Resources
Simple tools and ideas to help you see where your money goes, organise your payday and make room for what matters to you.
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A simple payday routine
When everything sits in one account, it’s hard to tell what’s really available. Named accounts—or “buckets”—can help you separate money for essentials, goals and everyday enjoyment.
List regular bills and everyday essentials, including rent or mortgage payments, groceries, power and transport. Remember less frequent costs such as rates, clothing and car servicing, plus required debt repayments.
Use the planner to work out what to set aside each payday. For example, a $2,600 annual bill needs $100 from each of 26 fortnightly pays.
Use clear names such as Rent, Power, Groceries, Car Costs or Holiday. You can use separate accounts or group related costs together. Keep the system manageable and check for any account fees.
Once your pay arrives, transfer the planned amounts into each bucket. Set automatic transfers to match your pay cycle and allow for when the money actually clears.
A new bills account may need a starting balance if a payment is due before you’ve had time to build it up.
With essentials and required repayments accounted for, set aside an affordable amount for an emergency fund, savings or another goal. Here, “pay yourself first” means before optional spending.
If the essentials already use all your income, start by reviewing the shortfall. The amounts need to fit your circumstances.
What remains is your spending money until the next payday. Keep the other buckets for their intended purposes. If you regularly need to dip into them, review the amounts—the plan needs to reflect real life.
Further reading: Sorted’s guide to saving and automating your savings.
These resources provide general information, not personalised financial advice. Download the planner for your own use; this website does not collect your entries.
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