Christmas gifts that won’t blow your budget | Money & Life

Christmas gifts that won’t blow your budget Christmas is a wonderful time of year in Australia, filled with summer foods, decorations and of course, gift giving. This year will feel even sweeter for many, as friends and family reunite for the first time in months, if not years. Here are a few ideas to help you stretch your Christmas gift budget further, so you can enjoy more family time, without the financial hangover. For many …

Superannuation and divorce | Money & Life

Superannuation and divorce Whatever the age, separation and divorce can be a stressful and painful experience. According to the Australian Institute of Family Studies[1], the divorce rate has been trending down in the 2000s. However, the proportion of couples divorcing who had been married for 20 years and longer has been increasing, with one age group 55-59 doubling over the last two decades. This rising trend is referred to as “grey divorce” or “silver splitters”, …

Should you merge your finances with your partner? | Money & Life

Should you merge your finances with your partner? If you’re in a relationship, it can be tricky to work out when to start sharing income and expenses. Here are a few ways to successfully merge money as a couple. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of our daily lives, and romance is no exception. While lengthy separations have led some relationships to end, other couples are choosing to move in together more quickly than …

Speaking up against financial elder abuse | Money & Life

Speaking up against financial elder abuse Australians from all walks of life are being urged to speak up if they suspect they or someone they know are being subjected to financial elder abuse. Marking World Elder Abuse Awareness Day last month on June 15, Elder Abuse Action Australia (EAAA) urged Australians to understand the red flags for financial elder abuse. These include: Unexplained inability to pay bills; Significant bank withdrawals; Changes to wills; Blocked access …

Planning for the financial care of a special needs child | Money & Life

Planning for the financial care of a special needs child Caring for a child with special needs can place an extra financial burden on families. We speak to CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Jane Campbell about some of the challenges and solutions families might consider. As any parent will tell you, raising a child is an incredibly rewarding experience. But for parents of children with special needs, there is often the added challenge of extra expenses and reduced …

What does it really cost to raise kids? | Money & Life

What does it really cost to raise kids? We often hear that raising kids is expensive, but just how much will it cost you over the first five, 10 or 20 years? Here’s a closer look at the costs of each stage of life. If you’re thinking about having kids, or have already taken the plunge, you might be wondering how much you’ll need to budget for their welfare. There are a few different answers …

9 ways to teach kids the value of money at Christmas | Money & Life

  9 ways to teach kids the value of money at Christmas What’s the meaning of Christmas in your household? While it can sometimes feel like spending a small fortune on gifts and food is non-negotiable, it’s not the only option. And, if you have kids, the holidays are a great time to teach them about the value of money – while having a heap of fun along the way! Lavishly decorated homes, piles of …

What does a COVID-19 Christmas look like in Australia?

What does a COVID-19 Christmas look like in Australia? Christmas 2020 will look a little different for many people, but there’s still plenty of ways to enjoy the holiday season with friends and family. With COVID-19 case numbers currently low in Australia, many of us are wondering just how close to normal our Christmas will be. Can we take an interstate holiday? Will we be able to visit friends and family? How many people can …

Be a smart gift-giver this holiday season

Be a smart gift-giver this holiday season After a year like no other, many of us are looking forward to a relaxing holiday season shared with family and friends. Check out these easy ways to stretch your Christmas gift budget further, so you can enjoy more family time, without the financial drama. With positive news about a COVID-19 vaccine on the horizon, many consumers are feeling buoyant heading into the Christmas season. In fact, consumer …

Make your cancelled holiday count

Make your cancelled holiday count If your usual Christmas travel plans have been put on hold by COVID-19, don’t despair. Your holiday savings could turn out to be a cash bonanza for your finances. COVID-19 has played havoc with our love of travel, forcing many to shelve their annual summer holiday for another year. But while you still can’t take that overseas trip you’ve been craving, there are plenty of ways to put your funds …