What’s debt consolidation and do I need it? Stuck with a post-Christmas spending hangover? Debt consolidation could be a solution, but tread carefully: there are no easy fixes. Debt consolidation involves taking all your monthly debts – for example, from your credit cards, store cards, mortgage, car and other loans and so on – and rolling them into a single low interest rate loan. If you are rolling all your debt, including high interest rate …
Investing for kids – ways to save for their future Whether you’re thinking about childcare, education or beyond, saving even a bit now could make a big difference later. It’s natural to want the best for the children in your life, whether you’re their parent, step-parent, carer, aunty, uncle, grandparent or even godparent. And, while money won’t be the be all and end all when it comes to raising happy little humans, you’d probably agree …
We tried a no-spend challenge – here’s what we learned What happened when three AMP employees set out with a grand ambition: to spend no money at all for a week. If you’re like most of us, you’d probably like to spend less money. But keeping track of where your money goes – and especially your spending on all of the little things – can be hard. One way to identify and tackle your spending …
Share financial goals to make your relationship stronger When money can be such a big source of stress and conflict in relationships, it makes sense to get on the same page with finances. Our guest contributor, James Trethewie Financial Planner AFP®offers some important advice to help couples succeed in sharing and achieving their financial goals. So you’re convinced that love conquers all and money matters can’t possibly come between you and your partner. Some …
The inconvenient cost of convenience apps In today’s digital world, there’s a mobile phone app for just about everything. It can make life easier, but convenience can come at a cost. Smartphones have wrought remarkable changes to our way of life in just a few short years. Need a ride somewhere? There’s an app for that. Too tired to cook dinner? There’s an app to supply takeaways direct to your door. Need cash in a …
What’s your side hustle? Freelance work and the gig economy are on the rise in Australia. If you’re planning to follow the trend by starting your own business or joining Airtasker, here are some things to think about before saying goodbye to your salary. The gig economy is definitely taking off. Australia’s very own peer to peer portal for casual jobs, Airtasker, recorded 1.8 million members in January 2018, up from 950,000 just a year …
Handy hints to create a better budget for you Nearly two out of five Aussies believe budgeting is too much effort, but these quick tips could make it a simpler task. Around 75% of Aussies will be going into 2018 with no specified budget, according to a survey by AMP, which—reality check—is probably going to make achieving financial goals, whether it’s getting out of debt, going on that long-overdue holiday, or saving for something big, a little …
Will you be renting in retirement? Is owning your home the best option for your senior years? Discover why renting in retirement could be on the rise and explore some advantages of being a tenant in later life. Being secure in a home you own is usually part of the picture – and costs – of life in retirement. In fact, Retirement Standard figures published by the Association of Superannuation Funds Australia (ASFA) are based on the assumption …
Australians reveal their priority goals Most Australians indicate their biggest life goal is a financial one, but many admit failing to plan is a roadblock. Increased household debt, record-high property prices and the aftermath of the global financial crisis have not impeded Australians’ belief in their ability to achieve their goals. In fact, an August 2016 research paper by The Financial Planning Association of Australia and McCrindle, showed four in five Australians were confident they could turn …
Should you make your kids pay rent? Either way, some form of agreement should be reached so that what everyone wants is considered, and it’s not a one-sided affair. When your kids grow up, at least enough to hold down a steady job, one question many parents and carers might ask themselves is, should I charge my kids board? Some people will tell you yes, some people will tell you no, but at the end …
