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Australian budget planner: start from your real take-home pay
Most budget templates online are American and assume monthly pay. Australians are often paid weekly or fortnightly and have super and HECS-HELP to think about. Here's how to budget properly for that.
1. Convert everything to the same period
Pay and bills come weekly, fortnightly, monthly, quarterly and yearly. Convert them all to one period before you compare. Monthly is the most common: weekly × 52 ÷ 12, fortnightly × 26 ÷ 12, quarterly × 4 ÷ 12. Don't use "weekly × 4", which leaves out about one week a quarter.
2. Start from take-home pay, not your salary
Your salary isn't what lands in your account. Income tax (see the ATO's resident tax rates), the Medicare levy and, if you have a study loan, compulsory HELP repayments (see the ATO's repayment thresholds and rates) come out first. Your payslip is the best source; a spreadsheet estimate is useful when you're comparing jobs or planning a pay rise.
3. Remember super is on top
Your employer pays super guarantee into your fund on top of your pay (12% for 2026-27). It doesn't come out of your take-home pay, but it's worth tracking because it's your money.
4. List bills the way you actually pay them
Group expenses into housing, utilities, transport, food, insurance, health, kids, debts, subscriptions and fun. Enter each one at its real frequency (car rego yearly, power quarterly) and let the sheet convert it. Then look at "left over" each month, and decide what goes to savings goals and extra debt payments.
Moneysmart's guide to doing a budget is a good free walkthrough too.
General information only, not tax advice. Rules and rates change, so check the linked ato.gov.au page for the current version, or ask a registered tax agent about your situation.
Want it done for you? Australian Budget Planner with Super & HECS-HELP (.xlsx)
A budget built for Australian pay: it estimates take-home pay with 2026-27 ATO rates (tax, LITO, Medicare levy, HELP), shows super, and converts every bill to monthly.
- 8 tabs including take-home pay estimate and 12% super
- 37 Australian expense lines
- Savings goals, debt payoff and monthly overview
- Tested in LibreOffice Calc; figures are estimates
US$8.99 one-time on Whop. Instant download.
See it on Whop →Related guides
- Free Australian budget template (spreadsheet)
- Meal prep planner and grocery budget: cost every meal in AUD
- Family planner templates for Australian households
General information only, not financial, tax or legal advice. Check the official pages linked above, or ask a registered tax agent, before you rely on anything here. Last checked 16 Nov 2026.