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How Much Emergency Savings Do Australians Really Need in 2025? With rising living costs and economic uncertainty, having an emergency fund is no longer optional — it's essential. What Is an Emergency Fund? An emergency fund is money set aside for unexpected expenses — job loss, medical bills, urgent repairs, etc. Recommended Amounts (Australia 2025) Single with no dependents: $5,000–$10,000 Couples with kids: $10,000–$25,000 Freelancers/gig workers: 6+ months of expenses Why It's Critical Prevents credit card debt: Avoid high-interest borrowing Mental peace: Sleep better knowing you're covered Faster financial recovery: Bounce back quicker after setbacks Where to Keep It High-interest online savings accounts Offset accounts linked to your mortgage Separate from daily-use accounts Tips to Build One Automate savings weekly or monthly Start small — even $10/week helps Use tax refunds or side hustle income Final T...

Emergency Fund: How Much Do Australians Really Need? If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s this: life is unpredictable. Whether it’s losing a job, unexpected medical bills, or a car breakdown — having an emergency fund can be the difference between stress and stability. But how much should you save? What Is an Emergency Fund? An emergency fund is money set aside to cover unexpected expenses. It prevents you from relying on credit cards or personal loans during financial shocks. How Much Do You Need in Australia? Life Situation Suggested Fund Single with no dependents 3 months of living expenses Married or with kids 4–6 months of expenses Gig/freelance income 6+ months of expenses How to Build One Start with a small goal ($1,000 or 1 month’s rent) Automate savings into a separate high-interest savings account Cut non-essential expenses until your fund is solid Use windfalls (tax refunds...

How to Improve Your Credit Score in 90 Days Your credit score isn't set in stone. With the right strategy and commitment, you can significantly boost your score in just 90 days. Whether you're planning to apply for a loan, a credit card, or just want better financial health—this guide is for you. Day 1–7: Know Where You Stand Get a Free Credit Report: Start by obtaining your credit report from Equifax, Experian, or illion. Check for Errors: Look for incorrect addresses, unpaid debts that you've cleared, or duplicate listings. Dispute Inaccuracies: File a dispute with the credit agency to correct any errors. Day 8–30: Build Better Habits Pay Bills on Time: Payment history has the biggest impact on your credit score. Set Up Direct Debit: Automate payments for credit cards and utilities to avoid missing due dates. Reduce Credit Utilisation: Try to use less than 30% of your credit limit. Day 31–60: Reorganise Your Finances Pay Down Exis...