Sydney-based content creator Queenie Tan has a passion for sharing financial advice, investment ideas and budgeting tips online. The 26-year-old ‘finfluencer’ now has a net worth of half a million dollars and more than 350k followers on TikTok and her Instagram accounts, but she started out small, landing a part-time job at McDonald’s when she was just 14. 

Queenie spends her days planning and creating content, while also developing her own investment courses and digital finance tools. She offers practical financial advice on everyday money matters, including:

  • Super funds: “Know where your super funds are going,” she says. “It’s not something you only really need to worry about when you’re old. It's 10% of your pay over your career life.” 
  • Saving for financial goals: “Sometimes saving $10,000 in a year, you're thinking, ‘I'm never going to save that much money!’” says Queenie. “But if you break it down into smaller pieces, $10,000 is $27.40 a day.” 
  • Tax brackets: “There is a bit of confusion about how we actually get taxed,” she says. “Early in my career, I thought, ‘Maybe I'm better off not getting a pay rise because I won't be taxed as much.’ It doesn't work like that.” You only pay more on the part of your income above the next bracket.

We asked Queenie for her best advice for the end of the financial year, plus the stationery, office essentials and desk accessories that help her get it all done.

Queenie Tan’s Tips for EOFY 

  1. Whenever I buy something for work, I keep the receipt so I can double check with my accountant if it’s tax deductible.
  2. Receipts can fade and get lost, so I take photos of all my receipts and add them to folders on Google Drive to keep them organised.
  3. The best things to buy before EOFY are laptops, monitors, keyboards, mice, desks and ergonomic chairs.
  4. One of my favourite places to shop for my home office is Officeworks because they have a wide range of products to choose from and a 5% price-beat guarantee. I love a bargain!
  5. Look for apps and tools that can help you with your tax. I use Xero, which is a small-business accounting software, and it helps me manage my invoices all in one place. It makes my life easier. 
  6. If you use your car for work, keep a logbook of all the places you travel. Or try an app like Driversnote which lets you download a tax-compliant mileage report.

SEE ALSO: Tax Return Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Return in 2023

Queenie Tan’s Office Essentials 

A Big Monitor

Working from home? “A large monitor is a game changer for productivity,” says Queenie, “especially when I need to copy and paste things from one tab to another, or review two tabs at the same time.” 

Make sure you position your screen correctly, away from glare or bright lights. Ergonomic experts say your monitor should be directly in front of you, at least an arm’s length away, with the top of the monitor approximately 2-3 cm above your eye level.

What To Try

Large and widescreen monitors including Samsung, LG, Philips, Lenovo and HP
“A large monitor is a game-changer for productivity,” says finfluencer Queenie Tan.

A Journal

“Having a journal has done wonders for my mood and energy,” says Queenie. “Every morning I write five things I’m grateful for and every evening I write my reflections for the day. I’ve noticed a huge improvement in my wellbeing.” 

The mental-health benefits of journalling are clear, with one 2018 study suggesting just 12 weeks of regular journal writing could lead to a decrease in depression and anxiety symptoms. “I love writing in my journal because it's like I'm getting to talk to myself and I'm working through problems,” explains Queenie.

What To Try

A range of journals you can buy from Officeworks including Moleskine, J.Burrows, Keiji and Otto
“Having a journal has done wonders for my mood and energy,” says finance influencer Queenie Tan.

SEE ALSO: Daily Gratitude Journal Prompts to Try

A Keyboard and Mouse

“My mouse and keyboard set was worth the investment because I can add customisable keyboard and mouse shortcuts, so I can switch tabs quickly, or edit my work faster,” says Queenie. “And don’t forget they’re tax-deductible, so win win!” 

To choose the best mouse and keyboard for you, assess your needs. A wireless set will cut down on cord clutter, while a gaming mouse and keyboard are built to last with extra buttons for programming shortcuts.

What To Try

A range of keyboard and mouse combos including Bonelk, Logitech and Otto.
Upgrading your keyboard and mouse could be a tax-deductible purchase.

SEE ALSO: My Tech Must-Haves: Khanh Ong

A Footrest

“I’m only 155cm tall, so a footrest allows me to be in the most ergonomic position,” says Queenie. “It means less strain on my shoulders and neck while I work.” 

According to experts, the best way to sit at your desk is with your feet flat on the floor. Adjust your chair to make this possible, or try using a footrest, just like Queenie. A good footrest will support your legs and back while also encouraging better circulation.

What To Try

A range of footrests available at Officeworks
Content creator Queenie Tan advises getting a footrest for better ergonomics.

SEE ALSO: How to Create a Work From Anywhere Ergonomic Setup

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