Michael Brennan
Small Business Finance Writer
About Michael
Michael has a background in accounting and tax preparation, helping individuals and small businesses get their finances in order. He now writes about the topics most people find intimidating — taxes, debt management, and business finances — in a way that feels reassuring rather than overwhelming. He's particularly good at turning financial paperwork into something less painful.
Articles by Michael
Guide
How to Build a Six-Month Emergency Fund from Zero
Work out how much emergency savings you actually need, set a realistic monthly target, and build a budget that makes room for it — even if you're starting with nothing.
Michael Brennan Guide
How to Improve Your Credit Score: Utilisation, Debt Ratio, and Balance Transfers
Understand the numbers that drive your credit score, check your utilisation and debt-to-income ratio, and decide whether a balance transfer could save you money.
Michael Brennan Guide
Is Your Side Business Actually Profitable? Margins, Markup, and Break-Even
Calculate your real profit margins, understand the difference between markup and margin, figure out your break-even point, and make sure your side hustle is not secretly costing you money.
Michael Brennan Guide
How to Create a Budget That Actually Sticks
Build a personal budget grounded in your real take-home pay — not wishful thinking — with calculators to set realistic spending categories.
Michael Brennan Guide
Tracking Work Hours: Time Cards, Overtime, and Getting Paid What You're Owed
Whether you're hourly or salaried, learn how to accurately track your work hours, calculate overtime, and make sure your pay cheque adds up.
Michael Brennan Guide
Student Loan Repayment Strategies: Finding the Fastest Way Out
Compare repayment approaches — snowball, avalanche, and income-driven — with calculators to see exactly how each strategy affects your timeline and total cost.
Michael Brennan Guide
Your First Car Loan: How to Avoid Overpaying at the Dealership
Understand how car loans really work — from interest rates to monthly payments — so you walk into the dealership with numbers, not nerves.
Michael Brennan Guide
What Does Your Salary Actually Buy? A Take-Home Pay Breakdown
Understand the gap between your gross salary and what actually hits your bank account — and how to convert between hourly, weekly, and annual pay.
Michael Brennan Guide
Crushing Credit Card Debt: A Step-by-Step Payoff Plan
Work out exactly how much interest you're paying, how long it will take to pay off your cards, and the fastest strategy to become debt-free.
Michael Brennan