If you are trying to get ahead financially, it can sometimes feel harder than it should be. You budget, you plan, and you do your best, yet real progress in paying down debt and building significant savings can feel painfully slow. While managing expenses is important, there is another side of the equation that often makes the biggest difference. Increasing how much you earn. There is only so much you can financially cut back before it starts to affect your quality of life. Y

Stopping work is a big shift – especially when you haven’t planned for it. Why you might face a sudden retirement Only one-third of Australians retire because they’ve reached retirement age. For many, retirement happens earlier than they expect due to events outside their control. These can include: Job loss or redundancy: some people are forced to retire when they lose their job and can’t find another, or if their business closes Caring responsibilities: people may stop w

How investors are being duped by unscrupulous operators In late December the Australian Securities & Investments Commission issued a warning to investors on so-called ‘pump and dump’ operators – unscrupulous actors who start rumours about small cap securities to inflate the share price in the hope of making a quick profit. ASIC noted there had been a notable rise in reports to it by concerned investors. “ASIC is warning the public to be vigilant about widespread, coordinated

Tax Office data shows fewer people used its super scheme in 2024-25 Introduced in 2018, the home downsizer scheme allows eligible Australians aged 55 and older to contribute up to $300,000 from the sale of their home into superannuation, outside of normal annual contribution caps. The idea was simple: improve retirement incomes while freeing up larger homes for younger families. For eligible couples, up to $600,000 can be taken from their total home proceeds and split equally

Superannuation tax rules are changing again and there are implications for those with very large balances as well as those on lower incomes. In a nutshell, the new plans include: more targeted tax rules for people with very large super balances extra support for low-income earners who contribute to super indexation (automatic increases) to make sure the tax thresholds keep up with inflation the removal of the proposed tax on unrealised gains The new super tax rules will begin

Forget expensive creams, doing push-ups, or pretending you like kale. The real anti-aging secret might be digging out your carry-on bag. Travel, it turns out, is basically a spa treatment for your brain, your body, and your soul, except, instead of coconut water, you get the thrill of new adventures and stories you will retell forever. Here’s why hopping on a plane, bus, train or cruise ship might be one of the most effective ways to feel younger. New places flex your synapse

Why you should review your super Your super could be one of the biggest assets you’ll accumulate in your lifetime. However, many Australians think they don’t need to worry about their super until retirement. Some don’t think about it at all. It's never too early to think about your super and the earlier you get on top of it, the better. It's a good idea to regularly review and manage your super at least once a year. It's important to make sure you: are getting the super you'r

Ageing comes with wisdom, experience and a lifetime of stories, but it can also bring new challenges. Tasks that once felt effortless may now require support, and while many people assume the only option is moving into residential care, that isn’t the case. You can often receive the help you need while continuing to live safely and comfortably at home. This article explains how to get started. Getting aged care support through My Aged Care My Aged Care is the Australian Gover

Most Australians are only vaguely aware – or completely unaware – of the fact that credit-reporting agencies monitor their financial transactions. While most Australians don’t give much thought to what’s on their credit report, the credit score that’s based on the contents of that report can have a significant impact on your financial choices. A modest score may mean you miss out on getting a mortgage or business loan. There’s no shame in relying heavily on your credit card o

We plan for holidays, home renovations, and retirement but we’re less likely to plan for the unexpected. Life insurance is one quiet but powerful way to protect the people you love from financial stress if something happens to you. Whether you’re raising a family, supporting a partner, or building a business, life insurance helps ensure that your legacy includes stability rather than uncertainty. It can be a powerful tool for your family’s financial resilience. Life insurance