The new COVID-19 relief schemes explained

The new COVID-19 relief schemes explained As we navigate more COVID-19 lockdowns across Australia, here’s a guide to the main benefits you may be entitled to from the government, state by state. With new COVID-19 lockdowns, and an increasing number of cases it’s understandable if Aussies are feeling overwhelmed. On top of that, concern about their finances can just add to that stress. The COVID-19 early release of super program ended in December 2020 and the JobKeeper …

Planning a career break? Here’s how to manage your superannuation

Planning a career break? Here are tips to help keep your super on track Whether you’re doing it because you want to travel, study or start a family, taking a career break can really affect your financial future. Thankfully, there are ways to help keep your superannuation in shape. Whatever your stage of life, there are several reasons for planning a career break. In some instances, leaving the workforce won’t impact your super. But in …

Relationship break-up entitlements when you’re in a de facto

Relationship break-up entitlements when you’re in a de facto If you’re wondering who’ll get the home you’re currently living in, the car, or boat if you have one, we answer some of the commonly asked questions, so you’re across your rights and responsibilities. If you’ve recently split from your partner or are simply wondering what might happen if you do, you’ll need to keep your financial wits about you. A division of assets and debts, …

14 money mistakes to avoid in your younger years

14 money mistakes to avoid in your younger years Here’s a list of things you could stop doing if you no longer want to rely on the bank of mum and dad, or that credit card. In your 20s and 30s, you might be saving for a car, your own pad, or an overseas trip (COVID-19 can’t last forever, right?). On the other hand, most of your cash might just be covering the latest additions …

Tips for parents who became the bank of mum and dad this year

Tips for parents who became the bank of mum and dad this year Aussie parents have coughed up more than $26 million to help their adult kids since COVID-19 hit our shores – and one in five is at financial risk from doing so. Parents helping their adult kids financially isn’t an unfamiliar concept in this country, but figures reveal mums and dads have forked out approximately $26.8 million since the outbreak of COVID-19 in …

5 ways to shop smarter this christmas

5 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. We don’t need to list the events of 2020 to say it’s been a big one, particularly as we approach the festive season, where many common face-to-face interactions will be limited to a phone or video …

Create an 8-week Christmas savings plan

  Create an 8-week Christmas savings plan The sooner you start saving for Christmas, the better. But you can do it in just eight weeks – even if you have a tight budget in the lead-up to this year’s festive season. Here’s how to develop a plan to save money and reach your holiday goals. Fairy lights twinkling, seafood on the barbie, gifts being wrapped and Michael Bublé crooning in the background – Christmas can …

Financial wellness in 2020 – how does yours compare?

Financial wellness in 2020 – how does yours compare? Financial wellness is how you feel about your money. It can affect your overall wellbeing and other areas of your life, such as work and family. So, while money isn’t the be-all and end-all, how you feel about it is pretty important. Since 2014, AMP has been commissioning research1 into the financial wellbeing of Australians and has developed the Financial Wellness Index. It measures a person’s satisfaction …

What to do next if you’re facing redundancy

What to do next if you’re facing redundancy Uncertainty around COVID-19 might be increasing your stress levels about losing your job, but here are five ways to soften the financial blow. In April, Australia hit its highest unemployment rate in five years1, and with the Federal Treasurer expecting an unemployment rate of around 10% by the end of the year2, many Aussies may be feeling a little uneasy about their future job prospects. Which sectors …

Burnout: Spot the warning signs | Money & Life

Burnout: Spot the warning signs Michelle Gibbings provides five easy tips to help team leaders create mentally healthier workplaces. Mental health in the workplace has never been more critical with workplaces struggling to adapt to new ways of working, and employees facing mounting pressure. COVID-19 has brought new workplace challenges to the fore, while previous problems for employees of shrinking job stability, mounting workloads, and an ‘always on’ mentality is exacerbated. In such an environment, …