Home » Sectors » Financial Planning for Self-employed

Financial Advice for Freelancers in Australia

Transforming Self-employment into Real Financial Power

Working for yourself brings plenty of rewards - you do what you love, own your own day, and make the decisions. 

But it also demands a level of responsibility others don’t have to worry about. Managing irregular invoice payment flows, understanding bookkeeping, planning for tax and tackling superannuation are just some of the challenges you face. 

ActOn Wealth’s financial advisors in Melbourne are here to make that process and those obligations straightforward, seamless and geared towards building and protecting your wealth. 

Be the boss of your business and your financial future. Make the best decisions with expert support and guidance. Contact us today for a no-cost, no-obligation meeting.
A professional meeting in progress at the ActOn Wealth office, featuring four male team members in business attire, engaged in discussion around a conference table with laptops and documents.
5.0
Based on 55 reviews
powered by Google

Financial Challenges Faced by Freelancers

We’ll Help You Manage and Overcome Obstacles

Our team of experienced financial planners can help you overcome any of these barriers: . 

  • Freelancing Income Volatility  

You must make hay while the sun shines but also navigate life when revenue doesn't come in. It’s not an easy balance either way. 

  • Tax Complexities  

Registering for GST if relevant, collecting it from clients before remitting it to the ATO, and setting aside the right amount of tax—it’s a lot to keep you awake at night.  

  • Healthcare and Insurance Costs  

You’re vulnerable without employer healthcare, so finding the right protection insurance should be a priority. When you’re not working, you’re not earning. 

  • Lack of Employment Benefits  

You’re your own HR department. Have you factored in sick leave, parental leave, holiday pay, and all the other benefits employees enjoy? 

  • Superannuation Challenges 

Unlike employees, growing a nest egg is 100% on your shoulders. So, how do you manage that with all your other financial responsibilities?

You’re not alone. Get the right experts on your side and turn obstacles into opportunities.   

Financial Services for Freelancers

Strategic Decision Making and Financial Know-How

ActOn Wealth financial advisors offer comprehensive financial services that incorporate all your freelancing needs. Some of the areas we think are particularly pertinent for you include: 

Man in a suit holding a pink piggy bank.

Managing Irregular Pay Days

It’s great when invoices are paid, and cash is rolling in. But self-employment doesn’t typically run like clockwork. Various budgets, slow-paying clients and simply not always finding work can hamper your cash flow and budget


Our financial planners are experts in establishing a sound plan that factors in these highs and lows. We also provide helpful, achievable recommendations on managing strong cashflow periods responsibly (this is a time to grow your wealth) and riding out the lows (this is a time to ensure you don’t lose the wealth you’ve built).  

Superannuation for Self-employed 

Australian employers must contribute 11.5% of staff earnings into their respective superannuation funds. So, if an employee earns $50k per year, that’s $5,750 of non-taxable earnings going into their super without them lifting a finger or losing a cent. In contrast, you need to self-manage your super, which is not always straightforward (nor does it feel viable at times). That’s going to change with ActOn Wealth’s specialist superannuation advice

A woman in a black blazer and boots is watering a large green plant in a grey pot placed on a tall stool.

Self-employed Tax

Knowing if you must register for GST, understanding your obligations, balancing the books, identifying every deductible expense, paying your tax on time, and minimising your tax obligations are all regular tasks you must consider. Or, you leave it to our experienced tax return accountants, who can take it all off your hands and out of your head.  

Life Insurance for Freelancers

One significant advantage of employment is the protection and security it can provide. Paid parental leave, sick leave, bereavement leave, and other such leave are valuable. However, many people don’t realise just how valuable they are until they need them. 

Unfortunately, you don’t have this privilege unless you create it yourself. Equally, should something happen to your health, you’re particularly financially vulnerable. All these considerations make risk protection insurance paramount. Our experts forensically analyse options to provide you with the most suitable and sustainable cover. It’s the parachute you never knew you needed.  

A businessman in a suit holding an open black umbrella.
Man in a suit holding a leather bag.

Self-employed Retirement Planning 

You can never start planning for retirement too soon. This is especially the case for sole traders. You want to be the boss for all your life decisions, right? A retirement plan will ensure you continue to call the shots well into the future. Doing the groundwork now will influence when you can retire, the retirement savings available, and the lifestyle you can afford. 

Our expert financial advisers help you address the big questions today so you can plan for the best possible tomorrow. 

Be the boss of your financial goals - get the right experts behind you.

Why Choose Acton Wealth Financial Advice for the Self-employed?

How We Make a Difference

We admire Australians who take on the challenge of self-employment. We want to do everything possible to help you reap the rewards and power through the obstacles.  

We Future Proof Your Financial Independence 

We’re here to help you right now, but we have a clear eye set on your future as well. Wealth-building is more about what lies ahead than what’s in front of you right now. But the decisions you make today will have far-reaching consequences tomorrow, and we want to ensure they are positive. 

We’re Your Financial Ally, Guide and Safety Net 

You’re flat-out running your own business. How will you find time to become a financial expert on top of that? With ActOn Wealth by your side, there’s no need. We’re your support team providing expert advice and always checking compliance. 

We Build Strategy From Uncertainty 

The very nature of freelance work means the tap is not always turned on. Knowing when and from where the next invoice will come is not always a given. We help you build a strategic financial base that gives you peace of mind to weather storms. 

We Empower You to Manage Risk Like a Master 

The fact you’ve become a freelancer means you’re not risk-averse. We respect that and will help you take it to the next level. From assisting you with investment advice to giving you the tools and strategies to get through a financial downturn, we’re here for you. 

Get ahead with confidence, knowing ActOn Wealth is with you every step of the way.

Contact Us About Financial Planning for Freelancers

We Put the Strategy In Self-employed

You might be a freelancer, but you don’t have to undertake your financial journey alone. Let us transform your self-employment potential into real financial power. Make a step towards a more prosperous future now. 

We’ll make your finances thrive. Find out how today. 

Read our latest articles

Frequently asked questions

The best financial advice is to seek independent expertise from a professional. You may be a whiz with numbers, but having a team that is 100% trained on your finances frees you up to achieve your self-employment goals. 

Investing is potentially an option if you are self-employed. However, before deciding that, you want to ensure your house is in order and you have a sound financial base that can support and sustain any investments. Our financial planners are experts in this area and can provide tailored advice to your situation.

The most important and practical step is to set up separate personal and business bank accounts and credit or debit cards. Keeping receipts, paying yourself a salary, separating and maintaining clear budgets, and meticulously documenting expenses are just some things you can do to keep a clear boundary between the two. Our financial advisers are here to help with clearly defined and separate strategies and processes.

The answer depends on how much money you have set aside for a deposit, the cost of the new home, but also the attitude of the lender. Not all banks and lenders will have confidence in your freelancing arrangement, so establishing evidence of your reliability to make repayments will be key. ActOn Wealth’s mortgage brokers and financial planners can provide the best advice for your situation.

ActOn Wealth is a privately owned boutique financial planning firm in Melbourne. Our number one focus is our clients. We strive to provide an exceptional service to help you achieve financial security and prosperity.
Logo for a fundraising initiative showing 'Proudly fundraising' in white text on a red background with 'in support of The Smith Family' in blue, indicating a partnership with The Smith Family charity.
Logo of Accredited Aged Care Professional, featuring a purple background with a white abstract design of three rays expanding from a central point, symbolising expertise and professionalism in aged care.
© Copyright ActOn Wealth 2024. | All Rights Reserved. ABN: 56 619 492 974 Corporate Authorised Representative of National Planning Partners Pty Ltd ABN 25 620 741 326 (Representative No. 1270401) Australian Financial Services License 503734. Squared Home Loans Pty Ltd ACN 162 675 050, Credit Representative 436415 is authorised under Australian Credit Licence 384704.

Scoring Guide

Out of 38 if all questions answered


36 if 1 not applicable (Q 5, 8, 9)
34 if 2 not applicable (Q 5, 8, 9)
32 if 3 not applicable (Q 5, 8, 9)

26-38 if all questions answered
24-36 if 1 not applicable
23-34 if 2 not applicable
21-32 if 3 not applicable

You're Financially Confident — Now It's Time to Optimise


You’ve clearly made solid progress in building a strong financial foundation. You’re either actively investing, managing your debt, or planning for the future with a great level of intention.
Still, there’s always room for refinement — whether that’s maximising tax efficiency, reviewing your investment strategy, or preparing for big life events like retirement, children’s education or legacy planning.

How ActOn Wealth can help:

  • Fine-tune your strategy with proactive reviews
  • Explore new growth opportunities or tax efficiencies
  • Align your finances with your long-term vision and values
  • Keep you accountable and on track

Out of 38 if all questions answered

 

13-25.5 if all questions answered

12-23.5 if 1 not applicable

11-22.5 if 2 not applicable

10-20.5 if 3 not applicable

You’re Building Momentum — Let’s Take It to the Next Level

You’ve already laid some important groundwork — maybe you’ve started investing, built up super, or set financial goals. That’s fantastic progress.
With a few adjustments, clearer strategies, and some expert support, you could move from financial confidence to real financial empowerment.

How ActOn Wealth can help:

  • Bring structure and clarity to your financial world
  • Help prioritise goals and track your progress
  • Optimise key areas like tax, insurance, and investments
  • Give you peace of mind that you’re on the right path

Out of 38 if all questions answered

0-12.5 if all questions answered

0-11.5 if 1 not applicable

0-10.5 if 2 not applicable

0-9.5 if 3 not applicable

There’s Huge Potential for You to Benefit from Financial Advice

You’re not alone — many Australians feel unsure about where to start. If you’re feeling disorganised, unsure, or worried about the future, now’s the time to take control.
Working with a financial adviser isn’t just for the wealthy — it’s for anyone who wants clarity, confidence, and a roadmap forward.

How ActOn Wealth can help:

  • Help you prioritise what matters most
  • Set up systems for budgeting, saving, and debt reduction
  • Build a roadmap for retirement, investing and wealth creation
  • Give you the confidence to stop winging it and start planning for real

No matter your score, ActOn Wealth can support you with clear, strategic advice to help you take control of your financial future. Whether it’s optimising your super, reducing tax, planning for retirement or aligning investments with your values – we’re here to help.