Latest Articles
How to identify (and beat) your spending triggers
We often talk about money in terms of dollars and cents, but the subject can sometimes run deeper than just numbers. Frivolous spending as a
Tax deductible donations: Get the most out of giving back
Donating to a charity or cause you care about is a win-win for both you and the charity. Charities rely on the generosity of donors
What are some of the common mistakes that young people make with super?
People in their 20s and 30s tend to not do much with their super, and that can be a mistake in itself. It could leave
Tips to reduce your debts before you retire
While many Aussies will carry some debt into retirement, the good news is, there are a number of things you could do now while you’ve
Will you be able to afford to retire?
FORO – the fear of running out – is a very real issue in Australia. AMP’s Financial Wellness research indicates that almost 50% of Australians
Building an investment portfolio with pocket change
The concept of investing in shares or other investment products can put a lot of people off. It can be difficult to understand, the share
8 indicators you may not be ready to retire
Retirement is a period of life that many people spend years dreaming about: the chance to finally leave work behind and enjoy much-needed time with
3 out of 4 households in Australia have debt
3 out of 4 households in Australia have debt, and of those, 30% have accumulated debt more than 3 times their annual disposable income. It
Do I need insurance cover?
“Do I really need this insurance?” It’s probably a question you’ve asked at some point when deciding whether to part with your money. But maybe
Don’t just dream it. If you have goals for the future, we can help you reach them sooner.
Don’t just dream it. If you have goals for the future, we can help you reach them sooner. Talk to us today. Regardless of where
Teaching your kids to spend wisely
There are many reasons we fall into the trap of overspending. One reason is we get bombarded with very effective advertising on social media where
What is financial planning?
If you could achieve your financial goals by simply putting money away in the bank, you wouldn’t need a financial plan. Unfortunately, life is a
Why should I see a financial planner?
Financial planning is something more and more people are considering as a service they need to help them get the best from their finances and
Tax deductible donations: Get the most out of giving back
Donating to a charity or cause you care about is a win-win for both you and the charity. Charities rely on the generosity of donors
Should you merge your finances with your partner?
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of our daily lives, and romance is no exception. While lengthy separations have led some relationships to end,
Christmas Gifts that won’t break the Budget
Christmas is a wonderful time of year in Australia, filled with summer foods, decorations and of course, gift giving. This year will feel even sweeter
Being a smart Santa with your gift budget
When you’re under pressure to give that perfect present at Christmas it can be much harder to stick to a budget. Find ways to make
5 steps to better financial goals
Everyone has financial goals. Maybe you want to pay off your mortgage early, stop relying on your credit cards, or go on an amazing overseas
Spring clean your credit rating
Is your credit rating looking a little worse for wear? Here are our tips to help you get it back into shape ahead of your
Millennials and money: what does the future hold?
The first millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) are turning 40 this year. Still, despite more than twenty years in the workforce, it seems their
How to invest ethically
Ethical investing involves using your ethical principles to filter and guide your investment decisions. The practice has been around for more than 30 years in
How ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ affects your credit score
In recent years, ‘buy now pay later’ (BNPL) has become an increasingly popular method for consumers looking to purchase goods via instalments without resorting to
Demand for financial advice doubles in five years
If your car engine sounds dodgy, you see a mechanic. If you’re unwell, you see a doctor. If you’ve got a tooth ache, you see
7 ways to stay active and healthy in retirement
When it comes to living a longer, healthier, more active lifestyle, a good approach can often involve easy tasks that you can turn into everyday
Your 7-point retirement planning checklist
You might feel emotionally ready to retire but you’ll want to make sure you’re financially ready too. Socialising with mates, enjoying leisurely activities and indulging
Should I still change jobs despite COVID-19?
Go back a month or two and you’d be forgiven for thinking we were on the fast track to pay rises all round. The unemployment
Mortgage versus super – a common dilemma
Conventional wisdom used to dictate Australians were better paying off their home loans, and then, once debt-free turning their attention to building up their super.
How salary sacrificing into super could work for you
An effective way of building your super savings (and potentially reducing your taxable income) is through salary sacrificing – that is, asking your employer to
Financial rights and wellbeing for LGBTI couples
Since marriage equality was achieved in 2017, LGBTI people have had access to the same legal and financial rights as heterosexual married couples. Yet members
11 things everyone should know about their super
Super is there to provide you with an income when you stop working and it may provide a tax-effective way to save for your retirement
Creating an emergency budget that works for you
It could take months, even years, to clear debt – especially if you used your credit card and you know you’ll be slugged with snowballing
Women and superannuation – how the pay gap can impact your super
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, women are retiring with 37% less than men in their super accounts, which is a frightening thought considering
Should you use your super to save for a home?
Getting money together to buy your first home can be a big ask. As well as a deposit (ideally 20% of the house price), you
Money worries and your mental health
It’s been a trying time for many people, with our collective mental health taking a toll as the COVID-19 pandemic rolls on. The Melbourne Institute
How to use your tax return to build a stronger financial future
Whether you breeze through tax time or dread the extra admin, receiving a tax refund makes the effort worthwhile. For many of us, getting a
Aussies are losing millions to financial scams: Here’s how to spot one
Scams and cybercrime are booming in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving thousands of people out of pocket. Investment scams in particular have surged,
Salary sacrificing into super – how it works
Salary sacrificing into super is where you choose to have some of your before-tax income paid into your super account by your employer. This is
Five things you and your partner should know about super
Money issues are often cited as the biggest causes of stress in a relationship. Yet despite their importance, a recent survey of Australian couples found
Supporting your kids, without sacrificing your own retirement
In the past, wealth was often passed on through an inheritance. But with our longer lifespans, and the higher cost of living (especially housing), the
Managing the financial impacts of a mid-life crisis
For some, the thought of a mid-life crisis may bring to mind quirky Steve Carell comedies like Crazy Stupid Love or The 40-Year-Old Virgin. But if you or
The future of international travel
In 2020, the ease in which we travelled overseas changed abruptly. And in the years to come, vaccinations, travel bubbles and testing are likely to
Smart strategies for paying down debt
Being in debt can really wear you down, both financially and emotionally. Whether it’s a single large credit card balance or multiple loans, store and
What is capital gains tax and when might I have to pay it?
Capital gains tax is charged on the profit you make from the sale of certain assets. These could be assets that you’ve purchased or inherited.
How to invest for your children’s future
Every parent wants to give their child the best start in life, even if that sometimes means footing the bill well into adulthood. Fortunately, with
How to help your children with buying property
With property prices rising at a record rate in many cities across Australia, the ‘bank of mum and dad’ is playing a bigger role than
How much can you confidently spend in retirement?
So much happiness in retirement comes from peace of mind, not money. Of course, the two are intertwined. Understanding your monthly budget, whatever it is,
Housing Market: Bubble or Balloon?
As one of Australia’s favourite assets, residential property is no stranger to news of a market bubble. Property works a little differently – making the
6 steps to help you feel more positive about your finances
With one in four Australians reporting more financial stress after COVID, it’s no surprise many of us are concerned about the future. Between mounting bills,
End of financial year 2020-21: Tax tips and tax return checklist
To help you complete your tax return, especially if you’ve been working from home, this checklist outlines income and expenses you need to disclose to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) when lodging your return. We’ve also provided an overview of the types of tax offsets and deductions you may be entitled to claim plus other handy tax tips.
End of financial year 2020-21: Super strategies
If you’re keen on taking advantage of potential tax benefits available inside super, or are looking at ways to rebuild your retirement savings (for instance, you may have made a withdrawal as part of the early release of super scheme), the lead up to 30 June could be a good time to act.
2021-22 Federal Budget: What it means for You
As the COVID economic landscape continues to take shape, Australian Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has handed down the 2021-22 Federal Budget. Among the proposed changes,
How to save for retirement in your 60s
Your 60s are the time in which you’re most likely to retire – according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, of the Aussies who are
What you can claim when working from home
Setting up a home office? Here’s how to create a comfortable workspace, while offsetting the extra costs of working remotely. If you’re among those who’s
How to recover from a financial setback
Financial setbacks can appear in our lives when we least expect it. Paying back a loan like a mortgage or settling debt can be overwhelming
How to reassess your spending and budgeting habits
There’s no denying the pandemic has significantly affected the finances of many Australians. Some of us are spending more, some are cutting back on non-essential
How the gender pay gap is causing problems for Aussie women: Now and in the future
Women are entering retirement with significantly less superannuation and personal savings than men – leading to a growing class of women living out their golden
Find your perfect savings account
Looking for a good savings account can sometimes be a little like looking for a good partner – the honeymoon period might be important, but
Rethinking retirement
If you were working towards a retirement date and Coronavirus has meant a change of plans, it can be hard to move the goal posts.
Get your affairs sorted with an estate plan
It’s an uncomfortable truth, knowing that one day we will pass away. No-one likes to think about the distress it will cause their loved ones
How to start saving for your future in your 30s
Some big life changes – and big expenses – can occur in your 30s. The key to maximising your retirement savings now is making savvy,
5 tips for creating your own good fortune this Lunar New Year
The Lunar New Year begins on 12 February, as we usher in the year of the Ox. Ancient Lunar New Year traditions are believed to
Five ways to make yourself more employable in 2021
If you’re among those who lost their job or missed out on work opportunities last year due to COVID-19, here’s what you can do to
14 money mistakes to avoid in your younger years
Here’s a list of things you could stop doing if you no longer want to rely on the bank of mum and dad, or that
Five reasons why this downturn and subsequent recovery are different
This economic downturn and recovery differs from those of the past in that: the downturn was driven by a government shutdown; fiscal and monetary support
What to do next if you’re facing redundancy
Uncertainty around COVID-19 might be increasing your stress levels about losing your job, but here are five ways to soften the financial blow. In April,
When your adult children become long-term residents in your home
There’s no question young people have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. From casual job losses to widespread hiring freezes, they’re on the front
Why you need a Will
It’s no wonder people tend to avoid making a Will. We can find it hard to face the fact that death is part of our
The future of work – a new way of working
2020 will be the year that changed the way many people work. COVID-19 introduced both societal and organisational shifts, with businesses and their employees forced
Six ways to help reduce your debts before you retire
Carrying debt into retirement is something many Aussies will face, but the good news is there are a number of things you can do now
How to keep your super safe during COVID-19
If you’re feeling concerned about how the pandemic will affect your super balance, here are our tips to help protect and grow your super. What
Seven reasons why the trend in shares will likely remain up, albeit with bumps along the way
Share markets have had a spectacular rebound from their March lows. The rebound has been led by the US share market which is up 52%
Putting your own needs first
It’s a win-win idea. A parent sells their home to move in with their adult child’s family, providing cash for the deposit or renovations and
How is your credit score affected by COVID-19?
If you’re one of the many Australians financially impacted by COVID-19, who have deferred $218 billion worth of payments this year – fear not. Your
How to budget for your social life in retirement
If you’re in or approaching retirement, you may be prioritising things such as living costs, utility bills, health care and even potentially helping the kids
Some ways to use your tax refund for a stronger financial future
Whether you breeze through tax time or dread the extra admin, receiving a tax refund makes the effort worthwhile. For many of us, getting a
Superannuation 101: Your guide to a happy retirement
Superannuation is a handy way of saving for retirement, so that you’ll have an income to live on once you’re no longer working. Your employer
Don’t let overspending be your undoing
Do you struggle to control your spending around your friends and family? If the urge to ‘keep up’ with a certain lifestyle is stretching your
5 common financial mistakes to avoid during a crisis
The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is playing havoc with finances for many households. In an ideal world, the financial boost should be enough
Why financial wellbeing is a pillar of good health
When we talk about financial wellbeing, what do we mean? More than just earning an income, financial wellbeing is about having financial security and the
Give yourself a new financial year check-up
Financial year 2019-20 is now behind us and there’s nothing like closing a chapter to inspire thoughts of a fresh start. But global challenges persist:
Term deposit vs savings account
Putting your money into a savings account, or in the alternative, a term deposit, are two common methods of saving. Working out whether either of
Financial counsellor or financial planner: What’s the difference?
Ok we get it, knowing where to turn to for financial advice can be confusing sometimes! Financial planners and financial counsellors are both types of
Five ways to help prepare your finances for a recession
If you think storms may lie ahead, it makes sense to prepare your craft for choppy waters. With Australia facing continued economic uncertainty, it may
Early access not so super for women
The COVID-19 crisis has seen many Australians taking steps to stay afloat with their finances. With women more likely than men to withdraw super to
Should you give your teenager a credit card?
We live in a culture of smartphones, WIFI, home delivery, online shopping and online gaming, where most needs and wants can be met almost instantly.
Essential apps for budgeting and saving money
Determined to master your money and stick to a budget in 2020? It doesn’t have to be boring or difficult if you keep it simple, and easier
How seniors can come out of isolation on top
There’s no denying that staying home has been the best defence against Coronavirus. The less contact you have with other people, the easier it is
Get on top of your finances post COVID-19
As lockdown restrictions begin to ease Australia-wide, a new normal is emerging for businesses and employees. While it’s too soon to say what the post-lockdown
What tax deductions can I claim working from home?
According to the Australian Taxation Office, there are three ways to claim your home office running expenses. The actual cost method Under this method, your
Essential checklist for the end of financial year
The end of financial year on 30 June is a good time to take stock and get your finances in order. Being prepared, reviewing your
Staying afloat through the COVID-19 crisis
We’re dealing with a health crisis that no one in our lifetime has experienced, which is having an impact on global and domestic economies that no
How to keep your head while keeping your distance
There are people who are better at the whole social distancing game than others. If you already normally work from home, for instance, you might be
How fit are your finances?
Wearable technology can monitor our heart rate and tell us how much sleep we’ve had, but what about our financial wellbeing? If you could benefit
Digital payments and online banking explained
Face-to-face encounters have become less frequent in so many areas of our lives – and banking and shopping are no different. So, now’s an ideal
Why it’s important to think about insurance ahead of retirement
Finding the right level of insurance cover is important when you’re thinking about retirement. If retirement’s coming up on your horizon, the impact of COVID-19
Take stock of how much conveniences are costing you
With weeks, and perhaps months, of self-isolation ahead, many of life’s conveniences like streaming and delivery services will become our essentials. But if you’re used to
Light at the end of the coronavirus tunnel – what does it mean for investors?
The blanket coverage of coronavirus and its impact on the economy can lead to a lot of confusion. Some reports are hopeful of anti-viral drugs,
Withdrawing Super: what to consider
The federal government has been releasing details of financial support available to Australians who have lost income due the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why you need to keep your identity safe
Have you received an unexpected email or text asking you to ‘confirm’ personal details by clicking on a link or opening an attachment? It could
The Big Differences between the Great Depression and Covid-19
Global economic activity has grounded to a halt, prompting fears the world is in for a re-run of The Great Depression. While there might be
How to reduce spending after a job loss
How to reduce expenses after a job loss and get back in the driver’s seat of your finances. With many thousands of Australians experiencing job
How to make the transition to working from home
For many traditional office-workers, working from home has now become the new normal. For some it’s an easy transition to make, while for others, it
What signposts can we watch to be confident shares have bottomed?
After a roughly 35% plunge from their February high point to their lows around 23rd March, global and Australian shares have had a 15-20% rally.
The Coronavirus pandemic and the economy: A Q&A from an investment perspective
Introduction Along with the horrible human consequences, the coronavirus pandemic is having a huge impact on the way we live and, as a result, investment markets.
Is Coronavirus driving a recession, depression or an economic hit like no other?
Key points: Global share markets have fallen into a bear market, but whether this turns out to be long or short depends on how long
Where to seek advice in uncertain times
With the ongoing escalation of the COVID-19 crisis many people are struggling. Huge changes are happening and we’re all being affected, socially, emotionally and financially.
Retirees, COVID-19, and options on the table during a market crash
The spread of coronavirus has been followed by some of the biggest plunges in share markets since the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), both here in
Market volatility and how it’s affecting your super
In recent weeks, investment markets around the world have experienced significant volatility as investors try to assess the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak –
Looking after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak
As the Coronavirus continues to spread, many people are naturally fearful for their health, their livelihoods and those they care for. During times of great
How to Live Frugally
For some people, the word frugal conjures up images of deprivation and penny-pinching. But being frugal isn’t about being tight-fisted. Instead, it’s about prioritising your
How investors can respond to stock market shocks
If the threat of a large-scale outbreak of an infectious disease isn’t enough to worry about, the financial implications of coronavirus is also making investors
Federal Government Stimulus Package
What it means for individuals, retirees and the Australian economy Here we explain some of the benefits you may be eligible for. With
Five charts on investing to keep in mind in rough times like these
Introduction The coronavirus crisis is first and foremost a human crisis and our thoughts are particularly with those on the front line of this battle.
WHY DON’T WE SAVE ANYMORE?
It is forecast that by 2020, the average Australian household will save a tiny 2.1% of their total disposable income – a drop of around
Six podcasts to help you find your way in 2020
If you’re looking for inspiration this year, we’ve rounded up six podcasts to help you flip your thinking on your 2020 plans, whatever they look
Investing on behalf of your kids
Investing on behalf of your children can help give them a financial leg up and introduce them to good financial practice at an early age.
How to trick yourself into saving money
Impulse purchases and buyer’s remorse often go hand in hand. But if you take a week (or a month) to reflect on your spending, you
Five ways to increase your financial wellbeing
It may not be something you think about much. It may even make you uncomfortable to examine the way you manage money and think about
Are you eligible for school subsidies?
With 2020 now in motion, many parents and carers are probably looking at how they’ll cover school fees for the year ahead, not to mention
The Coronavirus and its impact on markets
The Coronavirus is slowly jumping international borders after its initial spread in China, and markets have not been immune to its impact. Coronaviruses are a
The economy: learn the basics in 5 minutes
1. What is the ASX? ASX stands for Australian Securities Exchange (not stock exchange like many people think). How does it work? The ASX provides
How to live with your parents as an adult?
Call it a sign of the times but, if you’re not living in a multigenerational household yourself, chances are you know someone who is. A
Grow your super this year
There are a number of ways you can contribute more to your super, to take advantage of time and the magic of compound interest. These
Federal Government assistance for those severely affected by the Bushfires
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
5 minutes for 5 days – get your finances in order
New Year’s resolutions are such a drag, right? Whether it’s fitness, family or finances, the best laid plans rarely last beyond the first week of
3 factors affecting retirement income
In Australia, people are living longer and interest rates are lower than ever. While the first is good news, the second carries risks if you’re
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