As the Christmas season approaches, there is a noticeable shift in the air. The days grow longer, school terms wrap up, and communities across the country begin to prepare for end-of-year celebrations in all kinds of ways. For some, it is about unpacking boxes of decorations, preparing familiar family recipes and racing around the shops. For others, it is time to plan a beach day, host a casual BBQ, or simply enjoy a well-earned break from routine. The Christmas season in Aus

How to search for unclaimed money Did you know that there is around $2.6 billion in lost shares, bank accounts and life insurance in Australia? Some of it could belong to you, and it’s free and easy to check using the unclaimed money search tool on the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) website.   What is unclaimed money? Under Australia’s unclaimed money laws , financial services providers and other organisations are required to send any unclaimed money

A simple guide for investors and pensioners Australia’s latest dividends stream was flowing strongly recently as many listed companies and exchange traded funds (ETFs) collectively paid out income returns directly to their investors. The bulk of those payments were the dividends that were declared in August during the latest company reporting season and related to announced earnings from the operating period that ended on 30 June. Many investors factor in company dividend pay

The federal government has announced updates to its plan to reduce tax concessions on superannuation investment earnings for Australians with balances over $3 million. While the proposal is yet to be legislated, several key changes have been introduced. What’s changing? The revised proposal excludes unrealised capital gains, meaning only realised gains including profits from the sale of assets like shares or property will be subject to this additional tax. Another change is

Sweeping reforms to aged care came into effect on 1 November to help improve the quality, transparency and flexibility of care. With more care levels, clearer pricing, and greater control over how your funding is used, the new system aims to better match services to individual needs. Providers will now be required to offer detailed cost breakdowns, empowering you to make informed decisions about your care. While the reforms are a step forward in care quality, they also come w

Making plans to move in with your partner or share finances can be exciting. Knowing your financial and legal responsibilities, and where to get help if you need it, can make your life together run more smoothly. Talk about your finances The earlier you start talking about your finances with your partner, the better. Understand each other's general attitude to money, and be clear about your financial goals — both short and long term. Knowing these things can help build a stro

Why holding too much cash could burn a hole in your investment returns Monthly data just released by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) shows households across the nation are now holding record levels of cash. APRA’s data shows the amount of cash held in authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADI) such as banks and credit unions rose to $1.65 trillion by the end of August from the $1.57 trillion at the end of 2024 – an increase of $80 billion, or 5.10%, o

When you think about the markets, do you see promise or peril? Are you the type to believe the glass is half-full, or do you focus on the half that is not there? Your investing outlook can shape your decisions, influence your risk tolerance, and impact your long-term results. But which approach truly works best? Should investors lean into optimism or prepare for the worst? The historical case for optimism Historically, optimism has served investors well. Over the past century

Australia has seen a dramatic transformation of retirement over the past 20 years, with more Australians delaying retirement than ever before, reshaping expectations for later life. This shift matters because it marks a fundamental change in how people transition out of the workforce — with important implications for financial security in later life. The decision to retire is no longer driven purely by personal preference or age alone. It’s increasingly shaped by policy, hous

How to keep your super safe The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has warned Australians to beware of high-pressure sales tactics aimed at getting people to switch superannuation providers. The regulator has warned that “clickbait” ads, comparison websites and promises of unrealistic returns are among the tactics being used to entice Australians into switching their retirement savings, sometimes into risky or unsuitable schemes. Here’s what to look out