Getting on top of your finances is one of the most common new year’s resolutions. But sticking to them can be hard.
If you want to get your finances unstuck, here’s five money tasks you can tick off during your summer down time, that will help set you up for success this year.
Check your credit card’s working for you
Australians owe around $33 billion on credit cards with $18 billion of that money accruing interest. At an average credit card interest rate of 18%, it's an expensive habit.
If you pay your credit card off every month then the interest rate doesn’t matter (because you’re not being charged interest). But if you carry a debt from month to month, it’s worth comparing credit cards and choosing one that works best for you.
Also check our tips on credit card balance transfers. And try our credit card calculator to see how quickly you could pay off your debt.
Use our credit card calculator
How to pay off your debt.
Give your health insurance a health check
It’s a great idea to review your private health insurance periodically as your life changes, to make sure it covers the things you’re most likely to need.
With more than 30 insurers offering multiples of products though, it’s a daunting task.
Fortunately you can compare all private health insurers and policies on the Australian Government's PrivateHealth.gov.au website. That way, you can make a shortlist of options that could be right for you.
We have some tips on what to look for.
Review your mortgage
Home loans can be a set and forget product – but there can be an interest rate difference of more than 2% in variable home loan rates on the market. That could make a big difference to the cost.
We have some tips on switching home loans. And use our mortgage calculator to compare different rates and see how much you might be able to save.
Work out your home loan repayments.
Find your super
There’s almost $19 billion in lost and ATO-held super, waiting for rightful owners to find it. If some of that belongs to you then it’s better off in your super account, building for your retirement!
Find out more about lost super and do a lost super search on the ATO website.
Do a written budget
Writing down goals apparently makes them more likely to happen. So having a written budget can be a good way to help you save this year.
We have plenty of tips for saving money (from checking your utilities bills to choosing a new phone plan). And our Budget planner makes it easy work out where your money is going – and what you can afford.
Set up your budget and save it online.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help
If 2026 hasn’t started with your best foot forward, there’s help available, so don’t hesitate to use it.
If you don't know where to start, call the free National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007. The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:30pm. Or live chat, Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 8:00pm.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can call the free Mob Strong Debt Helpline on 1800 808 488. The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:30pm.
Find more links to urgent help with money.