5 smart money tips every Aussie mum should know about

(Image: Getty Images)

Smart money tips because career breaks, part-time work and parenting costs can hit your finances hard – especially your super.

By Trudy Jenkins, Financial Planner, NGS Super

Motherhood changes everything – your body, your priorities, your relationship to sleep (what sleep?).

And somewhere between the school runs and late-night laundry loads, your financial future can quietly slide to the bottom of the list.

You’re not alone. Maternity leave, career breaks, part-time work and the cost of raising kids can all have a long-term impact – especially on your super.

But there are ways to protect your independence and build a stronger future without needing to become a finance expert.

Here are five small but powerful money moves every mum deserves to know, according to financial planner and fellow mum, Trudy Jenkins from NGS Super.

Smart money tips to future-proof your finances

1. Yes, the motherhood penalty is real – but you can plan around it

Time away from paid work. Reduced hours. Less super. It adds up. While super balances often reflect the unequal distribution of paid work and caregiving responsibilities, the broader gap in financial security is even more striking.

In fact, Australian women hold around 40% less net wealth than men. This is a reflection of persistent income gaps, unpaid care work, and fewer opportunities to build financial assets over time.

The good news is, there are steps you can consider to help counteract this disparity. From 1 July 2025, employers will be required to pay super on paid parental leave.

Additionally, you can consider taking advantage of strategies like super splitting which allows your partner to transfer a portion of their super contributions into your account.

This can be particularly helpful during time off or part-time years. It doesn’t cost anything extra, but it can help keep your super balance growing while you focus on your family.

Smart money tips: Young mother with baby going through bills while analysing her home finances. — Time out of paid work. Fewer hours. Less super. It all adds up—and the impact on long-term financial security is bigger than you think. *(Image: Getty Images)*

2. Track the real cost of raising kids – it’s not just nappies and sport fees

Raising kids isn’t cheap. The average Aussie family spends an average of $1,073 per month on child-related expenses, amounting to approximately $12,876 annually.

These costs can accumulate quickly, especially if you’re not actively tracking them. Budgeting apps can help, but even a good old-fashioned spreadsheet can shine a light on the habits (and hidden costs) that chip away at your savings.

Consider separating out accounts for long-term goals like holidays, education or emergencies, versus short-term goals, so you can see clearly what’s really spared to spend.

You know the drill. The school lunches. The permission slips. The bills, direct debits and random expenses no one else even thinks about. But financial admin isn’t just invisible work – it’s emotional labour.

If you’re in a relationship, make sure you both know the logins, the plans and the goals. It’s not just practical – it’s protective.

4. Protect your financial independence – no matter your relationship status

Being a mum doesn’t mean giving up your financial autonomy. Know where your money is and how to access it. And if you feel like you’re in the dark? Ask. There’s no shame in learning – only strength.

5. Think beyond the now – even if it’s hard

When you’re juggling work, kids and life admin, it’s fair to say that retirement can feel… distant. But future-you is counting on today-you to at least check in. Log in to your super account. Set a yearly reminder to review it.

And if your fund offers access to financial advisors (like Trudy), book in a session. It could be the most empowering hour you spend all year. Final thought? Looking after everyone else is what you do. But your own future matters too.

Let this be the year you back yourself – not just as a mum, but as a woman with a future worth investing in.

Trudy Jenkins is an Authorised Representative #1234906 [Guideway Financial Service Pty Ltd AFSL #420367]. Any advice contained in this article is general in nature and does not consider your financial situation, needs or objectives. Prior to acting on any information contained in this article, you need to take into account your own financial circumstance and consider whether it is appropriate for you