Working Fly-In Fly-Out (FIFO) can be a golden opportunity to fast-track your financial future and build a life with purpose—if managed wisely. Whether you’re doing it for a few years to get ahead or making a long-term career out of it, the unique lifestyle and income that comes with FIFO work demand a clear strategy.

Some FIFO workers aim to buy a home or wipe out debt in just a couple of years. Others stay on for the long haul, balancing career growth, financial goals, and evolving family needs. No matter your path, the secret is to treat FIFO as more than just a job—it’s a vehicle for creating long-term security and a fulfilling life.

Here are ten smart money tips and ten life balance tips to help you make the most of your FIFO years.

 

Top 10 Tips for Managing and Saving Cash Flow

  1. Have a Clear Goal
    Start with the end in mind. Are you working FIFO to buy a home, start a business, or retire early? Goals keep your spending in check and give purpose to the grind.
  2. Treat Your Income Like It’s Temporary
    It’s easy to fall into lifestyle creep. Live like you’re earning a normal wage and invest or save the difference.
  3. Automate Savings and Investments
    Set up automatic transfers into high-interest savings accounts, ETFs, or your super fund. Make saving effortless.
  4. Track Your Expenses
    FIFO wages can disappear fast if you’re not watching where the money goes. Use budgeting apps to monitor spending.
  5. Limit Discretionary Spending on R&R
    It’s tempting to splurge on every break, but regular holidays, toys, and eating out can kill your progress.
  6. Plan for Tax and Super
    Ensure you understand your tax obligations. Consider salary sacrificing into super to reduce tax and boost retirement savings.
  7. Avoid Debt (Except Strategic Debt)
    Steer clear of car loans, high-interest credit cards, and buy-now-pay-later traps. Use debt only for appreciating assets.
  8. Build an Emergency Fund
    FIFO jobs can end unexpectedly. Aim for 3–6 months of expenses in a liquid account.
  9. Talk to a Financial Advisor
    Get professional guidance on investing, insurance, and long-term planning. You’re earning enough to justify it.
  10. Review Regularly
    Reassess your financial strategy every 6–12 months. As your income or goals change, so should your plan.

 

‍ ‍ ‍  Top 10 Tips for Managing Career and Family Through Life Stages

  1. Communicate Clearly and Often
    FIFO can put strain on relationships. Regular, honest communication with your partner and kids is key.
  2. Use Technology to Stay Connected
    Schedule FaceTime or Zoom calls, send voice notes, and share photos. Little things matter.
  3. Create Rituals for When You’re Home
    Establish family routines or ‘non-negotiables’ during R&R—like school drop-offs, date nights, or Saturday breakfasts.
  4. Be Present, Not Just Available
    When you’re home, be fully engaged. Put the phone down and focus on quality time.
  5. Plan for Transition Days
    FIFO swings can cause emotional whiplash. Build in buffer days to adjust between site and home life.
  6. Look After Your Physical and Mental Health
    FIFO can take a toll. Exercise, eat well, sleep enough, and don’t hesitate to access mental health support.
  7. Talk About Career Goals at Home
    Make career decisions together. As your life evolves—kids, schooling, ageing parents—your work might need to adjust too.
  8. Explore Flexible Rosters or Hybrid Roles
    Many employers now offer family-friendly rosters or even partial remote roles. Ask the question.
  9. Plan for Exit Points
    FIFO might not be forever. Start thinking about what your post-FIFO career or lifestyle could look like in 5–10 years.
  10. Build a Support Network
    Encourage your partner to have their own community and support too. FIFO is a family effort, and nobody should feel alone in it.

 

Final Thought

FIFO life is tough—but it can be incredibly rewarding. With a focused financial plan and commitment to staying grounded in your relationships and values, you can use these years as a launchpad for something greater. Whether it’s a debt-free future, family stability, or early retirement, the choices you make now will shape the legacy you leave later.

Make FIFO work for you, not at the expense of you.

 

If this article has inspired you to think about your unique situation and, more importantly, what you and your family are going through right now, please get in touch with your advice professional.

This information does not consider any person’s objectives, financial situation, or needs. Before making a decision, you should consider whether it is appropriate in light of your particular objectives, financial situation, or needs.

(Feedsy Exclusive)