No matter who you are, or what financial position you’re in, you can greatly improve your financial position with the right support behind you. The news is even better for those working in the not-for-profit sector: you’re eligible for benefits that make the dream of home ownership more affordable than you think.
However, statistics show many Australians feel stressed about their finances:
- Over one million households are classified as being under mortgage stress (more than ever before)
- 32% are having difficulty making repayments and managing their finances generally
- 59% of Aussies admit their financial situation is causing them stress or loss of sleep
- According to Relationships Australia, financial stress is the #1 cause of relationship breakdown
Financial stress can also impact your family life, mental and physical health, work performance, and your overall quality of life.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
In many cases, people can move from a state of financial stress towards what we call ‘financial wellness’ just by having a discussion and making a few small changes that could help with cash flow. This allows you to greatly improve your financial and personal well-being – and often without drastically altering your current lifestyle.
So what is financial wellness? We define it as ‘being free from constant financial stress’. It means being able to enjoy life comfortably, deal with unforeseen financial challenges, make plans for the future, and achieve those plans.
Just like with your health, the key is to take preventative steps so you stop problems from happening, and put yourself in the best financial situation possible. Then you only need a checkup every now and again to ensure you stay in great shape.
The not-for-profit sector and salary packaging
One of the things I’m most passionate about in my role is helping people in the not-for-profit sector. I’m constantly amazed and inspired at the incredible work people in this sector do (including several family members), and often for less money than they could get in the corporate world. So I believe you deserve some support to help you achieve financial wellness.
Thankfully, the government believes this too; as a result, people in the not-for-profit sector can access salary packaging options across a range of areas that can free up cash flow in general, and fast-track your home ownership journey in particular.
Having spent the majority of my ten years in the industry specialising in the not-for-profit sector, I know that most people in the sector are much closer to buying a property than they think. Whether you’re a graduate or a CEO, salary packaging allows anyone in the not-for-profit sector to transform their financial position and get that first home or investment property sooner.
Example: How salary packaging can boost your borrowing capacity
Michael and Susan both work in the not-for-profit sector and are both looking to purchase a home. They have the same salary ($80k), however Susan has decided to take advantage of being able to package $15,900 of her gross income each year, while Michael does not. By doing this towards her mortgage, Susan not only reduces her taxable income and increases her take-home pay, she also increases her borrowing capacity:
| Name | Income | Salary
package amount |
Borrowing capacity |
| Michael | $80,000 | $0 | $530,000 |
| Susan | $80,000 | $15,900 | $600,000 |
Contact the friendly Credo team today to learn how salary packaging can help you move towards financial wellness sooner.
I wish you every success on your journey towards financial wellness!
Nathan
