Australia’s bushfire crisis has so far claimed 28 lives, killed an estimated billion animals, destroyed more than 2000 homes and burnt through more than ten million hectares of land. If you live or operate your …
Key points: The bushfires are expected to result in around a 0.4% hit to GDP mainly in the March quarter followed by a rebuilding boost. The hit to consumer spending and tourism is likely to …
For decades real estate not only delivered security and comfort to bring up Australian families but also a cast-iron vehicle for wealth building, seemingly immune from the ups and downs experienced by other types of …
Tiny homes are seeing rising popularity among Millennials, many of whom are facing unaffordable housing prices and gig-economy jobs with unpredictable income. It’s no surprise they’re looking for innovative ways to set up a house. …
It’s the getaway you take when a getaway’s out of the question – the staycation. Whether it’s venturing out locally and returning each evening, or taking a few nights to explore places within driving distance …
As retirement comes into view, it’s time to imagine a new you for the post-work age. You remember your first day at school, your first job, your first home. And now your final pay check …
You’ve made plans, set a budget and financial goals; you’re ready for anything, right? But what happens if a loved one is in an accident or your ageing parent starts needing dedicated care? How do …
If it is indeed better to give than to receive, then Australians are a happy lot. According to the Financial Planning Association of Australia, 85% of us find more joy in giving gifts to others …
Do falling markets signal a good time to open an SMSF? Historically, self-managed super funds (SMSFs) have been seen as a direct way to take control of your retirement savings. By taking charge of your …
Investors have faced a low-growth environment with low yield for some time now and this does not appear to be changing anytime soon. Global economic activity is slowing notably, reflecting a combination of factors affecting …
There are many benefits to receiving a pension or even a part pension, but there are limits to what level of income or assets you can have to be eligible. Regarding assets, the key limits …
Retirees now face a bold truth: investing in traditional safe haven assets do not provide the returns they once did. So, where to from here? The first thing is to accept that today’s returns are …
What is your most financially valuable asset? The answer to this question could be quite different depending on your age. A younger person may say their car or a possession, such as a musical instrument, …
A fulfilling retirement isn’t just about money, it’s about staying healthy, active and connected. So much of preparing for retirement is about the dollars and cents: Working out whether a transition to retirement strategy works …
Market and Economic overview Australia Australian interest rates were lowered by 0.25% to 0.75% in October but left unchanged in November. Most observers expect borrowing costs to be lowered further in the next few months. …
Picture the scene. You’ve moved past the honeymoon period of a new relationship and you think this could finally be the one. You’re starting to think about the medium-term future and setting up your lives …
When you’re looking at properties it’s hard not to pick features you love. A great view. Beautiful leafy garden and pool. Moments from the beach. But purchasing an investment property is very different from purchasing …
Parents and guardians want to send children out into the world armed with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. So we talk to them about the birds and the bees, we teach them …
Just as the internet continues to surprise us every day, so do online scammers and fraudsters. It’s good to stay in the know with the cyber dark arts so you can quickly spot them. Keeping …
Funny thing, money. On the one hand it can get us excited or give us a real sense of achievement (think reaching a savings goal). On the other hand, it’s something we tend to keep …