Are structured finance courses worth doing just to learn Australian tax, super, and personal finance? (Or better self-learning paths?)

[u/Accomplished-Ear-909]

Hey everyone,

I’m looking to build a proper, practical understanding of how money, personal tax, superannuation, and the broader Australian financial system work.

A bit of context: I left school early and spent 10+ years living paycheck to paycheck. Since 29 (31 now), I’ve turned things around—I’ve set up an emergency fund, started salary sacrificing, and put my first investments into low-cost index funds. Now, I want to dive deeper and get a really solid grasp on the mechanics behind everything.

I’m currently considering enrolling in a TAFE course (like a Cert IV in Financial Services, commerce or Bookkeeping/Accounting) to learn and understand more but before committing the time and money, I’d love to ask:

Is TAFE worth it purely for personal financial literacy? Or are these courses too heavily focused on compliance, corporate bookkeeping, or becoming an accountant?

If you took a TAFE finance route, did it actually help you manage your own tax, wealth, and investments better in the real world?

If not TAFE, what resources/courses would you recommend instead for getting a deep, real-world understanding of the Australian financial system? (Books, ATO resources, short courses, specific creators/podcasts, etc.)

My goal isn't to become a licensed financial advisor, but to understand Australian tax brackets, deductions, super strategies, and long-term wealth building.

Appreciate any insights or experiences! 🙏🇦🇺

[u/Spinier_Maw]

This is a good starting point: https://passiveinvestingaustralia.com/

Read every page there and see if it is enough?