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nick shardey

Nick Shardey

Senior Finance Specialist | 25+ Years Years Experience
Nick Shardey is a Senior Finance Specialist with over 25 years’ experience in mortgage and asset finance. He focuses on clear financial structuring and helping clients understand lending options with confidence and transparency.
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Articles by Nick Shardey

EV FBT Exemption Changes

EV FBT Exemption Changes: What the 2026 Federal Budget Means for Australian Employees

The Australian government has confirmed a major wind-back of electric vehicle tax incentives in the May 2026 Federal Budget, and for employees considering an EV through salary packaging, the message is becoming clear:   Waiting could cost you thousands. The government’s decision to reduce EV Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemptions is expected to save $1.7 … Continued
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Best Year to Start a Novated Lease

Is 2026 the Best Year to Start a Novated Lease? What’s Changed

If you have been thinking about starting a novated lease, 2026 may feel like a turning point. Several tax changes, electric vehicle incentives and market trends have reshaped how salary packaging works in Australia. But the key question remains: is 2026 actually the best year to start a novated lease? To answer that, you need … Continued
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Why EV Novated Leases Are Cheaper in 2026

Why EV Novated Leases Are Cheaper in 2026

More Australians are asking whether an EV novated lease is cheaper than a petrol or hybrid vehicle in 2026. In many cases, the answer is yes. The reason is not just lower charging costs. It is primarily driven by tax treatment and salary packaging structure. Electric vehicle salary packaging interacts differently with Fringe Benefits Tax … Continued
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EV vs Petrol Cost Breakdown Using a Novated Lease Calculator

EV vs Petrol Cost Breakdown Using a Novated Lease Calculator

When comparing an electric vehicle and a petrol vehicle under a novated lease, the monthly deduction alone does not tell the full story. The real difference appears when you analyse tax structure, Fringe Benefits Tax treatment, and bundled running costs together. To compare fairly, you should run your numbers using the same vehicle price, lease … Continued
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Red toy car on top of Calculator

How Much Can You Save With a Novated Lease in 2026?

Many Australians unknowingly miss  between $3,000 and $5,000 each year by paying for their car with after tax income. Fuel/Charing, servicing, insurance, tyres, and even the vehicle itself are often paid for with money that has already been taxed by the ATO. Over time, these costs add up and significantly increase the real cost of … Continued
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Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid Sales Surge in Australia 2026

Hybrid vs Plug-In Hybrid: What VFACTS 2026 Reveals About What Australians Are Buying

VFACTS data continues to highlight a clear shift in Australian car buying behaviour. In 2026, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles are recording strong year-on-year growth, reflecting changing attitudes around affordability, sustainability, and everyday practicality. Rather than moving straight from petrol to fully electric vehicles, many Australians are choosing hybrids and PHEVs as a flexible, lower-risk … Continued
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The Rise of PHEVs

The Rise of PHEVs: Why Plug-In Hybrids Are Becoming Salary Packaging Favourites

Image Source: Edmunds   Why PHEVs Are Surging in Popularity Plug in hybrids are becoming one of Australia’s fastest rising choices for employees exploring salary packaged cars in 2026. They offer a balanced mix of electric efficiency and petrol powered confidence, creating an ideal bridge for drivers who want sustainable motoring without fully committing to … Continued
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Novated Lease Calculator Australia

Novated Lease Calculator Australia: What You Need to Know

A novated lease calculator is one of the most useful tools for Australian employees looking to understand their car finance options. It helps estimate repayments, running costs, and potential savings from salary packaging a vehicle. But to make the most of it, it’s important to understand how Australian tax rules, Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT), and … Continued
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Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Expands Telematics Capabilities

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Expands Telematics Capabilities

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has announced a major upgrade to its fleet connectivity systems, enhancing how businesses can manage, track, and maintain their vans. The brand’s new partnership with Danish technology company Connected Cars brings advanced telematics tools to its vehicle lineup, helping fleet operators gain deeper insight into vehicle performance and maintenance needs.   Smarter … Continued
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How a novated lease works in Australia with Fingo

What Is a Novated Lease? A Beginner’s Guide

Thinking about getting a new car but don’t want the full financial burden upfront? A novated lease might be the smart solution you're looking for. It’s a popular vehicle financing option in Australia, especially for employees who want convenience and tax benefits rolled into one. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll break down how a novated … Continued
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Discussing Novated Lease vs. Salary Sacrifice Car Lease

Novated Lease vs. Salary Sacrifice Car Lease: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to saving on car expenses through your salary, two common terms often cause confusion, novated leases and salary sacrifice car leases. At first glance, they may seem interchangeable, but dig deeper and you’ll find important distinctions in structure, tax benefits, and employer involvement. In this guide, Fingo unpacks everything Australian employees need … Continued
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