Your 30s and 40s are not too late to get your finances on track. From lifestyle inflation and financial avoidance to ignoring super, delaying investing, relying too heavily on a partner, and comparing yourself to others—small financial patterns can have a big impact over time. The good news? You’re not “bad with money,” and you’re not behind. Start by understanding where you are, make informed decisions, and take one step toward the financial future you want.

Many women leave controlling relationships with little understanding of their finances, not because they are incapable, but because they were excluded from financial decisions or subjected to financial abuse. Rebuilding financial confidence starts with recognising that this is not a personal failure, gathering important financial information, learning basic money concepts one step at a time, taking small practical actions such as reviewing accounts and tracking expenses, understanding the true cost of living, seeking support from trusted professionals, and replacing self-doubt with empowering beliefs. Financial confidence is built through knowledge, action, and self-compassion, allowing women to regain control of their money, make informed decisions, and confidently create a more secure future.

The Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS) is an additional tax for higher-income Australians who do not have eligible private hospital cover, making private health insurance a worthwhile financial consideration for many. For the 2026–27 financial year, individuals earning over $105,000 and families earning over $210,000 may pay an MLS of 1% to 1.5% of their income, in addition to the standard Medicare levy. While private health cover can sometimes cost less than the surcharge itself, the decision should also consider factors such as policy benefits, excess, Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) loading, and personal healthcare needs. As income increases, private health insurance becomes not only a health decision but also an important tax and cashflow planning consideration.