Retailers under attack from weak demand, rising costs
3 June
Australian businesses are under fire from both sides as conflict in the Middle East drives up prices and weakens demand. After first lighting a fire under fuel costs, the impacts of the US-Israeli-led war in the Middle East have begun flowing...[Read More]
‘Scambling’: the scam on the rise catching out punters
3 June
Australians love to gamble, but if you’re going to try your luck, please don’t get lured in by illegal online gambling sites. That’s the message from one of Australia’s biggest telecommunications companies, which is ramping up its fight...[Read More]
Falling fuel prices bolster hopes for RBA rate reprieve
28 May
A softer-than-expected inflation result will give the Reserve Bank a little more space to leave interest rates on hold, but another hike is not off the cards yet. Australia’s annual headline inflation rate fell to 4.2 per cent in April, from 4.6...[Read More]
7 signs you are ready for retirement — but worried about keeping active
28 May
Retirement is often described as the great reward after decades of hard work. No alarm clock. No daily commute. No endless meetings. No packed lunches. Just freedom. But for many people, retirement also brings a quiet question: What will I...[Read More]
The power of compound interest – it rewards patience, consistency, and time.
28 May
Albert Einstein reportedly called compound interest the “eighth wonder of the world.” Whether or not he actually said it, the sentiment holds true. Compound interest is one of the most powerful forces in investing, not because it is flashy...[Read More]
Treasurer hoses down calls to carve up his tax revamp
28 May
Changes to capital gains taxes should still be broad to ensure one issue with the housing market isn’t replaced by another, Treasurer Jim Chalmers says, despite business groups urging the reforms apply only to property. The federal government will...[Read More]
Investor tax cut call as opponents fight Labor plan
28 May
Investor incentives should be increased, not cut, a senior Liberal says, as Labor moves to rush its once-in-a-generation tax overhaul through parliament. Business leaders have warned the measures, laid out in the federal budget earlier in May, will...[Read More]
Budget measures could cut house prices by 10 per cent
28 May
The budget’s tax whack on property investors will accelerate a housing slowdown caused by interest rate hikes, potentially causing the biggest downturn in more than 40 years. Home price growth was already slowing nationwide, with outright falls in...[Read More]
Jobless jump, Iran war shoot down fears of rate rise
28 May
The likelihood of a rate hike in June has shrunk after a surprise jump in the unemployment rate showed the Iran war is having a material impact on Australia’s economy. While bad news for workers, the rise in the jobless rate from 4.3 per cent to...[Read More]
Gen Z bombarded by fake crypto trading scams
27 May
In the already difficult to navigate world of online trading, young people are being lured in by the promise of easy money trading cryptocurrency. The problem – the sites, trades, and profits are all entirely fake and any money paid goes straight...[Read More]
Labor happy with softer housing market since budget
27 May
Softer auction rates are a sign tax changes in the federal budget are making things easier for first home buyers, the housing minister says, as Labor weathered another day of criticism from investors and entrepreneurs. Auction clearance rates held...[Read More]
Governments warned not to hold back AI, tech start-ups
27 May
Australia is well-positioned to take advantage of the global boom in artificial intelligence but governments and regulators need to get the policy settings right so they don’t stifle start-ups. That’s the message from two of the country’s...[Read More]
Temporary fuel tax cut likely to remain temporary
27 May
Australia’s temporary fuel excise cut, which has brought down petrol prices, is likely to remain just that, federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen says. The three-month cut to the fuel excise started in April in response to soaring prices caused by...[Read More]
Gift ideas that bring independence, wellbeing and family together in retirement
21 May
Buying a gift for a parent, relative or loved one who is living independently in retirement can be harder than it sounds. Many older people already have enough “things”. Another candle, hamper, gadget or decorative item may be appreciated, but...[Read More]
Understanding powers of attorney, enduring powers of attorney and advance care directives
21 May
As we move through life, we plan for many things — work, family, retirement and finances. Yet one area that is often overlooked is planning for a time when we may not be able to make decisions for ourselves. This is where documents like a Power...[Read More]