Charity cheerleader brushes off impact of tax plan

10 June

Proposed taxes on trusts could limit the amount of money given to charities, but the minister responsible says it’s the least of the sector’s problems. With more than $5 trillion expected to pass down the generations through wills and bequests...[Read More]

Super Co-Contribution: A simple way to boost your retirement savings

4 June

The government super co-contribution scheme is designed to help eligible low and middle-income earners grow their retirement savings. If you make personal after-tax contributions into your super fund, the government may also contribute an additional...[Read More]

Helping kids with living expenses – prepare them for the responsibilities of adulthood

4 June

There’s a family event of sorts that gives parents mixed feelings of sadness, apprehension and relief — and children a lot of excitement: when a child leaves the proverbial nest.   Now, this can happen early during your child’s teenage years...[Read More]

Minimum wage tops $1000 a week, stoking inflation fears

3 June

Workers on the minimum wage will receive more than $1000 a week for the first time, but businesses and economists warn the pay bump could fuel inflation and more rate rises. Industrial umpire the Fair Work Commission handed a 4.75 per cent pay boost...[Read More]

Tax, migration and NDIS in coalition’s economic sights

20 May

Australia’s tax system would be overhauled, welfare restricted to citizens and immigration slashed under a future coalition government. In his first budget reply speech, Angus Taylor has conceded the Liberals and Nationals still have a long road...[Read More]

Smarter energy at home: Serious ways to reduce electricity bills

14 May

Electricity bills have become one of the biggest household expenses, and for many families, the usual advice of “turn off the lights” simply does not go far enough.   While small habits matter, meaningful savings often come from understanding...[Read More]

Caveat empty: car buyers beware fuel and range promises

29 April

Drivers have been warned to be “deeply sceptical” of automakers’ claims after several popular hybrid and petrol cars were caught using significantly more fuel than advertised. Many electric vehicles are also stopping short of their promised...[Read More]

Top 5 tips to motivate kids to save

23 April

Building strong money habits early can set children up for a lifetime of smart financial decisions.  It all starts with simple lessons in saving, spending, and valuing what matters most.   Help Them Set a Clear Goal Saving is much easier when...[Read More]

Understanding the NDIS: Who it supports and how it works

23 April

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia’s flagship program designed to support people living with permanent and significant disability.  At its core, the NDIS provides funding to eligible individuals so they can access the...[Read More]

Showers free in aged care reform as health rebate cut

22 April

Private health insurance rebates will be slashed for older Australians to fund essential home care services such as showering and dressing support. The federal government has backed down on a requirement that people receiving aged care support pay...[Read More]

You’re probably wrong about fuel-efficient driving

15 April

Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson once proved that the 414-horsepower, V8-engined, bellowing petrolhead pin-up BMW M3 could be even more eco-friendly than the famously thrifty Toyota Prius. To do this, in 2008 he ran an experiment in no way...[Read More]

Credit card points schemes in firing line after tweaks

8 April

Overseas trips and hotel stays funded through credit reward schemes could be in trouble as Australia’s central bank cuts fees on card transactions. The Reserve Bank has revamped card usage by banning surcharge payments and cutting interchange...[Read More]

Retirement success… but at what cost?

2 April

You made it. After decades of early mornings, long days, financial discipline, and countless sacrifices, you’ve reached retirement. The mortgage is under control, the superannuation balance looks solid, and the calendar is finally your own. For...[Read More]

Fuel pain to last longer despite tax cut kicking in

1 April

Motorists will need to wait longer for cheaper fuel as a tax cut might take weeks to start flowing through the bowser, as Labor resists turning to fuel rationing to shore up supply. The federal government’s halving of the fuel tax will begin on...[Read More]

Fuel relief may not be enough to help stressed budgets

1 April

Households already under pressure from higher interest rates will still face a cost wall of elevated fuel prices, despite government efforts to take some of the heat out. Two of Australia’s biggest banks have recorded spikes in spending at petrol...[Read More]