5 Signs You’re Making Progress With Your Money (Even If It Doesn’t Feel Like It)
The contents provided on this page are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Consider your personal circumstances and objectives before making any financial decisions.
Are you spinning your financial wheels or quietly cruising towards your financial goals?
When you’re juggling bills, debt, and day-to-day expenses, it can be hard to know if you’re actually getting ahead. Especially around tax time, when everyone seems to be talking about refunds, savings goals, or making ‘smart money moves' , ’ it can leave you wondering, am I doing enough?
Here’s the good news: progress doesn’t always look like a massive savings account or being totally debt-free. Sometimes, it’s about spotting the subtle shifts and using smart tools to stay in control.
Let’s look at a few signs that might suggest you’re moving in the right direction—and how something like Beforepay (and even a potential Tax Refund Advance) could support your short-term goals to reach long-term financial success.
1. You’ve got a plan for your tax refund
Even thinking ahead about what to do with your refund might signal you’re developing a better money mindset and habits. Whether it’s knocking down some debt, buying something you genuinely need, or starting a small savings buffer, planning your next step can be a smart move.
We have some guidance here on ways to use your tax refund.
Want to access your tax refund a little earlier? Beforepay and H&R Block offer a Tax Refund Advance that could help you access a portion of your expected tax return.
Handy if you need to stay ahead of the bills while waiting for the ATO to process things.
2. You’ve started creating space between pay cycles.
Noticing a little less panic between pay cycles? Even a couple of days of breathing room could point to progress. That could come from being more conscious of your spending, or from making smarter choices about when and how you access your money.
Short-term tools like a Pay Advance might be useful here, especially when you need to time things right, like covering a big winter power bill before your refund hits your account.
3. You’re not guessing anymore
A big sign you’re making financial headway? You’re looking at your numbers and not just hoping they’ll work out.
Whether it’s checking your bank app more often without breaking into a cold sweat, looking back at old spending, or planning forward with your tax refund, financial awareness often comes before financial confidence. Keep feeling into this and seeing it as a marker of success.
4. You’re dealing with the urgent and planning for the important
You’re not alone if tax season feels like a lifeline. For many Australians, it’s the only time of year when a lump sum lands in their account. If you’re using that money to deal with overdue expenses and still carving out something for the future, that might mean your money mindset is shifting, and next year you might be able to have more of your refund for you and not debt repayments.
5. You’re looking for tools that make things easier
You don’t need to do everything alone. Tools like Beforepay’s Pay Advance or Tax Refund Advance aren’t long-term solutions, but they could offer a bit of breathing space.
If that space helps you avoid late fees, get your groceries, or pay down something faster and avoid high interest, that might be a helpful step forward!
You can also use the Beforepay app for budgeting and money tracking to spot where you have some pitfalls in spending. Using tools to help you be aware is key for long-lasting change.
In Summary: You Might Be Doing Better Than You Think
If tax season has you reflecting on where you’re at, it might also be a great time to recognise how far you’ve come, too.
Financial progress isn’t always loud or obvious. Sometimes, it’s the quiet things that matter most: planning ahead, covering a bill without panic, saying no to an outing and being ok with that decision, as you know it’s the right thing to do for your long-term financial goals.
And if you need a hand bridging the gap, check out Beforepay’s Tax Refund Advance, offered in partnership with H&R Block. It could be the head start that helps you take your next step in the new financial year with confidence.
Disclaimer: Beforepay Group Ltd, ABN: 63 633 925 505. Beforepay allows eligible customers to access their pay and provides budgeting tools. Beforepay does not provide financial products, financial advice or credit products. The views provided in this article include factual information and the personal opinions of relevant Beforepay staff and do not constitute financial advice. Beforepay and its related bodies corporate make no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness or reliability of the contents of this blog post and do not accept any liability for any loss whatsoever arising from the use of this information. Please read our Terms of Service carefully before deciding whether to use any of our services.
