What does it really cost to raise kids?
A 2018 study by the Australian Institute of Family Studies looked at the weekly cost of raising a six-year-old and a 10-year old. They found that it cost unemployed families $140 per-week, …
How to identify (and beat) your spending triggers
Are you buying more to perk yourself up? You aren’t alone. Since the start of COVID, there’s been an increase in online shopping. But, if you want to get a …
How to bounce back from the pink recession
While all Australians have been affected in some way by the global pandemic, women have borne the brunt of its impacts. Here’s why – and some tips of what women …
Australians move towards ethical and sustainable investing
In 2019, a nationwide survey found that an overwhelming number of Australians (78%) were worried about climate change – a concern which escalated in 2020 as Australia faced one of …
7 tips to reduce your debts before you retire
As your working life draws to a close, your social life and recreational activities don’t have to. If you’re a little anxious about money still owing, here are a few …
Learning the lessons of 2020: An extraordinary year
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Australia in March 2020 it brought immediate and severe financial gloom. Shares plunged 37% and the economy slumped to its first recession in nearly 30 …
Economic Update and Market Commentary
Risk assets including equities and credit continued to power ahead in April. Locally, the share market and the Australian dollar were supported by rising commodity prices. Investors continued to monitor …
Good news – Super contribution caps to rise
On 1 July 2021, both the concessional and non-concessional superannuation contribution limits, also known as ‘super contribution caps’, will rise. This is good news because this is the first time …
Saving for your child’s future
As every parent knows (even before they become one), raising a child isn’t cheap. And those expenses don’t necessarily stop once they reach 18. Parents often hope to help their …
Transfer balance cap set to increase to $1.7 million
The amount of super savings that can be transferred into a retirement pension (whether you have one or more than one) will increase from $1.6 million to $1.7 million on …
Why insurance is important: real benefits for you and your family
Insurance plays a central role in providing financial security for you and your family when it’s needed most. You insure your car and your home. But nothing is more important …
Your investment options and strategy
Building your wealth for the long term starts with a sound investment strategy. But with so many options outside your superannuation fund – from bonds to managed funds – where …
A family affair: Children, super contributions and SMSFs
The potential increase in members from four to six a in self-managed fund has led to many to consider about whether it is worthwhile to have children as members of …
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, he announced continuing tax relief …
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 …
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 …
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 to deal with. As individuals, …
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 …