What it means to combine finances Even if you have a strong relationship, there are some important details to consider before joining finances. Money Smart's guide to relationships and money makes some key points: If your partner defaults on a joint loan, you may have to pay for the whole amount – even after your relationship […]

When it comes to investing in shares, it’s often said that time is your friend. The data shows that investing small amounts consistently over time and riding out the ups and downs of the market by holding onto your investments for the long term, can produce a healthy return. Over the past two decades, the […]

The 2023-24 financial year is now well behind us and there’s nothing like closing a chapter to inspire thoughts of a fresh start. But cost-of-living challenges persist, and many Australians are looking for ways to cut back and maximise their savings to meet their financial commitments among interest rate and inflationary pressures. Now is a […]

Gold prices have been climbing strongly in 2024 as investors, jittery about the effects of wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, buy up the asset because of its reputation as a safe haven. The spot price has risen more than 18 per cent since mid-February.i Demand for the precious metal is also being driven […]

The tax cuts introduced from July 1 and other changes may mean it’s time for a review of your current tax, super and investment strategies to make sure you’re maximising the benefits. Under the changes, the previous 19 per cent tax rate reduces to 16 per cent, while the 32.5 per cent rate drops to […]

Key points: Getting an assessment is the first step towards getting access to Government funded services Assessments are undertaken by the Aged Care Assessment Team across Australia, or the Aged Care Assessment Service in Victoria You can have your assessment reviewed if you don’t agree with the outcome From there, you can organise an assessment […]

Retiring without a mortgage has a large positive impact on retirement confidence. For decades the “Great Australian Dream” has been the general desire by most Australians just to own a home. But that dream has morphed over time. These days it’s not just about owning a home but having the mortgage paid off either before […]

Many Australians expect an inheritance, but their parents may have a different view.  Around one in two Australians have received or expect to inherit money or property, either from their parents or others. That’s one of the key findings from Vanguard’s 2024 How Australia Retires research, but it shouldn’t come as a great surprise. Over the coming […]

If you earned Australian income between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024, you may need to lodge a tax return.  If you're doing your own tax, you have until 31 October to lodge your return. Lodge online with myTax You can lodge your return using myTax, the ATO's free online tax return. You need […]

Binary options promise quick, high returns. But the reality is you will lose your entire investment most of the time. Binary options are financial products that bet on the outcome of an event. If you pick correctly, you get a fixed cash payout. If you get it wrong you lose your entire investment. An ASIC […]