7 little ways to be better with money

7 little ways to be better with money  Discover these 7 essential ways to change your money mindset and behaviour for good and feel richer for decades to come. 1. Develop your own value One of the most important investments you can make is in yourself. Whether that’s reading up on something that interests you, improving your skills and education, getting expert support from a coach or mentor or looking after your health and well-being, …

What is the cost of raising a child?

What is the cost of raising a child? We take a look at the costs that come with raising kids through the different stages of their life. Laughter, joy and fun are some of the words associated with having kids, but there’s another word that often gets overlooked – expensive. Whether you’re just starting to think about having a family, have a baby on the way, or are already in the trenches with one – …

Accountant or Planner – which do I need?

Accountant or Planner – which do I need? When it comes to sorting out money matters, where do you go to seek professional help? Can an accountant take care of your finances or should you be speaking to a financial planner? Discover more about the difference between these two support services and how you can benefit from both. Seeing an accountant is something that’s routine for most Australians. After all, lodging a tax return is …

Life cover – do you even have it?

Life cover – do you even have it? If you have family, dependents or debt, life insurance might be important, but one in four Aussies don’t know whether they have it. If you die and your life is insured, your beneficiaries receive a lump sum pay-out. This money can be the difference between the people who matter most to you enjoying a decent lifestyle or facing a financial struggle, yet one in four Australians aren’t …

Why buying too many items on sale could be costing you a mint

Why buying too many items on sale could be costing you a mint Are you rushing out to buy things you need, or could really be going without? We’ve all done it—seen something on sale (particularly over the Christmas/New Year trading period) and without a second thought, jumped to the conclusion—great discount, I must have it straight away. If it’s an item that has been on your list for a while, you might save some …

Mini-retirement – where do I sign?

Mini-retirement – where do I sign? Think a mini-retirement sounds like a pipe-dream? If you daydream about having the time and energy to get through your bucket list while you’re still young, it could be time for the blue-sky thinking and practical planning that can make it happen. A retirement shake-up? According to leading research agency McCrindle, adults from Generations Z and Alpha can expect to have 17 jobs, 15 homes and five careers in their lifetime[1]. …

New legislation aims to benefit first home buyers and downsizers

New legislation aims to benefit first home buyers and downsizers Changes aimed at improving housing affordability have passed through parliament. See what the new rules could mean for you. Government proposals around improving housing affordability in Australia were passed through parliament on 7 December 2017.i As part of the changes, first home buyers will be given a tax concession through the ability to save for a home deposit inside super, while Australians aged 65 and …

Young and broke? There’s another way

Young and broke? There’s another way When you’re young it can seem like you’ll always be living from paycheck to paycheck with nothing left for the good things in life. According to guest contributor, James Trethewie Financial Planner AFP®, making a few changes to your money habits and attitude can make all the difference to your lifestyle, now and in the future. 1. Do away with debts If you’re not great at sticking to a …

US China trade war fears – Q & A

US China trade war fears – Q & A Key points President Trump’s actions on trade are mainly aimed at achieving better access for US exports to China and better treatment of US intellectual property by China. They are not primarily aimed at traditional US allies, reducing the risk of a global trade war. So far there is only a “phoney trade war” between the US and China as major tariffs are only “proposed”. Signs …