Latest Articles
Three reasons why fun should be in your budget
It’s fair to say that most of us aren’t crazy about budgeting. Even with the latest budgeting apps that aim to make this common sense
Stay one step ahead of online scams
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
Opening up about money
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).
My partner doesn’t have super, should I be worried?
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
Ka-Ching! Talking money with kids
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
Getting your investment property rent-ready
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.
Where could responsible investing take you?
Estimates of the size of the sustainable investment market vary from around $23 trillion to almost $31 trillion, with responsible investment taking into account environmental,
Is Buy Now Pay Later a better way to borrow?
In the 21st century era of digital transformation, being able to browse, choose and pay for our purchases anywhere, anytime has taken shopping to a
How to budget for a baby
With a little bit of planning you should be able to successfully avoid having the joy of starting a family compromised by the financial burden
Good things come to those who wait
If you’ve only recently started earning for yourself, taken out a mortgage or started a family, you’ll know it’s a far cry from the teenage
From bartering to smartphones—how our money habits have evolved
Ever since King Alyattes of Lydia minted the first coin in 600BC, humanity’s relationship with money has been constantly evolving. Fast forward to more recent
5 tips for planet-saving, money-saving lifestyle
A lot of us are looking for ways to use less plastic. But did you know that doing so could save more than the planet
Rent vs lifestyle—can you have it all?
So you’ve found the apartment of your dreams. It’s a stone’s throw from the CBD’s trendiest shopping street, boasts fabulous views of the sea and
Feel freedom after defeating debt
If you’ve taken a look at your finances recently, you may have found yourself with a few debts. While it’s possible to pay them off
Can money buy happiness?
Is money the key to happiness? Numerous research reports and studies agree having more money can lead to improved wellbeing, but only up to a
Can I go back to work if I’ve already accessed my super?
When you access your super at retirement your super fund may ask you to sign a declaration stating that you intend to never be employed
Buck the spending trends
According to recent research from Mortgage Choice and Core Data, 35% of Australians give in to the temptation to spend money to keep up appearances.
Boost your savings for spring
In the cooler months we spend a lot more time getting cosy inside. Why not use some of that quality indoors time to give your
The 2018-19 Financial Year in Review
The past financial year saw a roller coaster ride for investors. Share markets plunged into Christmas only to rebound over the last six months. This
The ups and downs of superannuation
Many of us like to keep an eye on our superannuation balance. It’s only natural, as we all want to retire in relative comfort, and
Managing finances with a significant other
When you’re in a long-term relationship, money talk can pop up. It could be anything from who’s covering date night dinners, to sharing household costs.
Make Australia save again
Are you one of the 20 per cent of Australians with less than $250 in their savings account? Recent research from AMP Bank has found
How to travel with a home loan
The lure of a good breather and exotic lands has a powerful pull on us. Yet for many homeowners, travel becomes a mere memory, as
How to get out of debt
In Australia, we’re pretty big on borrowing money. According to figures published by Finder, Australia takes the number four spot in the top five countries
How much do I need to start investing?
While investing might seem daunting, you don’t need a huge amount of money to start. While investing into traditional property might require a significant deposit,
9 Tips for a Successful Retirement
Despite the obvious benefits, only 44% of Australians over age 40 feel prepared for retirement. That’s why we’ve pulled together a nine-point retirement planning checklist
11 Steps to Financial Independence for Australian Women
Being financially independent is a mindset that many women are aspiring to, particularly those in relationships. While your job, or your partner’s career is secure
Changing Money Habits for Good
Is sticking to a budget the money magic wand that can sort out your finances, once and for all? Discover what budgeting can and can’t
Say Goodbye to Tax Troubles
Do you find yourself drowning in random receipts when EOFY comes around? Learn to lodge your tax return the easy way with these last-minute and
Sustainable Investing – Making Money and Doing Good
There is no doubt that interest in responsible investments is growing. Not only in Australia but globally, investors are increasingly interested in how a company
Understand Estate Planning
What is estate planning? If you’ve got people in your life who you love and want to take care of, it’s wise to build an
Australian Growth will be Constrained – But here’s Nine Reasons why Recession is Unlikely
For some time our view has been a less upbeat on the Australian economy than the consensus and notably the RBA. The reasons were simple.
What happens to my super when I die?
You may not be aware that how and in what proportions your super is distributed can’t be covered in your will unless you’ve made the
Pronup or prenup: what’s the difference?
Whether we like it or not, money can make or break a relationship. So it’s important for couples to be on the front foot when
How to retire early
Whether you choose or need early retirement, having a plan can give your money the best chance of lasting the distance. Whether lifestyle preferences or
Country or city? Which is right for you?
Looking at where to buy a home and put down roots? Explore the pros and cons of choosing the city or country as the ideal
Buy Swap Sell – How to make cash from your clear out
It’s official, a de-cluttering spree is sweeping the country, and Aussies are favouring a minimalist look over homes packed with possessions. This gives us an
5 ways to help your grown-up children manage their finances better
We all love our children. So it can be tough to admit they may not be great with money. But be honest, do any of
What could the 2019 election outcome mean for you?
While the count continues to confirm whether the Coalition will hold a majority it is now clear that the Coalition will form Government. As such
The hidden costs of buying a home
When you’re budgeting to buy your first home, extra costs that come with your purchase can add up. 1. Pre-purchase costs Whether you’re buying property
How to manage the impact of starting a family on your career
Here are 10 things to consider before taking a career break to have children, including how your finances could be affected and how to manage
How much do I need to retire?
When you plan to retire will often be determined by whether you can afford to stop working and still have enough income to maintain your
Buy, sell or hold: How to deal with market movements
When share markets fall, every investor has a different emotional response. Some investors get anxious and sell up at the first drop in value, whereas
9 tips when you don’t size up in the financial department
If your partner has expressed that you’re a bit of a letdown when it comes to managing money, here are some pointers for when financial
8 easy steps to take control of your super
Want to make the most of your super? Here are eight steps on how to take control of your super, check your super balance and
7 healthy habits that could improve your bank balance by thousands
Here are some ways you may be able to benefit your body, while upping the change in your back pocket at the same time. You
Federal Budget 2019: What it means for you
The Federal Treasurer, the Hon. Josh Frydenberg MP, delivered the 2019 Federal Budget on 2 April 2019. As widely predicted, the announcement included a range
It’s time to close the gender superannuation gap
In an ideal world, we’d retire from work when we felt like it, free to travel the world, take up a new interest or just
Spark joy with your finances
If you’ve recently been folding, sorting and questioning the things that you own, you too have discovered the joy of a minimalist lifestyle. It’s no
What will you do in retirement?
Keeping busy with work and family year after year can make it tricky to decide how to spend time in retirement. Discover ways to feel
7 step guide to buying your next home
Decided it’s time to find a bigger place, a more convenient location or a larger backyard? Maybe you’re an empty nester looking to downsize, or
What kind of money parent are you?
Many parents approach the topic of money differently, but could your way of doing things influence your kids’ success? The majority of Aussie mums and
Could a family dispute erupt over your will, or lack of one?
The thought of dying isn’t a pleasant one, which is why considering how you’ll distribute your assets after you’ve gone may be something you’ve always
6 misconceptions about life insurance
The probability of you developing a serious illness or getting involved in an accident so severe you’re unable to work, may seem highly unlikely… until
Dust off your lunch boxes and save
Dust off your lunch boxes If you want to get ahead with your savings goals in 2019, packing a lunch each day is a great
Live for the moment or save for the future?
Want to boost your financial wellbeing without giving up completely on being spontaneous? Get on top of your finances and enjoy life more at the
Four ways to declutter your finances
Ready to discover the life changing magic of simplifying your money management? Taking the lead from minimalism guru Marie Kondo, we bring you a step-by-step
Steps to buying a home – a guide for first home buyers
Steps to buying a home Ready to take the plunge and buy your first home? Make sure you know exactly what to expect from the
Joined up finances – financial considerations for couples
Joined up finances Being open about money is pretty important in a successful relationship. Secret spending and other forms of financial infidelity can become issues
A guide to superannuation contributions – how to boost your retirement savings
Super contributions guide As well as super guarantee payments from your employer, there are all sorts of ways to save more into super and boost
Your No. 1 Financial Focus – Decade by Decade
Everyone has a different life journey they’re on. But getting on top of key financial goals as you follow your own path could see you
Four Tips for Women to Take Control of their Super
Faced with average lower earnings, possible time out from the workforce to raise children, and longer life expectancy, it can be a struggle for women
9 Ways to Stop Wasting Food and Start Saving Money
Did you know approximately one in every five bags of groceries bought in Australia gets tossed out, with $8 billion worth of edible food ending
9 Retirement Thought Starters for People in or Nearing Their 40s
1. Do I have to retire by a certain age? You can retire whenever you want to in Australia, but your financial situation, employment opportunities,
6 Ways to Reduce Your Credit Card Debt Once and For All
If you’ve realised you might have a problem with your credit card debt, it’s time to take back control. Sit down, take a deep breath
6 Things to Avoid as a New Investor
Whatever your age, if you’re thinking of dabbling in investments like shares, managed funds or cryptocurrencies, here are a few things to steer clear of.’
5:2 Savings Plan
Most of us have heard of the 5:2 food fast. By feasting for five days and fasting for two, the lifestyle-based diet provides an alternative
Macro Investment Outlook
2017 was a great year for well diversified investors – returns were solid (balanced super funds returned around 10%) and volatility was low. So optimism
Would you like to retire by 40?
Many younger Australians are joining the Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement. Is it right for you? When you’re starting out in the workforce and
Less plastic, more savings
Wherever you live and wherever you shop, chances are you’ve become aware of the perils of single-use plastics. And there’s no doubt that getting free,
What are the 3 biggest living expenses for households?
We check out the three largest contributors to household spending in Australia and where people would source additional cash if living expenses rose. If you
10 money conversations to have when your relationship heats up
It’s probably not the sexiest thing the two of you have on the to-do list but putting it off could see you butting heads. Here
Most older Aussies say they’d prefer home care over a nursing home
According to a recent study by McCrindle, nearly 90% of Australians aged 50 and over said they’d prefer to live out their days in their
5 risks of going guarantor on your child’s home loan
If you’re going to balance the future of your own home or property on your child’s reliability to pay their mortgage, make sure you’re across
Economic update Q4 2018
What’s in this issue: Economic update. Getting personal insurance right. Over 65 but not yet ready to retire? Make sure your super goes to your loved ones. Investing in ETFs.
How you can fine-tune your superannuation in 2018
If you haven’t already reviewed your superannuation following last year’s changes, it’s time to take action. Not only are you likely to be affected in
How important is money to your wellbeing?
Having more money should make us happier right? According to a number of different research reports, feeling good about life comes from a feeling of
5 tips for a stress-free conversation about your will
No one likes unpleasant surprises. Talking about your Will with your family can be stressful, but it can also help to avoid a worse situation when you
5 Superannuation Tips for High Income Earners
There’s a new set of superannuation rules for higher income Australians. These recent legislative changes affect salary sacrificing, taxation and estate planning. If you’re salary
How to deal with financial stress – nearly 1 in 3 affected
Close to one in three Aussies is feeling the pinch financially, with money worries reportedly leading to sleep loss, conflicts in relationships, isolation, as well
How to max your tax refund
For most of us, tax refunds rarely come as a complete surprise. In fact, sometimes we might even be using the ATO as an unofficial
How to stay mentally and physically fit in retirement
Whether you’ve already reached retirement or are readying yourself for it, there’s no denying it signals a big change in your life. Here the top
Transition to retirement
Gone are the days when we were in the workforce one day and retired the next. Explore the range of options available to ease your
Is it better to buy an investment property or home first?
There’s a lot to consider when buying an investment property or home, especially for the first time. Have you been saving for a long time
Spread your money, reduce risk
Six out of ten Australians own investments outside of the family home and super. That’s good news. The only problem is that many people are
Retirement travel: Holiday money saving tips
One of the great perks of life after work is your ability to travel whenever you like, but what do you do when your bank
Can I go back to work if I’ve taken my super?
Generally, you can, but if you previously declared your permanent retirement, you may need to prove your intention was genuine at the time. The most
7 questions to determine how much insurance you might need
Knowing what level of cover you require can be tricky, so it’s worth thinking about a few things first, such as—to what extent you and
Super investment options- what’s right for you?
Choosing the right super investment options at the right time could make a difference to how much money you have when you retire. When it
The many risks of gearing
If you are you borrowing money to invest, or considering it, it’s important to ensure you aware of the many risks involved. Gearing, or borrowing
What happens if I let my insurance lapse?
Think about where you would be without insurance if something were to happen to you. If you let your insurance cover slip, you risk being
Aged care – know what’s involved
Ageing is a natural part of life and just as we plan for early milestones like buying a home or the arrival of kids, it’s
Aussies reveal what they’ll use their tax return on in 2018
If you’re one of a number of Aussies receiving a tax return this year, it means you’ve overpaid in taxes throughout the financial year, however
Can I put money into super when I’m 65 or over?
If it’s a voluntary contribution, you’ll need to have worked for at least 40 hours within a 30-day period under work test requirements. If you’re
What’s Your Investment Lifestage?
Whether you’re a long–term investor or just starting out, it can be easy to fall into a rut and leave your investments undiversified. With all
Don’t just invest for your children, invest with them
Investing with your child can help them build a nest egg and improve their financial literacy. Gifting your child with a nest egg of investments
You’ve finally paid off your home loan. Now what?
Owning your own home outright is a great achievement. But once the home loan is gone, think about your next steps to having a happy
