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Adding more to your retirement savings: is it worth it?

There’s no denying that being proactive with your super may be key to increasing your retirement savings. As an investment vehicle, super can offer significant benefits thanks to the magic of compounding interest. It also provides one of the best tax structures available.

How much do I need in my emergency fund?

In these uncertain times, it pays to have money set aside to give you peace of mind that if your income drops, you still have ample funds to pay for your everyday expenses until you get back on your feet again.

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

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 over the long-term.

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 rate fell to its lowest level in a decade in June, at 4.9 per cent, as government stimulus spending, closed national borders and zero community COVID-19 fuelled a post-pandemic recovery.

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 of the LGBTI community still face some unique challenges when it comes to their financial wellbeing. So what do same sex couples need to know when it comes to planning their financial lives together?

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 in the odd trip away are all things that have likely crossed your mind when thinking about how you’ll spend retirement.

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. But with interest rates at record lows and many super funds potentially offering a higher rate of return, what’s the right strategy in the current market?

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 compound interest each month you don’t pay it off.

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 women, on average, live up to five years longer.

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, costing victims more than $26,000 on average.

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 says one-in-three Australians are now reporting financial stress, while one-in-five are feeling ‘mental distress’.

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 become as routine as packing your passport and booking a hotel. Here’s what international travel may look like in the next few years – and how to stay safe on your travels.

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 that 43% hadn’t discussed how they’d share their incomes before they committed. And close to a third hadn’t talked about their financial situation with their potential partner at all.

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 desire to help our kids while we’re alive and well is increasing.

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 credit cards owing, getting clear of your debts is going to make a big difference to your financial future.

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 a loved one are actually going through something that resembles one, you probably have fewer reasons to chuckle.

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 spending and for others, the uncertainty has challenged us to save money for a rainy day, like never before.

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 planning their retirement, the average age they intend to retire is 65.5 years. But just because you’re getting close to retirement age, doesn’t mean you can afford to stop being proactive about building your nest egg.

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 decided to say ‘so-long’ to the office, you’ve probably also realised that having the right home-office set up is essential for your productivity – and sanity.

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 years in poverty. We explore how the gender pay gap is adding to this growing epidemic.

Five Financial habits to start

Like any habit, our financial behaviours are formed by doing the same actions repeatedly until they’re second nature. That’s great if you’ve got into the routine of saving regularly – but not so good if you’re one to whip out the credit card on impulse.

How to save for retirement in your 50s

For many people, your 50s are your golden years, a time when you may be at the pinnacle of your career and some of the big expenses you needed in your 20s, 30s and 40s have levelled out. But, while it may be easy to slip into a comfortable pattern of splurging on yourself and your children, this is the final stretch towards reaching your financial goals – a time when you should be maximising your financial know-how.

Show your finances some self-love

Are you guilty of changing your spending habits when you’re in a relationship? Do you have a financial plan, or are you relying on a partner to take care of you in retirement? Whatever your situation, there’s never been a better time to step up and take charge of your finances.

Redefine Your Work Life

Most of us want to put 2020 firmly behind us. But there were some silver linings from this tumultuous year. One positive was the chance to work from home.

Australian housing finance is booming - but can it continue?

According to figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the total value of new loan commitments for housing and within that, the value of owner occupier home loan commitments has reached record highs.

How to save for retirement in your 40s

Let’s start with the good news: studies show that your income peaks between the ages of 45 and 54. You’ll potentially have more money than ever – but you may also have unexpected or unwelcome expenses, like divorce. At this age you might also put retirement planning on the backburner in favour of more pressing financial commitments, such as your mortgage and kids’ school fees. Use these potential life changes as the impetus to re-evaluate your assets and income, and look at how you can maximise savings for your retirement.

Budgeting for baby: What you need to know

Having a baby is an exciting and life changing experience. But what about the cost? There are many hidden and unexpected expenses that go along with your new bundle of joy. Follow our handy guide to planning your finances, so you can avoid any money worries once baby arrives.

Change your spending habits and boost your happiness

After living through a year when our collective mental health took a beating, 2021 has brought with it a fresh sense of optimism and relief about what the future may hold. Like many people, you may be planning to do things differently this year.

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 encourage health, wealth and prosperity, so why not create your own good fortune with our guide to help you get your finances in order?

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. Could you gradually reduce your hours to make stretching out your years at work more do-able?

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 or what kind of burden they’ll be left with. That’s why death is often considered a taboo topic of conversation, along with money and politics.

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, forward-thinking financial decisions.

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 improve your employment prospects in 2021.

The right times for financial advice

COVID-19 has created uncertainty everywhere and impacted not just our health but our wealth too. From millennials to retirees, we’ve had to review our finances and adapt to the changing environment.

How to start saving for your future in your 20s

If you’re in your 20s, chances are that life could feel like a bit of a rollercoaster right now. The economic fallout of the coronavirus (COVID-19) may have knocked your personal finances for six and at the same time, you could be juggling new expenses and experiences for the first time, such as moving out of home and starting your first full-time job. Learning to juggle competing financial priorities and save for the future is essential. While these lessons may be confronting at the moment, they can also teach valuable skills that your future self will thank you for. If you do things right in your 20s, you can lay the foundations for a solid financial future and set yourself up for life. Here’s how to put some sound plans in place to give yourself more choices about how you live your life in the years ahead.

The growth of contactless payments

It’s a very 2020 story. Your new homemade breadmaking skills are as uneven as the lump you lifted from your oven, so you pop down to the bakers for their tasty sourdough rolls. But as you make it to the front of the socially distanced queue and pull out your $10 note, the assistant points to the handwritten sign, ‘card only’.

Creative holiday ideas to inspire you

Planning a holiday gives you something to look forward to. Even if you’ve been able to maintain a kind of normal during Coronavirus, most people have experienced additional stress from the uncertainty and isolation. This is especially true for Victorians who have had to endure a long and difficult lockdown period. No matter where you are in Australia, if you’ve been working from home, you may have loosened your work-home boundaries and lost that feeling of rest.

Five ways to shop a little smarter this Christmas

If cash flow is looking a tad grim this year, here are some ideas to up the presents under the tree, noting it’s the presence around it that really counts.

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 helping with the mortgage and providing free childcare. In return, there’s companionship, care and physical support for the older person.

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 credit score is unlikely to be affected by payment deferrals or mortgage holidays due to the current state of the world.

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 out with their future financial goals. With many Australians looking at a retirement (which in reality, could span a few decades), another thing to give some thought to is keeping some money aside for your own recreation and social life.

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 must pay a portion of your earnings into your superannuation fund, which invests them on your behalf.

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: Australia is officially in a recession while also bracing for a post-Job Keeper economy in September. While it’s impossible to anticipate future changes to the global economy, there’s plenty you can do to help prepare your personal finances for an unpredictable future. A new financial year is a great time for a check-up and to set yourself new financial goals.

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 be time to take stock of your finances and get in the right shape. However, if you’re worried about the threat of redundancy, your investments or your retirement plans being disrupted, here are five things you can do to secure your financial lifeboat.

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 and assumes that everyone was financially prepared for tough times. But in times of crisis, it can all be a little overwhelming.

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 still if you let technology do the heavy lifting for you.

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 to stay healthy. But staying at home day after day has been a tough ask – especially for people who live alone. Being unable to hug your grandchildren, catch up with your friends or enjoy your usual social activities has taken a toll on the emotional and mental health of many Australians. So how have older Australians kept their spirits up and maintained contact with their loved ones during social isolation?

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 economy will bring, for many Australians life won’t be quite the same as it was before COVID-19. Record job losses, reduced hours of work and the deferral of dividend payments by listed companies are all set to impact on household budgets in the coming months. So, what does the path out of lockdown look like? And how can you recover financially if your income has been affected?

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 make up the shortfall in their income, what does this mean for their long-term financial wellbeing? Here are 5 reasons as to why a super withdrawal during this time could leave women financially vulnerable:

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. With so much temptation to spend, it’s vital to teach your kids the money skills to help them enjoy financial wellbeing as adults. But should you give your teenager a credit card?

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 laughing into your elbow as you listen to the newly homebound lament that their desire to binge on Netflix on the weekend isn’t so appealing when they can do it 24/7.

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 (Coronavirus) may have thrown a warehouse-sized rack of spanners in your planning. It makes sense to concentrate on things you can control, such as insurance. Too-high premiums can chew away at the foundations of your savings, at a time when they’re more important than ever. Under-insure and one day your floor may collapse, undone by events you can’t foresee.

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 from a Fitbit for your finances, read on. Just like your physical health, the more you can monitor what’s happening with your finances, the easier it will be to improve your financial fitness. We all know that financial stress can have a negative impact on our physical and mental wellbeing, leading to stress, anxiety and depression. Research has even shown that employees suffering high financial stress are “more than four times as likely to complain of headaches, depression and other ailments.” So, if you could get a Fitbit for your finances, what would it track? Keep an eye on these key metrics and you could be feeling financially fit in no time.

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 one could have forecast. Entire industries – tourism, entertainment and hospitality – have ground to a halt, and with them jobs. For Australians in these industries, not only are they dealing with difficulties of living in isolation as they look after their health, they no longer have the structure and routine of work, or the critical income it provides. The Federal Government estimates that around six million workers will receive financial assistance in the coming months, having lost all or part of their income due to Coronavirus (COVID-19).

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 can be a struggle. If you find yourself struggling to adapt to this new way of working and living, here are some tips that can help.

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 losses and reduced hours as a result of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, many will need to take a look at their expenses to continue living within their means. The average Australian household spends almost $75,000 each year on living expenses, excluding major expenses such as rent or insurance. That adds up to between $1,100 and $1,700 per household each week that’s spent on personal care, pampering our pets, transport, alcohol, fashion and more. The good news is that there are some simple ways to cut back on these expenses. Whether you need to slash your costs significantly or simply tighten up your spending after a job loss, here’s where to start.

Economic update March 2020

Australia • Headline inflation rose slightly more than expected in the December quarter. Prices rose 0.7% over the three-month period, the fastest quarterly increase in three years. This took the annual inflation rate to 1.8%. • The increase was partly due to higher food prices, affected by disruptions to transportation owing to bush fires in November and December. Fruit prices rose nearly 7%, for example. • Employment data for December was again strong, following a better-than-expected result in November. • A further 28,900 new jobs were added, almost three times the 10,000 estimate. This lowered the unemployment rate to 5.1%. • New jobs were again dominated by part-time positions, but the improvement was nonetheless quite pleasing for policymakers. • Together, the stronger inflation and labour market data prompted the Reserve Bank of Australia to leave interest rates unchanged at 0.75% at its meeting in early February.

Is $1 million enough to retire on?

Everyone who’s approaching retirement wants to know how much money they need to save - how much is enough to leave work confidently and then live comfortably? Lately, we’ve been seeing $1 million dollars bandied around as the magic number but is $1 million enough? Well, it depends. If you’re a high-income earner and want to maintain a similar lifestyle when you retire, then $1 million might not stretch as far as you think. If you’re happy to spend less, then it may be enough. The Association of Super Funds of Australia (ASFA) calls this the difference between a ‘modest’ and a ‘comfortable’ retirement. It estimates that a couple needs an annual income of around $40,000 for a ‘modest’ life and $60,000 for a ‘comfortable’ life.

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.

3 factors affecting retirement income

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 looking for an adequate income to see you through retirement. Here we look at three elements that affect a post-work reasonable income – interest rates, inflation, and longevity.

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 January. Life has a habit of getting in the way, especially these days with so many demands on your time.

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.

The economy: learn the basics in 5 minutes

ASX stands for Australian Securities Exchange (not stock exchange like many people think). How does it work? The ASX provides a market for people to buy and sell shares in the companies listed on it. If the company does well, the investors (those who own shares) have a chance to make a profit. In return the companies raise money to run and expand their business by selling the shares.

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 million hectares of land.

More Australians boost their income through the sharing economy

One in 10 Australians are supplementing their income. Erika Munoz and Lucerito Farrell from Sydney's Rozelle are among the millions of Australians turning to the sharing economy to earn extra income. The half-sisters have a pet-sitting business, Petsisttars that is bringing in about $1200 a month. Munoz, 32, works full-time in software sales, while Farrell, 23, is a student. It's a way of combining their love of all creatures great and small with earning money. The sisters have looked after everything from dogs and cats to lorikeets and rabbits in their own home or as part of housesitting.

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 serious enough to threaten your whole relationship. Working towards shared financial goals, on the other hand, is almost guaranteed to help both partners feel more positive about a future together.

What's next for Brexit

A ‘black swan’ refers to an event or occurrence that deviates beyond what is normally expected of a situation and is extremely difficult to predict. Brexit arguably is a 'black swan' that, paradoxically, has taken years to unfold. Despite this, we still do not know what the effects of Brexit will be. We know the basic facts: on 23 June 2016, the UK held a referendum on leaving the EU, in which a majority of British voters voted yes.

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 and work out a step-by-step plan.

Investing in the ageing population

You’ve undoubtedly heard that Australians are living longer. The most recent Intergenerational Report for instance, projected that the number of Australians aged 65 and over would more than double by 2055, compared with 2015.

How to avoid a money meltdown with your partner

It makes the world go around, but money can be the source of serious problems among couples, in some cases leading to total relationship breakdowns. Of course it’s not the money per se that creates the issues, but rather our views surrounding it - our financial values and whether or not they’re compatible with those of the person we’ve chosen to spend our lives with.

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 to save enough money in their super. According to the 2017 HILDA survey, Australian women are retiring with an average superannuation balance of $230,907 while men are retiring with about twice this amount.

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 up in landfill every year?

Borrowing money: When and how to do it right

Recent reports and statistics show we’re no strangers to debt in Australia. According to OECD data from 2015, Australia is 4th in the world – behind Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway – when it comes to the amount of debt we have as a percentage of our net income. These figures also show that with the average level of debt we’re accumulating, we’re spending more than double our income each year.

5 steps 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 are gone.

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 the impact of that.

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 relax. But, many women don’t have that luxury. They are living longer than men but retire with 37% less superannuation. And for vast numbers that could mean restricted choices about how they live their retirement. 40% of single women live in poverty and among married women, 44% rely on their partner’s income.

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 worth laying foundations for old age. Aged care can be a tough subject for many families to broach, but as we enjoy longer lives, there’s a growing likelihood that at least part of our final years will be spent in formal care.

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 to the traditional, calorie-restricted eating pattern we may have heard of.

Are tiny houses here to stay?

Tiny homes are seeing rising popularity among Millennials, many of whom are facing affordable housing prices and gig-economy jobs with unpredictable income. It’s no surprise they’re looking for innovative ways to set up a house. Tiny homes are marketed as an affordable way to achieve this. But what are the pitfalls, and are they everything they’re cracked up to be?

What happens if you need to become a carer?

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 you juggle career and the role of carer?

Time to take the property plunge

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 investment.

Staycations: should you stay or should you go now?

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 of home, the staycation is becoming increasingly popular.

Rebooting for retirement

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 is in sight. You’re nearly there. That’s quite an achievement.

5 saving grace of Giftmas

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 than in getting them ourselves.

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 habit into something easy and fun, the thought of keeping tabs on what we’re spending from month-to-month fills many people with boredom or anxiety.

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). On the other hand, it’s something we tend to keep to ourselves. Whether our finances are in great shape or need a bit of TLC, talking about it openly with a partner or loved one could help you share your experiences and align your financial goals.

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. But purchasing an investment property is very different from purchasing your own home. You have to leave the ‘dream home’ thinking behind and start thinking in numbers, probabilities and what renters prefer. It’s all about maximising your ‘R-ROI’ (Rental Return On Investment).

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 think about the medium-term future and setting up your lives together.

Saying 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 longer-term tax hacks.

7 healthy habits that could improve your bank balance by thousands

Here are some ways you may be able to benefit your bod, while upping the change in your back pocket at the same time. You might’ve had the best of intentions to improve your health and money situation at the start of the year, but then you blinked and somehow several months flew by and yep, jack squat has changed in your life.

11 steps to financial independence for Australian women

Being financially independent is a mindset that many women are aspiring to, particularly those in relationships. Research from Canstar suggests that we are seeing a rise in the number of women who are their household’s main breadwinner.

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 to help make sure you’re on the front foot when it comes to financial planning for retirement.

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 control over your finances, rather than how much money you have.

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.

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 lifestyle. Latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show the majority of men (36%) and women (22%) chose to retire at the time when they became eligible to draw on their superannuation and/or the age pension. And their average age at retirement was 63.5 years.

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 guide to applying decluttering principles to your finances.

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. While organising every part of your home gives you a winning feeling, could you use the same approach to neaten your finances? We say, yes you can.

Why you should have an emergency fund

One in five Australians don’t have enough money set aside to cover a $500 emergency, while one in eight has less than $100 to cover even a small setback. We take a look at the stats, the benefits of emergency funds and how you can set one up with ease.

Getting personal insurance right

With recent media coverage about insurance sales tactics, many Aussies might be concerned they’re being sold personal insurance policies – life, total and permanent disablement (TPD) and income protection – they don’t really need.

Six things to consider when investing for retirement

Many people aged between 50 and 65 are uncertain about being able to cover living expenses in retirement. In the past retirees could rely on the age pension to secure their retirement. Many retirees are now less confident about this source of support, as a growing number of baby boomers are retiring and the number of working people to support them is not keeping pace.

What to look for on your super statement

Super statements come but once a year (or twice with some funds). When yours arrives, it’s important to take a proper look because it could become one of the biggest assets you’ll ever have. Here’s our quick guide to what you should watch out for and why.

How to escape the Credit Card debt trap

According to the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC), Australians owe a total of $45 billion in credit card debt, and about half of us continue to make low repayments and remain in debt month after month.

5 Superannuation Tips for High Income Earners

Five things you might not know about your Super if you are a high income earner.

Your options in aged care explained

With multiple avenues to explore, thinking about aged care earlier rather than later could provide you or your loved one with greater flexibility.

Would you like to retire by 40?

Many younger Australians are joining the Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement. Is it right for you?

Over 65 but not yet ready to retire?

The days of retiring as soon as you can get an age pension may well be over. With Australians living longer and healthier lives than ever before, many seniors are choosing to stay in the workforce. In fact, around 13% of Australians aged 65 or over are still working, up from around 9% a decade ago.

Key things you need to know about Insurance in super

If you run a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF), the law says you must consider the insurance needs of the members of the fund when preparing the fund’s investment strategy. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you must take out insurance cover for the members of the fund, but you must consider the insurance needs as part of your management and administration of the fund.

The biggest mistake home buyers make

Your home is probably the most expensive thing you'll ever purchase, but what if you made a mistake about what sort of property would make you happy? Professor Michael Norton from Harvard Business School, co-author of Happy Money: The New Science of Smarter Spending, says when choosing a home, many of us unwisely prioritise physical aspects.

6 ways to navigate your finances in your 40s

In your 40s, the financial planning you undertook in your 30s begins to come to fruition. Perhaps even better news for many is that it’s still not too late to start this planning in your 40s if you haven’t already done so.

Successful investing despite 115 million worries and Truth Decay

Truth Decay as analysed by the RAND Corporation report is characterised by: disagreement about facts and their analytical interpretation; a blurring between fact and opinion; an increase in the volume and influence of opinion and personal experience over fact; and declining trust in traditional sources of facts such as government and newspapers.

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 and secure financial future.

Are you paying through the nose for personal insurance?

Australians are collectively paying billions of dollars per year in commissions to financial advisors, planners and brokers on everyday financial products. And in some cases, people receive absolutely no services for these payments received by financial planners.

Superannuation contribution Caps

From 1 July 2017, the concessional (before tax) contributions cap was reset to $25,000 for everyone (irrespective of age).

New rules to benefit those downsizing for retirement

Australians aged 65 and over who are downsizing for retirement can now contribute the proceeds from the sale of their main residence (up to $300,000) into super.

The rise of sustainable and impact investing

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 makes its money not simply how much it makes.

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