According to an ASIC media release, getting on top of finances was one of the most common New Year’s resolutions for 2025. ASIC’s Moneysmart survey showed more than half (52%) of Australians set a financial goal.
While more than half of those surveyed planned to set a goal, only 1 in 8 (12%) managed to stick to it.
This article aims to help women set (and reach) a financial plan for 2026 and to stay on track.
Think about the end goal
Instead of focusing on the options rather than the outcomes when trying to work out what to do with money, change your focus on financial goal setting. You might ask yourself whether you should pay off a credit card debt, a car loan, add money to your super, or pay off your home.
The answer depends on your circumstances and what you are hoping to achieve, so this is the number one thing to work out. When you understand where you’re starting from and where you are going, you can measure what’s working and if you need a new strategy.
Focus on the basic essentials
Life and finances become complex, but you always need to go back to basics. Make sure that you have an emergency fund, protection in place like life insurance or income protection, and ensure your estate planning is up to date.
Cash flow also shouldn’t be overlooked. It feeds everything else that your financial success is built on.
Aim to not spend on non-essential items as your income increases. Consider whether you are getting value for money for subscription services, food delivery, or gym memberships. A good tip is to also avoid automatic transfers such as gas bills or power bills.
Don’t ignore your super
Even if you are many years from retirement, you should know the type of investment option your super is invested in, and how it is performing.
Don’t just file the annual statement you receive, dig deeper and understand how the super fund is managing your money, asset classes, and if it is well diversified.
Make sure you are aware of the insurance cover you have in super. Think:
- Are you getting the best coverage?
- What fees are you paying?
- Is it the right level of insurance?
- If something was to happen, do you feel protected?
EairWoman supports you with the superannuation gender gap, retirement planning, and the needs of Australian women.
Set aside a portion of your income
After your pay check, put away at least 10% of your income before spending on anything else. It’s easier to pay your expenditure first and then look to save what’s left over.
Paying yourself first means you will find a way to live within your means with a balance. And with that 10%, it depends on the time frame of the goal you’d like to use it for.
For short-term goals, you want to have a capital stable type investment, whether it is cash, fixed interest, or term deposits. As the length of that goal increases, you can look at growth assets like equities or property exposure.
How Does the EairWoman App Support Women?
Plan Your Retirement with Confidence
Get a clearer picture of your retirement by estimating your future super balance based on your age, income and current contributions. Our easy-to-use projection tools help you understand where you’re heading and what retirement could look like for you.
Model Life Changes with “What-If” Scenarios
Whether you’re planning a career break, returning to work part-time, or considering extra super contributions, you can model different scenarios and instantly see how these choices may affect your long-term retirement savings.
Strengthen Your Super with Smart Calculators
Small changes can make a big difference over time. Explore how adjusting your contribution levels, changing your retirement age, or shifting your work patterns could help grow your super and improve your financial future.
Stay on Track with the Action Centre
Turn big goals into achievable steps. The Action Centre provides simple, bite-sized financial actions you can complete at your own pace, each one aligned to your retirement goals and personal circumstances.
Build Financial Confidence with Clear, Practical Education
Access trusted, easy-to-understand resources designed to improve your financial independence and literacy. Learn more about super, savings strategies, and your options at every life stage.
Protect Your Financial Wellbeing: Start Saving
Are you worrying about high-interest debt, an investment portfolio, or are you tired of the same-old budgeting apps for debt management? EairWoman can help you with financial planning.
We give you a clear, supportive way to understand your financial future, without pressure, product pushes, or complicated jargon.
Take the first step towards clarity and confidence with tools designed for real women, real lives, and real career paths.
Disclaimer:
“Information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication. Information within the article is general only, not financial advice. We urge you to seek independence advice from a licenced Financial Advisor before making any investment or financial decisions.”
