

• superannuation,

• access to education,

• and a generally high quality of life.

Many countries are experiencing:

• far higher inflation,

• lower wages,

• political instability,

• or limited public services.

That perspective matters too. The goal isn’t doom and gloom. The goal is awareness.

Because the more financially literate people become, the better decisions they can make for themselves, their families, their creative careers, and their futures.

And in times like these, understanding money is becoming just as important as earning it.

Thanks for taking the time to tune in. It means a lot!

Catch you in the next one,
Ronnie

P.S. I’m always here to chat. I’d love to hear if you have any topics you’d like me to cover. Get in touch! Let’s start the conversation.

Hey there,

Let’s talk about something that’s been quietly (or not so quietly) stressing a lot of us out lately… food.

Not in a dramatic, end-of-the-world way—but in that “why did I just spend $42 and walk out with one bag of groceries?” kind of way. If you’ve been feeling it, you’re absolutely not alone.

The Reality Check: Food Prices in 2026

In Australia, food and non-alcoholic beverages rose around 3.1% over the year to early 2026, according to CPI (Consumer Price Index) data, with categories like meat (+4.5%) and eating out (+3.7%) climbing even higher.

Zoom in further and you’ll notice the real story creatives are living:

• Many staples like beef, eggs, and packaged goods have seen noticeable jumps

• Even small weekly increases compound into serious monthly pressure

Meanwhile, broader inflation sits around 3.7%, with food consistently one of the biggest contributors to cost-of-living stress

So… What’s Actually Going on?

Here’s the short version: food prices are still climbing in 2026.

In Australia, grocery prices have gone up by about 3.1% over the past year, with some of the stuff we buy all the time—like meat, dairy, and takeaway—jumping even more.

And while 3% might not sound huge, it hits differently when it’s your weekly shop. It’s the slow creep. The extra $10 here, $15 there… until suddenly your food budget feels completely out of sync with your income.

What are Supermarkets Saying?

The big players—Woolworths, Coles, Aldi—have basically said the same thing:

“Costs are going up for us too.”

They’re pointing to things like:

• Higher fuel costs

• More expensive suppliers

• Global supply chain issues

Coles, for example, recently lifted milk prices, saying it’s tied to rising production and transport costs. Woolworths has also said price changes reflect broader inflation pressures.

Which… sure. That’s part of the story.

What Farmers are Saying (This Part Really Matters)

This is the piece that often gets missed—and it explains a lot about why things feel so expensive. A recent survey by the Victorian Farmers Federation found that some farmers have seen production drop by up to 30%. Not because demand is lower—but because it’s simply too expensive to produce the same amount of food.

Farmers are dealing with:

• Skyrocketing fuel prices

• Expensive fertiliser

• Higher costs for equipment and labour

So what happens?

They plant less. They produce less.
And that reduced supply flows all the way down to… yep, your grocery bill.

It’s one of those behind-the-scenes realities that makes the whole system feel a bit fragile. And it’s a good reminder that rising food prices aren’t just a retail story—they start way earlier.

Why This Feels Extra Hard for Creatives

If you’re freelance, part-time, between gigs, or just living that creatively chaotic life… food stress hits differently.

Because it’s not just about money. It’s:

• Energy

• Focus

• Mood

• Whether you can actually sit down and make your work

And when money feels tight, food is often the first thing people try to “cut back” on… which usually backfires. (You deserve better than surviving on snacks and vibes.)

Let’s Make Food Easier (Not Stricter)

Meal planning doesn’t have to mean spreadsheets and Sunday panic cooking.

Think of it more like setting yourself up for the week in a low-effort, kind-to-yourself way.

Here’s a super simple structure I love:

Pick:

• 1 base (rice, pasta, potatoes)

• 1–2 proteins (eggs, beans, chicken, tofu)

• A few veggies (whatever’s cheap + in season)

• One flavour “theme” (like Mexican, Italian, Asian-inspired)

Then just… remix.

Same ingredients, different moods.

Example:

• Early week: stir-fry

• Midweek: wraps or bowls

• Later: throw-it-all-together pasta

• End of week: “use everything before it dies” dinner

No perfection. Just momentum.

Little Ways to Save (Without Ruining your Diet)

Let’s skip the extreme budgeting advice and keep this realistic.

Some actually helpful things:

→ Buy what’s in season
It’s cheaper and tastes better. Win-win.

→ Have a few go-to cheap meals
Think: lentil curry, fried rice, pasta + veg.
Meals that cost very little but still feel like real food.

→ Double your recipes
Future you will be so grateful when there’s food ready and no effort required.

→ Don’t fall for “cheap but empty” food
Super processed stuff can seem like a bargain—but it rarely keeps you full or energised.

→ Freeze like a pro
Bread, herbs, leftovers—your future self will thank you.

→ Give yourself permission to keep it simple
Not every meal needs to be aesthetic or inventive. Some weeks are just about getting through.

A Creative Hack: “Too Good To Go”

Let’s talk about something genuinely exciting. So exciting that I had to share.

It’s an app called Too Good To Go—and it’s kind of genius.

The idea: Local cafes, bakeries, and restaurants sell their leftover food at the end of the day for really cheap instead of throwing it away.

How it works:

• Businesses list “surprise bags” of unsold food

• You buy them for a fraction of the price

• Pick up at a set time

Think:
🥐 Artisan pastries
🥗 Fresh meals
🍞 Bakery goods

—all rescued from going to waste.

Why it matters:

• Saves money

• Reduces food waste

• Encourages local discovery

• Adds a little spontaneity to your week

It feels like a little treasure hunt and you’re saving money and reducing waste. Triple win.

Download the APP here:

And yes—it’s completely free to download and use.

This cost-of-living thing… it’s a lot.

Food is such a basic, everyday need that when it gets stressful, it kind of seeps into everything else—your energy, your focus, even your creativity.

So if things feel tighter than usual right now:

• You’re not imagining it

• You’re not doing anything wrong

• And you’re definitely not alone

There’ve been nights where my wife and I had planned to go out for dinner, but instead grabbed a Too Good To Go sushi bag and ended up with something just as satisfying (for a fraction of the price). Other times, it’s been as simple as a last-minute bread run for school lunches when we’ve completely run out—solved with a discounted bakery pickup.

Those little swaps? They add up. And they take the pressure off.

That’s really the goal right now—not perfection, just small, doable shifts:

A slightly smarter shop. A few easier meals. One less stressful decision each day. That’s enough.

Thanks for taking the time to tune in. It means a lot!

Catch you in the next one,
Ronnie

P.S. I’m always here to chat. I’d love to hear if you have any topics you’d like me to cover. Get in touch! Let’s start the conversation.

Hey there,

If you’ve filled up your tank lately, you’ve felt it — that sharp inhale at the bowser before you even start pumping. Petrol prices across Australia have surged again, and for creatives navigating irregular income, project-based work, or early-stage businesses, this isn’t just an inconvenience — it’s a cash flow conversation.

Let’s break it down clearly — and more importantly, use it.

Why Petrol Prices Have Spiked

At a high level, petrol prices are driven by three main forces:

1. Global Oil Prices – Australia imports most of its refined fuel, so when global oil prices rise, we feel it almost immediately.

2. The Australian Dollar – A weaker AUD makes fuel more expensive to import.

3. Taxes & Distribution Costs – The fuel excise, transport, and retail margins all stack on top.

Recently, we’ve seen pressure from all three — a perfect storm pushing prices higher and faster than most households can comfortably absorb.

The Australian Government Response

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed a temporary measure: the fuel excise will be halved for three months.

This should reduce petrol prices by roughly 20–25 cents per litre.

It helps — but let’s be clear: this is a short-term buffer, not a long-term fix.

The Hidden Cost: Why Petrol Prices Raise Everything

Here’s what financially literate people understand — and some people miss:

When fuel goes up, everything follows.

Fuel is embedded in nearly every supply chain:

• Trucks moving food

• Couriers delivering goods

• Suppliers transporting materials

So the flow-on effect looks like:

• Groceries creeping up week to week

• Higher delivery fees

• Increased costs from trades and services

For creatives, this creates a double squeeze:

• Your personal cost of living rises

• Your cost to create rises

Which means if you’re not adjusting your rates, your margins are quietly shrinking.

Practical Ways to Save on Fuel (That Actually Work)

Let’s focus on what you can control.

1. Time Your Fill-Ups
Petrol prices move in cycles. Filling up toward the end of a cycle can save you significantly.

2. Use Fuel Apps (Essential Now)
Apps like ServoSaver let you compare nearby prices in real time. A small detour can save you $10–$20 per tank — consistently.

Download ServoSaver App

3. Stack Supermarket Discounts
Woolworths and Coles offer fuel discounts (typically 4c–10c per litre, sometimes more during promos). If you’re already spending on groceries, this is a simple way to reduce fuel costs.

4. Drive Smarter

• Smooth acceleration

• Correct tyre pressure

• Less weight in the car

These small habits can improve fuel efficiency by up to 10–15%.

A Short-Term Opportunity: Free Public Transport

In a rare but valuable move, the Victorian Government has made public transport free for April 2026. This is more than a perk — it’s an opportunity.

Even partially replacing your usual driving with public transport can:

• Reduce fuel spend immediately

• Stretch your current tank further

• Free up cash during a high-expense period

Think of it as a one-month experiment: What happens if you rely less on your car?

Tactical vs Strategic Thinking

Most advice stops at small savings. But there are two levels to this:

• Tactical → apps, discounts, timing

• Strategic → driving less, delaying purchases, rethinking habits

Both matter — but the second is where real financial resilience is built.

The Next Ripple Effect: Flights Are Likely Heading Up Too

It’s not just your car feeling the pressure — aviation fuel is also tied closely to global oil prices, which means airfares are often next in line to rise. As fuel becomes more expensive, airlines typically pass on at least part of that cost to passengers through higher ticket prices or fewer discounted fares. For creatives who travel for work, tours, or even planned breaks, this is worth paying attention to now.

If you’ve got upcoming trips or tours in mind, it may be worth reviewing your plans and considering locking in flights earlier rather than later. Not out of panic — but out of awareness. In environments like this, timing purchases well can be the difference between paying today’s prices or tomorrow’s premium.

Final Thought

Rising petrol prices are frustrating — but they’re also revealing.

They expose how interconnected your finances really are:

• How external forces impact your day-to-day

• How small decisions compound over time

• How awareness creates options

You can’t control global oil prices.
But you can control how you respond.

Track your spending. Use the tools. Take advantage of short-term opportunities. And make decisions that support the life you’re actually building — not just the one that looks good on paper.

This week, my wife and I had one of those honest money conversations. We were close to upgrading to a newer car — something with a bit more space so we could easily fit our son’s bike in the boot and head out without the usual juggling act.

But we paused.

Our current car is reliable, efficient, and barely uses petrol. So instead of upgrading now, we’ve decided to hold off. Rather than moving to the hybrid we were considering, we’ll likely wait and go straight to full electric when the timing makes more sense.

That decision wasn’t about cutting back.
It was about alignment.

We asked a simple question: Does this move us forward financially, or just sideways with a nicer interior?

For now, holding gives us flexibility — and in uncertain times, flexibility is power.

Thanks for taking the time to tune in. It means a lot!

Catch you in the next one,
Ronnie

P.S. I’m always here to chat. I’d love to hear if you have any topics you’d like me to cover. Get in touch! Let’s start the conversation.

Hey there,

Most creatives don’t have a money problem.

They have a visibility problem.

When you work in a creative field—freelancing, running a studio, selling art, writing, designing, producing music—your income rarely arrives in a perfectly predictable way. Instead, it tends to come in waves.

One month you land a great project and feel financially secure.
The next month is quiet and suddenly everything feels uncertain.

Because of this irregular rhythm, many creatives avoid looking at their finances altogether. It can feel overwhelming, confusing, or even a little scary.

But the truth is: financial clarity doesn’t require complex systems.

It often starts with one simple habit.

A 10-minute weekly money check-in.

Not a two-hour accounting session.
Not complicated spreadsheets.
Not learning finance jargon.

Just ten focused minutes once a week to understand your money.

The 10-Minute Creative Money Habit

Once a week, open your bank account/s, invoicing tool, or financial dashboard and answer three simple questions:

1. What money came in this week?

2. What money went out?

3. What money is coming next?

That’s it.

This short routine helps you stay connected to your finances without feeling overwhelmed by them.

Let’s break down how each step works.

1. What Money Came In This Week?

Start by looking at every payment that entered your account during the past week.

Write them down in a simple list.

Examples might include:

• Client project payments

• Freelance/performance invoices

• Royalties from digital platforms

• Online product sales

• Licensing income

• Patreon or subscription income

• Commission payments

• Workshop or speaking fees

The goal here isn’t detailed bookkeeping. It’s simply noticing the flow of income.

Many creatives underestimate how much money they actually earn over time because payments arrive in small bursts from multiple places.

You might receive:

• $600 from a design client

• $120 from digital print sales

• $75 in platform royalties

• $900 from a creative project

Individually these payments can feel random or disconnected. But when you start tracking them weekly, you begin to see your true income patterns.

Over time you’ll notice things like:

• Which clients consistently pay the most

• Which platforms generate recurring revenue

• Which types of projects are financially worthwhile

This awareness makes it much easier to make smarter career decisions.

2. What Money Went Out?

Next, scan your recent transactions and quickly note any business-related expenses.

These might include things like:

• Creative software subscriptions

• Equipment purchases

• Online tools or apps

• Advertising or marketing spend

• Website hosting

• Domain renewals

• Cloud storage

• Contractors or collaborators

• Education or courses

• Office supplies

You don’t need to categorise everything perfectly. The goal is simply to see where your money is going.

Many freelancers and creative professionals lose significant income through small recurring expenses they rarely notice.

For example:

• $20/month design tools

• $15/month email services

• $12/month storage apps

• $35/month marketing platforms

Individually these don’t seem significant. But together they can quietly add up to hundreds or thousands of dollars each year.

A weekly check-in helps you spot things like:

• Subscriptions you forgot about

• Tools you’re no longer using

• Expenses that grew over time

• Purchases that didn’t actually help your business

This isn’t about cutting every cost. Many tools are valuable investments.

It’s simply about being intentional with your spending.

3. What Money Is Coming Next?

Finally, look ahead.

This step is especially important for creatives with unpredictable income. Take a quick moment to identify money that is likely to arrive soon.

Examples might include:

• Unpaid invoices

• Scheduled client payments

• Upcoming project milestones

• Royalties expected next month

• Payments from ongoing retainers

• Launches or product sales you’re planning

Write down anything that feels reasonably certain.

This step helps transform vague financial uncertainty into something more concrete.

Instead of thinking:

“I’m not sure when the next money is coming.”

You begin to see something like:

• $1,200 invoice due next week

• $800 milestone payment at the end of the month

• $300 expected in royalties

Even if those numbers aren’t perfectly accurate, they provide a clearer financial picture of the near future.

For freelancers, performers and creative entrepreneurs, this forward view can significantly reduce financial stress.

Why This Habit Works

The power of this habit isn’t complexity.

It’s consistency.

When you check your finances regularly—even for a short time—you build awareness.

And awareness changes behaviour.

Instead of reacting emotionally to money (“I feel broke” or “I feel rich”), you start making decisions based on actual information.

Over time, the weekly check-in helps you answer important questions like:

• Which projects are actually profitable?

• Which clients bring the most stable income?

• How much you typically earn in slower months

• How long it takes clients to pay invoices

• Whether your expenses are growing too quickly

These insights don’t come from complicated financial models.

They come from simply looking at the numbers regularly.

What Happens After 3 Months

If you stick with this 10-minute habit for a few months, something interesting happens.

Patterns start to emerge.

You may begin noticing things like:

• Certain clients consistently generate most of your income

• Some types of work require lots of effort but pay poorly

• Certain months are naturally slower

• Some tools or subscriptions aren’t worth the cost

With this information, many creatives start making small but powerful changes.

They might:

• Raise their rates for low-profit projects

• Focus on higher-value clients

• Cancel unnecessary software subscriptions

• Follow up on invoices faster

• Set aside money during strong months to prepare for slower ones

None of these improvements require advanced financial training.

They simply come from seeing your finances clearly.

Try This This Week

This week, try your first 10-minute money check-in.

Set a timer for ten minutes and quickly review:

• Money that came in
• Money that went out
• Money that is expected next

Write everything down in a simple document, note app, or notebook.

Don’t worry about perfection. The goal isn’t flawless accounting.

The goal is building the habit of financial awareness.

Because once creatives truly understand their numbers, they gain something incredibly valuable: control over their financial future.

My first attempt at budgeting was incredibly simple. It was just a notebook and a pen. I would write down what I earned and what I spent, adding up totals at the bottom of the page. I especially enjoyed doing this when I travelled. There was something strangely satisfying about tracking daily expenses and comparing the cost of things in different countries — a slightly geeky curiosity about how money worked in different places.

But looking back, I realise something important. I wasn’t actually learning from the numbers. I wasn’t looking for patterns or insights. I wasn’t asking questions like: Am I saving anything? Am I spending too much? Is more money coming in than going out?

I was simply recording the numbers.

Like many people working in creative industries, I mostly managed money by instinct — a kind of financial “gut feeling.” When projects came in, things felt fine. When work slowed down, it felt stressful. The notebook existed, but I wasn’t really using it to guide decisions. Still, that small habit turned out to be more valuable than I realised at the time. Because when I eventually became more serious about improving my finances and building wealth, I already had something important in place: a habit of paying attention to my money.

That well-worn path — pen, paper, and a few minutes of checking the numbers — made it much easier to start asking better questions.

Those answers don’t appear overnight. They emerge slowly as you observe your numbers week after week. I realised all it takes is ten minutes, a notebook, and the willingness to look honestly at what’s happening.

It’s a tiny habit — but one that can completely change how you see your finances and the decisions you make about money.

Thanks for taking the time to tune in. It means a lot!

Catch you in the next one,
Ronnie

P.S. I’m always here to chat. I’d love to hear if you have any topics you’d like me to cover. Get in touch! Let’s start the conversation.

Hey there,

We talk a lot about inspiration, hustle, and creative output — but what about your future self? Financial literacy isn’t just “adulting 101.” It’s creative empowerment for your life beyond work: a roadmap for independence, confidence, and the freedom to keep living your life your way.

For my Australian readers: Last week, the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) released its updated Retirement Standard — a set of benchmarks showing how much money Australians generally need in superannuation by age 67 to support different lifestyles in retirement. These are targets, not guarantees — and they’re very useful for understanding what you’re aiming toward. Remember in Australia, it’s not about having the total amount earned, it’s about investing in your Super over time to get you there.

What Are the New Benchmarks?

ASFA’s standard breaks down recommended Super balances by lifestyle type — assuming you retire at 67 and receive the Age Pension where applicable:

What It Includes

These figures reflect the kind of annual lifestyle ASFA describes in its Retirement Standard:

• Comfortable: travel, eating out, social activities, good health care, modest holidays.

• Modest: basics covered, occasional leisure.

• Modest (renters): same as above but with rent costs included.

The Age Pension still forms part of your retirement income, so the benchmarks take it into account — but the bigger your super, the more lifestyle flexibility you’ll have.

You can download and read the full ASFA expenditure breakdown: here

You can also download and read the full ASFA Retirement Standard Explainer : here this will give you a clear understanding of what ASFA feel this figure will include.

What Has Changed?

In previous years, the comfortable benchmark for a single retiree was around $595,000 and around $690,000 for a couple. The new ASFA figures now show these amounts have climbed — largely due to cost-of-living increases over time.

This means the bar has moved — it’s a reminder to check in on your progress and think ahead.

For creatives building both their craft and their financial confidence, there’s encouraging news about retirement. ASFA CEO Mary Delahunty recently noted that while rising living costs mean retirees need larger lump sums — especially as Age Pension support hasn’t kept pace — the overall outlook is positive.

Australians are retiring with bigger Super balances than ever before. For example, a 30-year-old with $30,000 in Super today, earning $80,000 (adjusted for inflation) across their career, is on track to retire with around $645,000. That growth is powered by strong super returns in recent years — average balanced funds delivered 9.9% in 2023, 11.4% in 2024 and 9.3% in 2025. Plus, the Superannuation Guarantee has steadily increased since 2020 and now sits at 12%, helping future retirement balances grow even more.

Thinking About Your Path: How Does This Help You?

Planning retirement isn’t only about hitting a number — it’s about understanding what kind of life you want when you step off the creative treadmill (if that’s what you want to do).

Ask yourself:
✔ Where am I now?
✔ Where do I want to be?
✔ Does my current trajectory (and Super balance) align with that lifestyle?
✔ If not, what choices could shift me toward a different goal?

The earlier you check in, the more options you have: slow and steady contributions, topping up after a gig-heavy year, adjusting investment strategy — or deliberately choosing a lifestyle that fits your values.

A Real-Life Story: Meet Paul

Paul was a creative who loved his craft — but in his late 40s he looked at his super and realised it wasn’t enough for the kind of retirement lifestyle he hoped for. He made a deliberate choice to pivot his career, earning more and prioritising building his super balance through catch-up contributions, salary sacrifice, and tighter budgeting. He also moved to working in higher education that typically pays a higher % of Super.

At 65, Paul retired with a super balance that didn’t put him in the “comfortable” gold standard — but allowed him a modest lifestyle with ease: occasional travel, meals out, and no constant worry about every dollar. He lives simply, treasures experiences, and doesn’t have to watch every cent — a freedom he didn’t expect when he was younger.

His story isn’t about hitting the highest benchmark — it’s about aligning his finances with how he wanted to live.

Why This Matters for Creatives

As someone in a flexible career, Super might feel abstract or distant. But:

• Super isn’t just a fund — it’s future-you’s freedom fund.

• You have time to make choices now that will compound later.

• Checking in with benchmarks helps you decide: stay the course, accelerate, or reset goals.

Being financially literate doesn’t mean you must chase the highest number possible — it means understanding your priorities and making empowered choices.

Quick Checklist

• Do you know your current Super balance?

• Have you estimated if you’re on track for a modest or comfortable lifestyle (or somewhere in between)?

• Have you thought about how renting vs owning a home changes your needed target?

• When was the last time you reviewed how you’re contributing?

Wrap-Up

The new ASFA Retirement Standard isn’t here to scare you — it’s a tool to inform, empower, and help you make intentional choices about your financial future. Whether you’re on track for one benchmark or another, you’ve got options — and time — to shape your path.

When I first started working, I had no idea what Super was. I had multiple accounts, no clarity, and no real connection to what it meant for my future.

In my early 30s, I met my wife, and she helped me see it differently — not as a deduction, but as a long-term investment in the life we want to live. I consolidated everything and began contributing as much as I could afford. Each year, my wife and I check in against our own benchmark to make sure we’re on track.

The standard “comfortable” retirement isn’t our goal. Travel, health, and great food are part of how we live — and we know that takes intention. There’s no inheritance coming our way, so it’s on us to build the future we want.

For us, Super isn’t just money. It’s designing a life that still feels rich and expansive decades from now.

Thanks for taking the time to tune in. It means a lot!

Catch you in the next one,
Ronnie

P.S. I’m always here to chat. I’d love to hear if you have any topics you’d like me to cover. Get in touch! Let’s start the conversation.

Hey there,

In one of my newsletters last year, we looked at the Debt Snowball Method—a momentum-first way to build confidence and motivation. If you missed it, you can read it here:

Debt Snowball Newsletter

Today, we’re shifting gears. Instead of talking about motivation, we’re talking about efficiency.

Meet the Debt Avalanche Method—a strategy for creatives who like systems, optimisation, and getting the biggest impact from every dollar.

Think Like a Creative Strategist (Not a Panic Payer)

Debt isn’t just a money problem—it’s a design problem.

Every debt has a “cost of friction” (interest). Some debts quietly drain your resources faster than others, like a leaky tap in your studio. The Debt Avalanche method is about fixing the biggest leaks first, so your money stops evaporating in the background.

If Snowball is about energy, Avalanche is about engineering.

What Is the Debt Avalanche Method?

The Debt Avalanche Method is all about attacking the most expensive debt first—the one with the highest interest rate. Think of it as prioritising the leaks in your financial boat so you stop losing money while you row toward your creative goals.

The Debt Avalanche method looks like this:

• Focus on debts with the highest interest rates first

• Pay minimums on everything else

• Funnel all extra money into the most expensive debt until it’s gone

• Then move to the next highest interest rate

No fancy finance degree required—just a clear list and a plan.

A Little History

The Avalanche method has been around for decades in personal finance circles and is often recommended by economists and financial planners. Unlike the Snowball method (which focuses on psychology and motivation), the Avalanche method focuses on minimising the total interest you pay over time.

In other words: it’s the most mathematically efficient way to get out of debt.

Why It’s Called an Avalanche

An avalanche starts slow and controlled—then gains speed and power.

At first, progress can feel subtle. But once high-interest debts disappear, your money starts working harder, your balances fall faster, and momentum builds naturally.

It’s quiet at the top of the mountain—then unstoppable.

A Simple Example

Let’s say you’re juggling:

• $1,200 credit card at 19%

• $4,500 car loan at 6%

• $400 Afterpay at 0%

Avalanche order:

1. Credit card (19%)

2. Car loan (6%)

3. Afterpay (0%)

Even though Afterpay is the smallest, you’d ignore it (except for paying the minimum) until the high-interest credit card is gone—because that card is costing you the most every day.

The Trade-Offs (Honest Edition)

Why people love it:

• You pay less interest overall (often significantly less).

• It’s the fastest method mathematically.

• It feels calm, deliberate, and strategic.

Why some people struggle with it:

• Fewer early wins—progress can feel invisible at first.

• Requires patience and trust in the system.

• Less emotionally rewarding in the short term.

Who the Avalanche Method Is Perfect For

As a creative, you already optimise your workflows—templates, presets, routines, automations. The Avalanche method applies that same thinking to money: reduce friction, reduce waste, increase impact.

Think of it like refining your creative process. You’re not just working harder—you’re working smarter.

• It saves you money (which means more funds for gear, projects, and freedom).

• It’s systematic (set it up once, then repeat).

• It rewards patience and strategic thinking.

This method shines for creatives who:

• Enjoy building systems and workflows

• Like optimising processes and removing inefficiencies

• Prefer long-term strategy over short-term dopamine

• Want their money to work smarter, not harder

If you’ve ever built a template library, automated your editing workflow, or batch-created content—this method will feel familiar.

Why Creatives Might Love This Approach

Creative work is often about reducing friction: presets, templates, workflows, routines. The Avalanche method applies that same mindset to money.

You’re not just paying off debt.
You’re removing drag from your financial system.

Think of it as building a financial pipeline that runs while you’re busy making art.

Creative Exercise: Build Your Avalanche Blueprint

Instead of a vision board, build a financial flow map.

1. Write each debt on a sticky note with its interest rate and balance.

2. Arrange them from highest interest to lowest—top to bottom.

3. Draw arrows showing how money will “flow” downward as each debt is eliminated.

4. Use colours to represent interest intensity (red → yellow → green).

5. Each time you clear a debt, move the note to a “Done” column and celebrate visually.

You’re designing a system—not just tracking a bill.

When I work with clients, we use both the Snowball and Avalanche methods as tools—not rules. We sit down (often with pens, paper, and a bit of doodling) and draw their debts out visually, map a plan, and choose a strategy that fits their personality, income flow, and creative rhythms. Then I stay in their corner as an accountability buddy—checking in, celebrating wins, and course-correcting when life gets messy. I’ve watched clients’ success rates skyrocket once they have a clear process, compared to when they were just throwing money at debt with no structure. Without a plan, people often damage their cashflow, feel discouraged, and sometimes even add to their debt instead of moving through it. With a system, every dollar has a job—and progress becomes predictable, visible, and motivating.

Would a visual system like that help you stay engaged with your own debt plan?

Thanks for taking the time to tune in. It means a lot!

Catch you in the next one,
Ronnie

P.S. I’m always here to chat. I’d love to hear if you have any topics you’d like me to cover. Get in touch! Let’s start the conversation.

Hey there,

Happy New Year! 🎉
I hope you had a lovely break and managed to slow down, reset, and do a few things just for you before the year kicked off again.

For our family, this start to the year feels like a big one. Last week my son started school for the very first time. I’m not going to lie — it’s been emotional in the best way. We were lucky enough to take an extended break together, and I really focused on being present with him and my wife, soaking up time together and preparing him (and honestly, me) for this next chapter.

We spent two weeks in Singapore, then a couple of weeks back home. During that time, I really noticed something shift. Having just turned six, our son feels ready — ready to learn, ready to ask bigger questions, and ready to start understanding some age-appropriate money lessons.

There were money conversations everywhere.
Different currency in a different country.
The price of… well, almost everything in Singapore 😅 compared to Australia.
Choosing between filling our holiday days with shared experiences versus buying new toys, games, and souvenirs.

What stood out most to me was how powerful it is to help kids understand the value of money, how our family earns it, and how we choose to spend it. That’s what I wanted to share with you today, in the hope it helps other families too.

Every family approaches money differently. Some give pocket money. Some pay for chores completed. Some ask kids to contribute toward toys, lessons, or activities. From my experience, all of these methods are really about one thing: teaching kids that when you work, you get paid — and that money then gives you choices.

My goal with our son right now isn’t to teach him how to earn money yet. It’s to help him understand the value of money, his own money values, and to give him a solid foundation for making choices one day. Work, salaries, investing, and wealth creation will come later. Today is about building the base.

Ten Foundations We’re Teaching Our Son About Money

1. Money is a tool, not a reward
   Money isn’t something we “deserve” for existing — it’s a tool we use to meet needs and choose wants.

2. Every choice has a trade-off
   Spending money on one thing means not spending it on something else. This idea alone is incredibly powerful.

3. Talking about money is normal
   We speak openly about money decisions so it doesn’t feel secretive, stressful, or taboo.

4. Prices are different everywhere
   Different countries, stores, and situations change the cost of things — money doesn’t exist in a vacuum.

5. Experiences and things are both choices
   Neither is “right” or “wrong.” What matters is choosing intentionally.

6. Waiting is a skill
   Delaying a purchase helps build patience and appreciation — and sometimes changes what we actually want.

7. Saving has a purpose
   We save for something, not just to save. This makes money feel meaningful.

8. Adults make money decisions too
   Kids benefit from seeing that adults budget, say no, and change plans.

9. Money reflects values
   Where we spend money shows what matters to us — family time, creativity, learning, rest.

10. There’s no perfect way
    Money skills are learned over time. Mistakes are part of building confidence.

    ---

How We Started: Wants vs Needs

We began with a simple but powerful distinction: wants vs needs.

We break down needs — paying for a place to live, food, bills, clothes. Then we talk about wants — toys, games, tickets, eating out, extras. We’ve had honest conversations about saving money for our holiday so we could enjoy our wants and meet our needs… and then about coming home and spending less on wants again.

It’s not about getting it right. It’s about building a money muscle that grows stronger as the conversations evolve.

A Simple Cheat Sheet for Parents

Wants vs Needs (to try with your kids)

Needs (examples):

• Housing / rent / mortgage

• Food at home

• Basic clothing

• School supplies

• Utilities (water, electricity, internet)

• Healthcare

• Transport to school/work

Wants (examples):

• Toys and games

• Takeaway or eating out

• Movie tickets

• New gadgets

• Extra clothes beyond basics

• Holidays

• Decorations, treats, collectibles

Ten Questions to Ask Your Kids:

1. Do we need this to live or be safe?

2. What would happen if we didn’t buy this?

3. Is this something we already have at home?

4. Can this wait until later?

5. Is this for now or for a long time?

6. Would we choose this over food or housing?

7. Is this something everyone needs, or just something we want?

8. If we buy this, what can’t we buy?

9. Does this help us or just feel exciting right now?

10. How does this choice make us feel after we’ve bought it?

Why This Matters

When kids understand the difference between wants and needs, they build emotional resilience, patience, and confidence around money. Over time, this helps them avoid impulsive spending, reduce money anxiety, and make values-aligned choices as teenagers and adults. They grow up seeing money not as something confusing or stressful, but as a tool they can understand and use intentionally.

As creatives, we know the power of strong foundations. Money literacy is no different — and it starts earlier than we think.

I’d love to know — how do you talk to your kids about money? Or if you don’t have kids, what do you wish you’d learned earlier?

Thanks for taking the time to tune in. It means a lot!

Catch you in the next one,
Ronnie

P.S. I’m always here to chat. I’d love to hear if you have any topics you’d like me to cover. Get in touch! Let’s start the conversation.

Hey there,

Thank you—truly—to everyone who shared last week’s newsletter. And a big, warm welcome to all the newbies who joined because of it! I’m so appreciative, and very happy to have you here.

As this year winds down, I’ve been thinking a lot about what actually matters.

Not long ago, I had finished lighting the Hanukkah candles with my family when we heard the news about what happened at Bondi Beach. It was one of those moments where the contrast hits you hard: warmth and togetherness inside, heartbreak and darkness outside. It’s stayed with me, and it’s shaped how I’m thinking about heading into this holiday season—by consciously looking for light, even when the world feels heavy.

In secular terms, Hanukkah is a story about persistence, resilience, and choosing to keep going. It’s about a small light being enough to push back against darkness, about momentum building day by day. You don’t need faith or religion to connect with that idea—just the reminder that intention, consistency, and hope matter, especially when things feel uncertain.

That idea feels particularly relevant for creatives learning about money. Financial literacy isn’t about perfection or overnight transformation. It’s about small, intentional choices that compound over time. One candle becomes two, two become eight. One good habit becomes stability, then freedom, then options.

So as we wrap up the year, I’d love to invite you into a moment of reflection: what was your greatest money lesson this year? Maybe it was learning to budget with irregular income, charging your worth, paying off debt, or simply paying closer attention. And looking ahead to 2026, what would you like your greatest money lesson to be? More confidence, consistency, investing, or finally making your money work for you instead of the other way around?

How will you get there—what’s one shift, habit, or decision that could move the needle? It’s no coincidence that my most popular newsletter of the entire year was “Investing 101 for Creatives: Finally, an Easy Way to Understand the Market.” That tells me many of you are ready for the next chapter: moving from earning to growing, from uncertainty to intention. Wherever you’re starting from, this next year can be about building knowledge, momentum, and a future that supports both your creativity and your life.

For me personally, this season is also about presence. I’m choosing to focus on my family over the holidays—this is our final summer before my son starts school, and I don’t want to rush past it. Because of that, I’ll be taking a break from the newsletter for January. I’ll be back in the new year, refreshed and ready, with some exciting topics you’ve specifically asked for—things around money, investing, sustainability, and building a life that actually feels good.

As we enter a new year, I’ll be carrying this quote with me:

“A budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.” — John C. Maxwell

To me, that’s what intention is all about—not restriction, but clarity. Choosing what matters, and letting your money support that choice.

Thank you for being here this year. Thank you for your messages, your support, and your openness to learning and growing together. I’m incredibly grateful for this community. I have learnt a lot.

Wishing you a happy holiday season, a gentle end to the year, and a bright, intentional start to the next one. 💛

See you in the new year.
Ronnie

P.S. I’m always here to chat. I’d love to hear if you have any topics you’d like me to cover. Get in touch! Let’s start the conversation.

Hey there,

🌟 Let’s Start Setting Intentions for the Year Ahead 🌟

As the year draws to a close, I’ve been thinking a lot about intentions. Not resolutions, not grand reinventions — just small, clear, achievable steps that help move us gently but deliberately toward a life we want to build.

For those of us working in creative industries, financial literacy can feel like the last item on a very long list of priorities. But small steps add up. Tiny financial habits, small confidence wins, a simple plan written down — these are the sorts of actions that, over a year, can place you somewhere completely different from where you started.

And that’s really the heart of what I want to share with you today.

My Intention for the Coming Year

This next year, I’m setting an intention that feels both exciting and… honestly, a little uncomfortable.

I’m stepping out from behind the curtain.

For most of my career, I’ve been the behind-the-scenes person — the one solving complicated problems quietly, figuring things out on my own, not talking much about my achievements, and rarely asking for help. I made a whole professional identity out of being the person backstage, both literally and metaphorically.

But if I want to help more creatives build confidence with money, I can’t do that from the shadows. I have to raise this version of my profile in the arts industry, share what I know, speak up, show up, and connect more openly.

That is my intention:
To be more visible so I can help more people.

A First Step: A Project I’m Thrilled About

You may have seen my recent announcement — the first brave step of me putting myself out there a bit more.

I shared on Facebook and LinkedIn that My Money Practise and I have been engaged as consultants for Creative Australia’s two-year pilot program, the Finance and Business Capability Initiative.

Over the coming months, I’ll be working closely with arts workers to:

• build financial literacy skills,

• strengthen organisational confidence, and

• help teams find, build, and grow revenue opportunities — from ticketing and website user experience to customer journeys and new revenue-stream ideas.

It is a rare and special joy to bring together my old ticketing geek and my current money geek to support an arts community I care so deeply about.

The response to that post was overwhelming in the best way — thank you to everyone who commented, messaged, or reached out. You made this ticketing/money geek very, very happy.

What Intentions Are You Looking to Set?

As I set my own intention for visibility and impact in 2026, I’d love to hear what you’re planning to focus on too.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are some small but powerful financial intentions creatives often set:

• “I will check my bank accounts once a week instead of avoiding them.”

• “I will send invoices within 48 hours of completing work.”

• “I will create a simple budget for my next project.”

• “I will learn one new financial skill each month.”

• “I will raise my rates by 10%.”

• “I will start saving for tax in a separate account.”

Your intention doesn’t have to be big. It just has to be yours. Even the smallest financial shift can create a ripple effect over the course of a year. So choose one — just one — and set it. You might be surprised where it leads you.

And Now… I Need to Ask for Help

This part doesn’t come naturally to me.
But I’m learning that if I want to help more creatives build confidence with money, I can’t do it alone.

One of the most meaningful ways I can broaden this impact is by growing the reach of this newsletter. The more creatives who read it, the more we can collectively shift how our industry thinks and feels about financial capability.

So, I’m going to be brave and ask:

• Could you share this newsletter with five people and encourage them to subscribe?

  Share My Money Practise

• Could you share your new year intention online and include a link to this newsletter, encouraging others to reflect as well?

• Do you know a group, organisation, school, network, or community I should reach out to or partner with?

• Could I ask you to please follow My Money Practise on one or all of the following platforms?

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

Your support would truly mean the world — and it would help this work reach the people who need it most.

I learned a long time ago that New Year’s resolutions just weren’t for me. I’d set them, slip by January, and then beat myself up about it. Intentions, on the other hand, feel much gentler — more like guiding stars than strict rules. When I drift off track, I remind myself that I’ve got a whole year to circle back to what I set out to do.

My wife’s aunt once shared something that really stuck with me: just like a ship at sea, changing your course by even one degree can take you somewhere completely different. Small shifts, practiced consistently, can transform where you end up — especially when it comes to your creative life and your finances.

Let’s Make 2026 the Year Creatives Level Up Financially

Imagine what could shift in our industry if more of us felt confident managing money, understanding revenue, talking openly about finances, and building sustainable creative lives.

Small goals. Achievable steps. A community learning together.

That’s the vision I’m setting my intentions toward — and I hope you’ll walk into the new year with me.

Thank you for being here, for reading, for supporting, and for growing alongside me. Here’s to creativity, curiosity, and a year of building financial confidence — one small step at a time.

Thanks for taking the time to tune in. It means a lot!

Catch you in the next one,
Ronnie

P.S. I’m always here to chat. I’d love to hear if you have any topics you’d like me to cover. Get in touch! Let’s start the conversation.

Hey there,

The season of “Everything Is 70% Off!!!* (*Not really)” is here. Black Friday is spreading across Australia faster than spilled paint water across your studio floor.

But before the sales banners hypnotise you, let’s talk strategy—creative, financial strategy. Because sales are only good if they serve your goals, not the other way around.

Black Friday in Australia: The Essentials

When It Happens - Black Friday in Australia usually lands on a Friday in November, with many retailers extending it into Cyber Monday and sometimes a whole “Cyber Week.”
Think: late November → early December frenzy.

What It Is - Historically a U.S. retail event, it’s now a massive Australian shopping period across:

• tech & gadgets

• art supplies

• software subscriptions

• fashion

• home goods

• business tools

• and (yes) even furniture for your studio or home office

Retailers compete hard—meaning great deals can exist… but so can traps.

How Retailers Use Psychology During Black Friday

Black Friday isn’t just a sale—it’s a carefully engineered psychological experience designed to make you spend more than you planned. Retailers use urgency (“Only 3 left!”), countdown timers, and bold red discount tags to trigger your brain’s fear of missing out. They place the biggest bargains at the top of the page to hook your attention, then quietly surround them with full-priced items you’ll add to your cart without thinking. Limited-time deals create a sense of scarcity, making even unnecessary items feel urgent and valuable. And once you’ve grabbed one “bargain,” your brain wants to keep the winning streak going—so you buy more. Understanding these tactics helps you walk into Black Friday empowered, not manipulated, and keeps your creativity (and your bank account) in control.

How Creatives Can Prepare for Black Friday (Without Blowing the Budget)

1. Start with a Wishlist, Not a Website

Before sale season begins, list:

• tools you actually need

• upgrades your creative practice would benefit from

• gifts you already plan to buy

• subscriptions you want to renew at a lower price

Sales feel overwhelming only when you don’t know what you’re looking for.

2. Add Prices Now. Yes, Now.

Write down current prices (or screenshot them).
This stops retailers from tricking you with “SALE!” signs that hide mark-ups made right before the sale.

This is your armour.

3. Set a Real Budget

Decide:

• your maximum spend for the whole event, and

• the maximum per item

Budgets give you freedom—they protect your future creative resources.

4. Create a Priority Ranking

Not everything on your wish list is equally important. Label items:

• Must Buy (you’d buy even without a sale)

• Nice to Have (only buy if the discount is real)

• Not Needed (close tab immediately)

5. Automate Your Research

Add items to:

• price tracking tools

• wish lists on websites

• deals alert apps

Let the information come to you while you’re busy creating.

Black Friday Rule #1: It’s Only a Bargain If You Were Already Going to Buy It

If it wasn’t in your plan, your budget, or your wish list, it’s not a bargain. It’s an impulse purchase wearing a sparkly discount tag.

We all can get seduced by new gadgets, software, or supplies—“It’s on sale, so why not?” Because that same money could fund:

• a workshop

• a new client lead

• your emergency fund

• future equipment repairs

• a few days’ rent

Sales don’t increase your budget—they stretch it only when you stick to the list.

The Cons of Black Friday (No One Likes to Mention)

1. Overwhelm → Bad Decisions

Too many deals can trick your brain into urgency mode.

2. Inflated “Was” Prices

Some retailers raise prices beforehand to create fake discounts.

3. Impulse Buying

Those brain chemicals are no joke—sales literally spark dopamine.

4. Buying the Wrong Thing Because It’s Cheaper

Don’t buy a lower-quality creative tool that will frustrate you in six months.

5. Budget Hangover in December

Holiday spending + leftover impulse buys = messy financial energy.

Clever Creative Ways to Use Black Friday to Your Advantage

1. Upgrade Tools You Already Use Daily

If you’ll use it for years, a 20–40% discount is strategic—not impulsive.

2. Buy Annual Subscriptions Instead of Monthly Ones

Many software tools offer deep discounts. Buying annually can save creatives hundreds.

3. Shop for Your Future Creative Projects

Need lighting? A desk upgrade? A storage solution? Plan ahead, don’t react.

4. Do Group Buys with Creative Friends

Bulk deals or shared subscriptions (where allowed) = smart savings.

5. Replace “Treat Yourself” with “Invest in Yourself”

Choose purchases that give you long-term creative energy, not temporary highs.

6. Sell or Donate Old Tools Before You Buy New Ones

Clear space → create intention → increase gratitude for the upgrade.

7. Stick to the “24-Hour Rule”

If it’s not a “must buy,” leave it in your cart for a day. If you still want it AND it fits your budget the next day, go for it.

Why Retailers Do Black Friday Sales

(Spoiler: It’s not just generosity—it’s strategy.)

Black Friday isn’t random. Retailers don’t discount out of kindness. It’s actually one of the most calculated and profitable moments of the year.

Here are the real reasons why retailers lean so hard into Black Friday:

1. To Trigger Massive Customer Traffic

Black Friday creates urgency, which creates foot traffic and website spikes. More people in-store or online = more chances to sell, even beyond discounted items.

Retailers know: “Get them through the door, and they’ll buy more than what’s on sale.”

2. To Clear Old Stock Before Christmas

Black Friday happens right before the holiday rush.
Retailers use it to:

• clear inventory

• move slow-selling items

• make room for December product lines

• reduce warehouse and storage costs

Black Friday = decluttering for profit.

3. To Beat Their Competitors

If one store launches a huge sale, others must follow—otherwise they lose traffic. Black Friday has turned into a retail arms race.

Everyone wants to be the sale people talk about.

4. To Boost Their Year-End Sales Numbers

Companies want to end the year strong.
Big November/December earnings help:

• investors

• shareholders

• reporting

• brand momentum

The holiday period is where many retailers make 20–40% of their annual profit.

5. Because Humans Love the Thrill of a Deal

Retailers know exactly how to design sales that activate dopamine:

• countdown timers

• “limited stock” labels

• doorbuster deals

• “Only 3 left!” notifications

• massive % signs in bold red fonts

These tricks turn browsing into impulse buying. Black Friday is engineered to psychologically excite you.

6. To Sell Full-Price Items Alongside Discounts

The secret real money of Black Friday?

Most items are not deeply discounted.
Customers come for the cheap big-ticket items, then buy other products at full price.

This tactic is called loss leading—discount one item to sell ten others.

7. Because It Strengthens Customer Loyalty

Once people buy during Black Friday, retailers:

• upsell

• capture emails

• add customers to loyalty programs

• retarget them for Christmas and Boxing Day

Black Friday expands their audience.

8. To Start the Christmas Shopping Season Early

For decades, retail sales peaked close to Christmas.
Black Friday shifted this earlier, giving stores an extra month of revenue.

It’s the financial version of starting the race early—and winning.

9. Because It Works Amazingly Well Online

Digital Black Friday deals mean:

• lower overhead

• easy scalability

• 24/7 sales

• global reach

Australian retailers now use this to compete with international brands.

10. To Get Media Attention for Free

Black Friday is its own marketing engine.
News outlets, social media, influencers, and deal sites talk about it without being paid.

It’s built-in advertising.

Help strengthen our creative community—share this newsletter and let’s grow our financial literacy together, so every creative can thrive with knowledge, confidence, and support.

Share My Money Practise

When Black Friday rolls around, I treat it less like a shopping frenzy and more like a strategic (and slightly creative) mission. I use the sales to prep for Christmas and our son’s end-of-year birthday, and this year—knowing he starts school next year—my cart is full of the essentials: lunch boxes, school clothes, and the perfect little backpack. I also stock up on our household staples… cue five bottles of our favourite apple cider vinegar 😂. The secret? I make a list, sign up for newsletters, and build wishlists ahead of time. Then I only hit the buy button when I see the price drop. If it doesn’t? It stays on the list until one of the many (many!) other sales that seem to pop up almost every month these days.

The Bottom Line

Retailers do Black Friday because it’s one of the most profitable, attention-grabbing, customer-growing, stock-clearing events of the year.

And the biggest truth?

Black Friday isn’t about saving consumers money—it’s about making retailers money.

Creatives who understand this go into the sales with power, clarity, and a plan.

Thanks for taking the time to tune in. It means a lot!

Catch you in the next one,
Ronnie

P.S. I’m always here to chat. I’d love to hear if you have any topics you’d like me to cover. Get in touch! Let’s start the conversation.

Hey there,

Let’s be honest — “meal planning” doesn’t sound very rock ’n’ roll. You’re busy creating, designing, writing, shooting, or painting your masterpiece… not plotting Tuesday’s lentil stew.

But here’s the thing: meal planning is secretly one of the smartest financial moves you can make — especially if you’ve got an unpredictable creative schedule (and income).

So, let’s talk about why it matters — and how to do it without turning into a spreadsheet zombie.

Why Creatives Should Care About Meal Planning

1. It saves serious cash.
Impulse takeout and grocery splurges are sneaky budget vampires. Planning just 4–5 meals a week can save you hundreds a month — that’s new art supplies, studio gear, or a weekend getaway right there.

2. It reduces decision fatigue.
You make creative decisions all day — colors, words, moods, compositions. By the time dinner hits, your brain’s fried. Planning ahead means one less “What should I eat?” crisis.

3. It supports your creative flow.
Good food = good focus. Having balanced, ready-to-go meals keeps your energy stable and your creative brain firing. (Caffeine alone can only take you so far.)

4. It cuts waste — both food and mental.
Less half-used produce dying in your fridge, less guilt, less chaos. Money saved.

How to Plan a Week of Meals (Without Losing Your Spark)

Step 1: Pick Your Go-Tos.
Choose 3–4 simple meals you love and can make on autopilot. Rotate them.
Example:

• Monday: Pasta with veggies & pesto

• Tuesday: Stir-fry with rice

• Wednesday: Burrito bowls

• Thursday: Soup & bread

• Friday: Leftovers / freestyle

Think: comfort + quick + low brain effort.

Step 2: Shop With Intention.
Write your list before hitting the store. Stick to the plan like it’s a creative brief. Bonus tip: check your pantry first — it’s your secret treasure chest of forgotten ingredients.

Step 3: Prep a Little (Not a Lot).
You don’t need to pre-cook every meal. Just do small things that make life easier:

• Chop veggies ahead.

• Batch cook grains or sauces.

• Store ready-to-go ingredients in clear containers so you see what you have.

Step 4: Make It Fun.
Put on your favourite playlist, treat your kitchen like your studio, and remember: you’re crafting meals that support your art, mental health & budget.

Research, Menu Magic, and Smart Shopping

Researching meal ideas can be just like gathering creative inspiration — treat it like a mood board for your stomach. Scroll through Aussie food blogs, Pinterest boards, or Instagram cooking hacks, and save simple recipes that use affordable, versatile ingredients. Once you’ve picked your favourites, jot them down in one spot — a whiteboard on the fridge, a notes app, or a cute weekly planner you actually enjoy looking at. That way, you see what’s on the menu and can shuffle things around if your week changes.

When it comes to the shopping list, group items by section (produce, pantry, fridge, freezer) to make your grocery run faster and stop you from “just grabbing a few extras.” Check what you already have before you shop, and use your meal plan to buy only what you’ll actually cook — that’s the secret to keeping both your trolley and your budget under control.

The Hidden Benefit

Meal planning isn’t just about saving money — it’s about reclaiming time and creative energy. When your meals are sorted, you free up mental space for the work that actually matters: making something amazing.

Help strengthen our creative community—share this newsletter and let’s grow our financial literacy together, so every creative can thrive with knowledge, confidence, and support.

Share My Money Practise

Confessions of the Family Meal Planner

In our family, I’m the unofficial meal planner and head chef. I genuinely enjoy cooking; it’s creative, grounding, and a small act of love for my family. But between work deadlines, family life, and trying to keep everyone fed something vaguely nutritious, it can also be exhausting. I don’t meal plan every week — I often like to wing it — but I always come back to it when I need a fresh batch of meal ideas, when the budget feels a bit tight, or when I’m craving a bit more headspace during a busy season.

One of my go-to inspirations is Lisa from Simple Home Edit, an Australian home organisation and cooking creator who shares approachable, budget-friendly recipes and practical tips to simplify everyday life. Her Instagram is full of quick meal ideas and smart pantry hacks — a reminder that cooking for your family doesn’t have to be complicated to be good.

Hungry to save more (and stress less)?
Start with one small goal: plan just three dinners this week. Your wallet — and your creative brain — will thank you.

Thanks for taking the time to tune in. It means a lot!

Catch you in the next one,
Ronnie

P.S. I’m always here to chat. I’d love to hear if you have any topics you’d like me to cover. Get in touch! Let’s start the conversation.

Hey there,

If you’ve ever opened your bank app and thought “Wait… where did my money go?” — this one’s for you.

In this newsletter, I want to share the story of a client of mine (shared with full permission!) who came to me feeling frustrated and confused. They were doing “all the right things”: budgeting carefully, tracking expenses, even setting spending limits for eating out, coffees, experiences, clothing… all the usual “fun” categories.

And yet — by the middle of each month — they were struggling. The money just never seemed to stretch far enough.

They were left feeling constantly behind, even though they were trying so hard to do everything right.

The Hidden Problem: Spending in Advance

When we sat down together for a deep dive, something interesting emerged.

While they had technically budgeted their money, in reality they were often spending in advance — using their credit card for “budgeted” expenses before the money had actually landed in their account.

They were also unintentionally overspending in small, unnoticed ways. A few dollars here, a lunch out there, a “just one coffee” day that became five times a week — it all added up.

And because it was all being managed mentally (“I’ll just keep track and pay it off later”), it was mentally exhausting and emotionally draining.

Even though they were trying to be a ‘responsible’ person, the system they were using meant they were:

• Paying interest on things they’d already budgeted for,

• Constantly feeling like they were failing,

• And never really seeing their progress.

The Fix: Real-Time, Guilt-Free Spending

We came up with a practical — and empowering — solution.

They opened a separate bank account with sub-accounts (or “buckets”) for each of their guilt-free spending categories:

• Entertainment

• Travel

• Eating out & coffee

• Clothing

Each Friday, their “guilt-free spending money” was transferred automatically into these accounts — and could only be spent once the money was actually there.

No more spending ahead. No more mental calculations. No more credit card hangovers.

This meant that every purchase was paid for in real time — and every dollar had a home.

The Reset: Two Weeks of No-Spend (With Joy)

To give the new system a fresh start, we decided on two weeks of no guilt-free spending.

Instead, we brainstormed a list of free or nearly-free activities: beach walks, picnics, home movie nights, creative projects, and catching up with friends at home instead of cafés.

That simple pause gave each sub-account a little breathing room — and allowed money to start building up instead of always draining away.

The Result: A Brand-New Relationship with Money

The shift was incredible.

Within weeks, they stopped feeling anxious about money. The “spend guilt” disappeared. For the first time, they could actually see their progress — and that built momentum.

And here’s the best part: they’ve just booked their first-ever long weekend away — paid for in full, in advance, using the money they’d saved in their travel account.

No stress. No debt. Just joy.

Why You Might Try This Too

If you’ve ever felt like you “should” have enough — but somehow don’t — this approach might be worth trying.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about:

• Spending only what’s really there,

• Giving every dollar a clear purpose,

• And creating space to enjoy money — guilt-free.

Because money isn’t just about numbers. It’s about peace of mind, creative freedom, and finally feeling like you’re in control instead of being controlled by your finances.

Here’s to spending with confidence — and maybe even your own prepaid weekend away.

Help strengthen our creative community—share this newsletter and let’s grow our financial literacy together, so every creative can thrive with knowledge, confidence, and support.

Share My Money Practise

The above approach isn’t just something I recommend to clients — it’s something my wife and I have lived ourselves.

When we first started combining our finances, we opened a separate account just for travel. It was our first shared “fun fund.” Over time, as we learned how to spend together and what really mattered to us, that one account evolved into nearly ten sub-categories — everything from experiences to home improvement to clothes and toys for our son.

Through that process, we learned not just where our money went, but also what we valued most. It helped us communicate better, align our goals, and enjoy spending money on what truly mattered.

These days, we don’t track our guilt-free spending as closely — we’ve built enough habits that it flows naturally — but that system was a huge part of our journey to get here.

Thanks for taking the time to tune in. It means a lot!

Catch you in the next one,
Ronnie

P.S. I’m always here to chat. I’d love to hear if you have any topics you’d like me to cover. Get in touch! Let’s start the conversation.