Mahi Patil
Software Engineer & Finance Writer Β· Melbourne, Australia
Mahi Patil is a Melbourne-based software engineer with a deep interest in personal finance and long-term investing. He built Dolaro.com.au to fill a gap he kept running into: accurate, up-to-date Australian finance calculators that most people simply canβt find for free.
With a background in software engineering, Mahi approaches personal finance the same way he approaches code β with a focus on correctness, transparency, and removing unnecessary complexity. The calculators on Dolaro apply the correct ATO rate schedules, HECS/HELP bands, and state-specific stamp duty rules rather than simplified approximations.
Mahi invests in Australian and global ETFs, tracks superannuation optimisation strategies, and researches Australian tax, home loan, and FIRE topics firsthand. The guides on Dolaro reflect what he actually looks into when making his own financial decisions.
All content on Dolaro.com.au is general information only and does not constitute professional financial, tax, or legal advice. Mahi is not a licensed financial adviser. For personalised advice, consult a qualified financial adviser or tax agent.
Topics covered
Articles by Mahi Patil (192)
π Economics
RBA Pause and the Australian Dollar: What an Extended Hold Means for AUD in 2026
14 min read
Australia's critical minerals: copper, lithium, nickel and cobalt explained
15 min read
AI Is Killing White-Collar Jobs. Australian Tradies Are the Unexpected Winners.
18 min read
The Country Hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 Once Had an Economic Crisis Named After Its Most Famous Drink
18 min read
π Stocks & ETFs
Dimensional Australian Core Equity Trust ETF (ASX:DACE): Factor Investing at Scale in the Australian Market β 2026 Guide
16 min read
Russell Investments RARI ETF: What Responsible Investment ETF Investors Need to Know in 2026
15 min read
Why VAS ETF Is Returning to Core Portfolio Discussions in 2026
14 min read
ACDC ETF review: Global X Battery Tech & Lithium ETF (ASX, 2026)
9 min read
Cobalt investing in Australia: the DRC problem and the ASX alternative
10 min read
Best ASX copper stocks 2026: BHP, Rio Tinto and Sandfire compared
10 min read
Best ASX lithium stocks 2026: PLS, MIN and Liontown compared
12 min read
ASX nickel stocks in 2026: why nickel is complicated and what it means for investors
10 min read
Australian Ethical Investment (ASX: AEF): Fund Flows, Margin Trends and What to Watch Into FY26
15 min read
How to invest in Australia's electrification boom: stocks vs ETFs explained
12 min read
WIRE ETF review: Global X Copper Miners ETF (ASX, 2026)
9 min read
BetaShares Bitcoin ETF (ASX: QBTC): How Australian Investors Can Access Bitcoin Through a Listed Fund β 2026 Guide
15 min read
Best ASX green metals ETFs 2026: WIRE, XMET, GMTL and ACDC compared
14 min read
3 Top ASX 200 Shares to Consider for Your Self-Managed Super Fund in 2026
16 min read
Why Xero (ASX:XRO) Is Back in Focus Across the Australian Market in 2026
15 min read
How to Invest in Index Funds Australia: The Beginner's Complete Guide 2026
10 min read
VAS vs VGS: Which Vanguard ETF Is Right for Your Portfolio?
9 min read
Best Gold ETFs in Australia 2026: GOLD vs PMGOLD vs QAU vs NUGG
9 min read
CGT on Gold and Silver in Australia: The ATO Rules Explained
9 min read
Your First Step Into Leveraged ETF Investing: A Practical Checklist for Property Investors
9 min read
Geared ETF vs Margin Loan vs NAB Equity Builder: Which Is Right for You?
9 min read
Geared ETFs Australia: All the Leverage. None of the Tenants.
10 min read
The GFC Made Australians Scared of Shares. Here's Why a Geared ETF Is Different.
10 min read
Gold Is Down. Should You Sell?
8 min read
Gold in Your SMSF: The ATO Rules You Need to Know (2026)
10 min read
How to Invest in Gold in Australia (2026): What the Safe Haven Gets Wrong
11 min read
Gold vs Shares in Australia: 25-Year Return Comparison
9 min read
How to Buy Gold in Australia: A Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
11 min read
Is It Too Late to Buy Gold in Australia?
9 min read
NAB Equity Builder: The Investment Loan That Works Like a Mortgage β But for Your ETF Portfolio
9 min read
6 Reasons Property Investors Give for Not Investing in Shares β And an Honest Response to Each
9 min read
Property vs Geared ETF: The Actual Numbers After the 2026 Budget
9 min read
How to Invest in Silver in Australia (2026): ETFs, Bullion & What Drives the Price
10 min read
BGBL vs VGS: Which Global Shares ETF Should You Choose? (2026)
9 min read
CGT on ETFs in Australia: How Capital Gains Tax Works When You Sell (2026-27)
12 min read
DHHF vs VDHG: Which All-in-One ETF Is More Tax-Efficient? (2026)
10 min read
Dividend ETFs in Australia: Are High-Yield ETFs Worth It? (2026)
9 min read
"ETFs Inside Super vs Outside Super: Which Is Better for Australian Investors? (2026)
8 min read
ETF Investing in Your 20s, 40s, and 50s: How Your Strategy Should Change (2026)
7 min read
ETF vs Managed Fund vs Index Fund: What's the Difference in Australia?
6 min read
"ETFs vs Paying Off Your Mortgage: The Australian Math (2026)
10 min read
Franking Credits and ETFs: Which Australian Funds Pay Them and How Much? (2026)
7 min read
How Are ETF Distributions Taxed in Australia? (2026)
13 min read
How Many ETFs Should You Hold? The Australian Investor's Guide (2026)
6 min read
How to Invest in US Shares From Australia: ETF vs Direct (2026)
4 min read
IVV vs VGS vs VTS: Which US or Global Shares ETF Is Right for You? (2026)
5 min read
Rebalancing Your ETF Portfolio: When, How, and the Tax Consequences (2026)
4 min read
How to Build a Two-ETF Portfolio in Australia (VAS + VGS or VAS + BGBL) (2026)
5 min read
VAS vs A200: Which Australian Shares ETF Is Better? (2026)
22 min read
SpaceX Just Had the Biggest IPO in History β Here's What It Means for Australian Investors
21 min read
ETF Investing for Beginners in Australia: The Complete 2026 Guide
13 min read
π§Ύ Tax
The Tax Return Mistake the ATO Will Scrutinise Most in 2026 β What Aussie Workers Need to Know
14 min read
Don't Rush Your 2026 Tax Return: Scam Warnings, Key Dates and How to Lodge Safely
14 min read
ATO Rule Change Set to End a Popular Tax Break in 2026 β What Australians Need to Know
13 min read
ATO Tax Refunds 2026: When They Hit Your Bank Account and the Critical Mistake to Avoid
14 min read
The Biggest Mistake Aussies Make at Tax Time in 2026 β and How to Avoid It
15 min read
The Biggest Tax Mistake Aussies Make Every Year β And How to Avoid It in 2026
14 min read
Crypto Tax Australia 2026-27: How Bitcoin, ETH and DeFi Are Taxed
16 min read
Tax Deductions for Police Officers and Emergency Services Workers 2025-26
9 min read
Tax Deductions for Teachers Australia 2025-26: The Complete Claim Guide
13 min read
Tax Deductions for Nurses and Healthcare Workers 2025-26: What You Can Claim
14 min read
Tax on Side Hustle Income Australia 2026: What You Owe and How to Reduce It
13 min read
The $1,000 Standard Tax Deduction 2026-27: Who Gets It, How to Claim, and Whether It's Worth Using
9 min read
Capital Gains Tax Rate Australia 2026-27: What You'll Actually Pay
9 min read
CGT Changes from 1 July 2027: How the New Rules Affect Property and ETF Investors
12 min read
How to Lodge Your 2025-26 Tax Return in Australia: Step-by-Step Guide (July 2026)
14 min read
Australian Income Tax Rates 2026-27: The New 15% Bracket and What It Saves You
7 min read
Should I Sell Before July 2027? The CGT Timing Decision for Australian Investors
12 min read
Tax Deductions for Hospitality & Retail Workers 2025-26: The Complete Guide
13 min read
Tax Deductions for Tradies & Construction Workers 2025-26: The Complete Guide
14 min read
Car & Travel Expense Deductions 2025-26: Cents Per KM vs Logbook Method
11 min read
Self-Education & Professional Development Tax Deductions 2025-26: The Complete Guide
10 min read
Australian Tax Brackets 2025-26 and 2026-27: Rates, Medicare Levy & Take-Home Pay
10 min read
Tools, Equipment & Depreciation 2025-26: The $300 Instant Deduction Explained
10 min read
When Can You Lodge Your 2025-26 Tax Return? Dates, Deadlines and Refund Timeline
12 min read
π Home Loans
Australian Jobs Surge Puts Another RBA Rate Rise Back in Focus β What It Means for Your Mortgage in 2026
14 min read
NAB Cuts Interest Rates Ahead of RBA Decision: What It Means for Australian Borrowers in 2026
14 min read
RBA Interest Rate Hike Warning for Aussie Mortgage Holders: What 'Do Not Rule Out' Really Means in 2026
13 min read
Debt Recycling Australia: What It Is and How to Do It in 2026
10 min read
Fixed vs Variable Rate Home Loan Australia 2026: Which Is Right for You?
11 min read
First Home Buyer Guide Australia 2026: Grants, Schemes and Stamp Duty Explained
13 min read
Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) Australia: What It Is, What It Costs, and How to Avoid It
7 min read
Offset Account vs Redraw Facility: Which Is Better for Your Home Loan?
8 min read
How Much Can I Borrow in Australia? Borrowing Power Calculator (2026)
12 min read
Rent vs Buy in Australia: The Real Numbers for 2026
13 min read
How Much Deposit Do You Need to Buy a House in Australia? (2026)
18 min read
Working From Home Tax Deductions 2025-26: Fixed Rate vs Actual Cost (Which Wins?)
11 min read
Best Home Loan Rates Australia 2026: Variable vs Fixed, Top Lenders, and How to Compare
33 min read
How Much Can I Borrow for a Home Loan in Australia? (2026 Guide)
31 min read
Refinancing Your Mortgage in Australia: Complete Guide 2026
26 min read
What Your Friday After-Work Drinks Are Really Costing Your Mortgage
19 min read
What Your Gym Membership Is Really Costing Your Mortgage
19 min read
Skip One Coffee a Day: How $5 Saves Australian Homeowners $86,000 in Mortgage Interest
19 min read
What Your Streaming Subscriptions Are Really Costing Your Mortgage
18 min read
What Your Takeaway Habit Is Really Costing Your Mortgage
19 min read
Vanguard vs BetaShares Australia: Which ETF Provider Should You Choose in 2026?
17 min read
Home Loan Comparison Guide Australia 2026: Variable vs Fixed Rates
11 min read
How Much Deposit Do You Need to Buy a House in Victoria? (2026 Guide)
16 min read
β‘ Home Energy
π³ Credit Cards
π Personal Finance
Carry-Forward Concessional Contributions: How to Catch Up on Super in Australia
10 min read
How Your Childhood Money Memories Are Still Running Your Finances Today
16 min read
First Mortgage After 40 in Australia: Super or Property?
15 min read
How Much Super Do You Need to Retire Comfortably in Australia?
10 min read
Salary Sacrifice Super vs Extra Mortgage Repayments: Which Wins in 2026?
11 min read
SMSF vs Industry Super Fund Australia: Is a Self-Managed Super Fund Worth It?
10 min read
When Can You Access Your Super? Preservation Age Australia Explained
9 min read
Super vs Offset vs ETFs: Where Should Your Extra Money Go in 2026?
10 min read
What Salary Do You Need to Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck in Australia?
14 min read
Budget Planner Australia 2026: How to Build a Budget That Actually Works
9 min read
Centrelink Income Test 2026-27: How Investments and Super Affect Your Payment
9 min read
How to Track Your Net Worth in Australia: A Practical Guide
9 min read
Salary Packaging Australia: How NFP and Healthcare Workers Cut Their Tax Bill
8 min read
Medicare Levy Surcharge 2026-27: Do You Need Private Health to Avoid It?
8 min read
Super Death Benefits Tax Australia: What Happens to Your Super When You Die?
9 min read
Transfer Balance Cap 2026-27: What the $2.1 Million Limit Means for You
8 min read
HECS Debt and Your Mortgage: How Student Debt Affects Borrowing Power
10 min read
What to Do With Your Tax Refund in 2026: 7 Smart Moves for Australians
12 min read
The Hidden Superpower of Property Investing β And How to Replicate It Without Property
9 min read
How to Get Property-Style Leverage on Shares in Australia Without a Mortgage
10 min read
Property Built Your Parents' Wealth. Here's How the Next Generation Will Build Theirs.
9 min read
You Don't Have to Stop Being a Property Investor. You Just Need to Add This.
8 min read
RFBA: What Is the Reportable Fringe Benefits Amount and How Does It Affect You?
10 min read
The FIRE Bridge Fund Australia: How to Fund the Gap Between Early Retirement and Age 60
9 min read
Safe Withdrawal Rate Australia: Does the 4% Rule Work for Australians?
8 min read
Super for Self-Employed Australians: How to Contribute and Why You Should
8 min read
Barista FIRE Australia: How Part-Time Work and Investment Income Can Make Work Optional
9 min read
Coast FIRE Australia: How to Calculate Your Number and What to Do Once You Hit It
8 min read
Division 296 Tax Australia: How the New Super Tax Works for Balances Over $3 Million
9 min read
Your FIRE Number Australia: How to Calculate How Much You Need to Retire Early
9 min read
Salary Sacrifice Super 2026-27: The New $32,500 Cap and How Much Tax You Save
10 min read
Superannuation Contribution Caps 2026-27: The New Limits and How to Use Them
8 min read
Superannuation vs Outside Super Investing After the 2027 CGT Changes
10 min read
What Is FIRE? Financial Independence, Retire Early Explained for Australians
11 min read
How to Buy ETFs in Australia: Step-by-Step Guide (2026
14 min read
Salary Sacrifice & Salary Packaging in WA: The Complete Guide (2026β27)
21 min read
Australia's 1 July 2026 Financial Changes: What Actually Changes for Your Household
19 min read
Financial Advisers in Australia: What They Cost, What They're Worth, and How to Choose One
27 min read
How Much Super Should I Have at My Age? (2026 Benchmarks)
29 min read
Private School in Australia: The Complete Financial Guide for Parents
24 min read
Bali vs Europe: What Your Annual Holiday Choice Is Doing to Your Mortgage
23 min read
The Real Cost of Australia's 2026 Concert Season β On Your Mortgage
23 min read
What Switching to Supermarket Home Brand Is Really Worth on Your Mortgage
24 min read
Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) Australia: What Employees Need to Know
29 min read
HECS Repayment Calculator Australia 2026: Thresholds, Rates and What's Changed
18 min read
How to Invest in ETFs Australia: A Complete Beginner's Guide (2026)
20 min read
Payday Super Australia 2026: What the New Rules Mean for Your Retirement
17 min read
Salary Sacrifice in Australia: Complete Guide to How It Works, What You Save & the Traps (2026)
30 min read
Tax Return Australia: What Can I Claim in 2026?
17 min read
Emergency Fund Guide Australia 2026: How Much to Save and Where to Keep It
10 min read
property
Does Downsizing Actually Save Money? The Real Costs Australians Need to Know
15 min read
House vs Unit Investment Australia: Which Performs Better?
10 min read
How Many Investment Properties Do You Need to Retire in Australia?
10 min read
How to Buy an Investment Property in Australia: Step-by-Step Guide 2026
13 min read
Rentvesting Australia 2026: Buy Where You Can Afford, Live Where You Want
14 min read
The 2026 Budget Changed the Rules on Property. Here's the Door It Accidentally Opened.
9 min read
Property's Dirty Secret: 'Passive Income' Was Never Passive
9 min read
The Real Reason Property Made Australians Rich β And How to Keep That Working in 2026
12 min read
You Think You Missed the Property Boat in Australia. You Didn't.
10 min read
How to Calculate Your Property Investment Return in Australia
8 min read
Investment Property Tax Deductions Australia: Every Expense You Can Claim in 2026
13 min read
Is Property Investing Still Worth It in Australia After the 2026 Budget Changes?
10 min read
Land Tax Australia: Rates, Thresholds and How It Affects Property Investors (All States)
12 min read
Negative Gearing Changes 2027: Established vs New Build β What Investors Need to Know
11 min read
Usable Equity: How to Use Your Property's Equity to Buy an Investment Property
7 min read
How to Read Your ETF Tax Statement in Australia (2026)
10 min read
Investment Property Cash Flow in Australia: How to Calculate Your Real Weekly Cost (2026)
12 min read
Negative Gearing in Australia: How It Works, What It Saves & the 2026 Budget Changes
13 min read
Property Investment Return Calculator: How to Calculate Your Total Return (2026)
29 min read
Rental Yield Calculator Australia: How to Calculate Gross & Net Yield (2026)
13 min read
Tax on Rental Income in Australia: How It Works & What You Can Deduct (2026)
16 min read
π° Savings & Term Deposits
Compound Interest Australia: How Your Money Grows Over Time
8 min read
Savings Rate Australia: How Much You Save Determines When You Retire
9 min read
Term Deposit vs High Interest Savings Account Australia 2026: Which Wins?
8 min read
Best High Interest Savings Accounts Australia 2026: Top Rates Compared
14 min read
π’ Calculators & Tools
Are Casuals Entitled to Overtime in Australia? (2026)
13 min read
Overtime Pay in South Australia: Rates, Rules & Your Rights (2026)
12 min read
Overtime Pay in Victoria: Rates, Rules & Your Rights (2026)
13 min read
Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Penalty and Overtime Rates) Act 2025: What It Means for Australian Workers
12 min read
Is Super Paid on Overtime in Australia? (2026β27)
16 min read
Overtime Pay in NSW: Rates, Rules & Your Rights (2026)
16 min read
Overtime Pay in QLD: Rates, Rules & Your Rights (2026)
15 min read
Overtime Pay in WA: Rates, Rules & Your Rights (2026)
18 min read
How to Use a Superannuation Calculator: A Complete Guide for Australians
10 min read
Overtime Pay in Australia: Complete Guide to Rates, Laws & Your Rights (2026)
25 min read