Sensible Money: A Guide on How to Make Better Money Choices for Financial Freedom

by Emily Stewart

A no-nonsense guide to making better money choices and gaining financial freedom, written by ABC finance reporter Emily Stewart, aka Sensible Emily.


ABC finance reporter Emily Stewart's articles on topics such as budgeting, super and property have racked up millions of combined views thanks to their clear, relatable tone and straightforward, trustworthy information.

While most finance gurus assume a one-size-fits-all approach to financial prosperity, Sensible Emily's focus is on educating her readers on personal finance and setting out different options, so that they can make their own decisions about what's right for them and their families.

In Sensible Money she gives you practical tips and tricks to help you set up your financial foundations so you can go from surviving to thriving. She'll help you destroy your debt, give you strategies to save, and then, when you're back on your feet, help you budget for your first home, invest in shares and sort out your super.

The financial world is more complex than ever, but with Sensible Emily as your guide, you will feel empowered to navigate your financial future.

Praise for Sensible Money

'Money miracles rarely happen. Knowledge is the key. Sensible Money can help build you a path to financial freedom' - Paul Clitheroe AM

'Talk about the perfect book for the times! Sensible Money offers so many practical ideas on managing your money as the cost of living bites. Emily Stewart brings a journalist's eye for detail and plenty of lived experience to help you build a better financial life' - Michael Rowland

Genres: Finance, Nonfiction

328 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 2, 2025

About the author

Emily Stewart is a professional organizer and de-cluttering expert. Stewart managed to transform her home into a haven after a long struggle with the hoarding habit. She is now determined to help others organize their homes on a small budget.

She has worked with several homeowners helping them cultivate a culture of de-cluttering and keeping only items that spark joy in their lives.

Emily is the author of several books including, Detox Your Home; A Beginner’s Thorough Guide to De-Cluttering.

Reviews

[Gloria (Ms. G's Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️4 Stars⭐️
If you’re after an easy, straight to the point guide on budgeting, Sensible Money: A guide on how to make better money choices for financial freedom, by the ABC's finance reporter, for readers of She's On the Money and Girls That Invest is your book. A practical reference for making better choices with regards to personal finance and useful ideas to help save money and rid yourself of debt.

Sensible Emily is a truly independent adviser and I enjoyed reading her tips and tricks.

Some of the interesting topics covered are:
✅Starting a Money Diary
✅Budgets
✅Slashing Grocery bills
✅Insurance
✅Free fun activities
✅Emergency fund
✅Income Tax time
✅Home Loans
✅Money in relationships
✅Kids are costly
✅Wills

Emily Stewart is an ABC finance journalist and qualified finance guru.

Thank you so much Harper Collins Australia for a copy of the book.

[Alison McIntyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every few years I pick up a book about money to see if I can learn anything new.

And at 40ish, there’s not much in here that I don’t already know. It’s presented well and modern. Plus it is specific to Australia.

However, I didn’t like the section about a side hustle. Or maybe I appreciated it BUT I was more so mad at the current economic climate and capitalism for making people resort to having a side hustle. Nothing against the author!

This did make me look into investing for myself and my kids as a well as finally making a will now that I’m divorced and my assets are all my own.

I’ll refer back to the buying a car section one day when I’m ready for that.

[Andrew Portbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another 'they don't teach you about this in school' guide to managing your Australian finances mostly targetted at younger adults but with something for everyone, Sensible Money was a book I didn't get too much out of personally given my circumstances have passed many of life's milestones discussed. Nevertheless, the book is an easy read or listen, and a decent guide for those wanting to set up a household budget, prepare to have children, pay off a mortgage, get started with investing, set up a will, and plenty more. One to have on your shelf and flick back to the appropriate chapter as needed, while it wasn't ideal for me, plenty will find it really useful.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read, great tips. I like the way the options are laid out

[Sharon Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book has a wealth of knowledge about finances and different real life accounts to take into perspective.

[Belinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

very basic

[Anna Davidson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few takeaways, but a lot of standard advice. An easy to read finance book.

[Rhii · Rating 3 out of 5]

The very basics of financial literacy. However some helpful Australian-specific information on Super, Tax, Medicare, insurance, child birth and Wills.

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved listening to this! Some great pointers to remember and action!