10 money-smart things to do before June 30

June 30 has a habit of sneaking up on people when one minute you’re thinking there’s plenty of time, the next the financial year is over and you’re scrambling for receipts, passwords and paperwork.

For Australians over 55, though, the weeks before June 30 can be surprisingly valuable.

From boosting your super to finally claiming deductions you’ve forgotten about, a few smart moves now could leave you better off heading into the new financial year.

Here are 10 things worth ticking off before the deadline arrives.

Top up your super and claim the tax break

If you haven’t used your full concessional super contributions cap this year, you may still have time to add extra money into super and potentially reduce your tax bill.

The concessional cap for 2025–26 is $30,000, including employer contributions and salary sacrifice.

Adding extra money into super before June 30 can mean paying just 15 per cent tax on that money instead of their normal marginal tax rate for many of us.

Just remember: contributions often need to hit your super account several business days before June 30 so allow plenty of time.

Don’t forget the form that actually gets you the deduction

This is the step many people miss.

If you make a personal super contribution and want to claim a tax deduction, you usually need to lodge a Notice of Intent to Claim form with your super fund.

No form can mean no deduction, even if you transferred the money correctly.

Most major super funds now let members complete the process online.

Check if you’ve got unused super cap space

Many Australians don’t realise they may be able to contribute more than the annual cap using “carry-forward” rules.

If your super balance was under $500,000 last financial year, you may be able to use unused concessional contribution space from previous years.

For people who took time out of the workforce, worked part-time or simply didn’t contribute much in earlier years, this can be a significant opportunity.

You can check your available carry-forward amounts through myGov linked to the ATO.

Review your pension drawdowns

Already retired and drawing income from super? Make sure you’ve taken the minimum pension payment required for the financial year.

Missing the minimum drawdown rules can create tax headaches and potentially affect the tax-free status of your pension account.

A quick check with your super fund now could save problems later.

Gather your receipts before they vanish into the abyss

EOFY becomes much harder when receipts are buried in gloveboxes, kitchen drawers and random email folders.

Now is a good time to collect:

• charity donation receipts
• work-related expenses
• health costs
• accountant invoices
• investment paperwork
• interest statements

Future-you will be grateful in July.

Review subscriptions you no longer use

Streaming services. Apps. Gym memberships. Magazine renewals. Cloud storage. Premium trials you forgot existed…

Many Australians are quietly losing hundreds of dollars a year on subscriptions they barely use.

Take 20 minutes and check your bank statement for recurring charges.

You may find more savings there than in your electricity bill.

Book health appointments before private health resets

Depending on your extras cover, some health fund benefits reset on July 1.

That means it may be worth booking dental, physio, optical or hearing appointments before the end of June if you still have unused limits available.

Many people only remember this after the benefits disappear.

Check out Tips To Reduce The Cost Of Medications

Sell unwanted items before tax time clutter sets in

June is a surprisingly good time to declutter.

Older Australians are increasingly selling unused furniture, tools, camping gear and collectibles online before downsizing or simplifying retirement plans.

A cleaner house and extra cash heading into winter is not a bad combination.

Check your beneficiaries and important documents

Superannuation doesn’t automatically form part of your will.

That’s why June is also a good reminder to review:

• your super beneficiaries
• your will
• powers of attorney
• insurance policies
• emergency contacts

Life changes quickly but paperwork often doesn’t.

Plan one thing you’re genuinely excited about

EOFY shouldn’t only be about money.

Book the trip or plan the weekend away, join the class, buy the concert tickets, or organise the family lunch.

People heading toward retirement often spend so much time worrying about finances they forget to plan for enjoyment too.

Sometimes the smartest investment is simply having something good to look forward to.