Cash Flow & Budgeting

By Handre Vlok – Principal Financial Planner at Altum Independent Financial Advice

Altum Independent Financial Advice helps clients review their income, expenses, savings capacity, debt commitments and emergency cash reserves as part of a structured financial plan.

What We Focus On

• Household budgeting
• Savings strategies
• Expense management considerations
• Debt management considerations
• Emergency cash reserve planning
• Goal-based cash flow planning
• Retirement cash flow considerations

We provide practical guidance to help Canberra and ACT clients better understand their finances and build structured financial habits.

Additional Considerations

Cash flow planning should consider:

• income stability,
• debt commitments,
• lifestyle goals,
• retirement objectives,
• and changing financial circumstances.

Debt strategies and budgeting approaches should align with broader financial objectives and personal circumstances.focuses on helping clients better understand their financial position and consider practical strategies aligned with their broader financial objectives.

Book a 20-minute introductory call to discuss your financial goals, ask initial questions and consider whether financial advice may assist.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is budgeting important?

Budgeting may help improve visibility over spending patterns, savings capacity, debt commitments, and financial priorities.

How much should I keep in emergency savings?

Emergency savings needs vary depending on factors such as employment stability, household expenses, debt levels, and personal circumstances.

Should I pay down debt or invest?

The appropriate balance between debt reduction and investing will depend on factors such as interest rates, risk tolerance, cash flow, and long-term financial objectives.

What is debt recycling?

Debt recycling generally involves strategies that may convert non-deductible debt into potentially deductible investment debt as part of a broader financial strategy. These strategies can involve additional complexity, risk considerations, and taxation implications, and may not be appropriate for everyone.

How often should a budget be reviewed?

Budgets should generally be reviewed periodically, particularly following major life events, income changes, or changes in financial circumstances.

Useful Resources

MoneySmart – Budgeting and Saving
MoneySmart – Managing Debt
MoneySmart – Mortgage Calculator
Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC)

General Advice Warning

The information on this page is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your circumstances before acting on it, and seek personal financial advice where appropriate. Taxation, superannuation, investment, insurance and estate planning considerations can be complex and subject to change. Where tax, legal or other specialist advice is required, you should seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional.