Holidays and gift giving can leave you a little short of cash so it might be cheering to learn that billions of dollars is being held by various government agencies just waiting to be claimed by the rightful owners. The biggest pot is lost superannuation. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is holding more than $17.8 … Read more
As we advance into the 21st century, the concept of aging is undergoing a transformation, largely thanks to a new generation of “oldies” who don’t feel old – and are reframing what it means to be getting on in years. Traditionally, aging has been associated with decline, frailty, and a sense of irrelevance. However, today’s … Read more
About 36% of homeowners still have a mortgage when they retire, up from 23% a decade ago. This increase in mortgage debt is due to soaring property prices, changes in retirement ages and easy access to drawdown equity loans (where you use your home as security to get a loan, which can be used to … Read more
The end of a relationship is never easy, but there are steps you can take to help things run more smoothly. If you’re in crisis or struggling to make ends meet, see urgent help with money. You can get help with food, housing and bills, as well as emotional support. First steps when you separate … Read more
A well-thought-out investment plan can help you thrive financially as well as protect you from falling into some common behavioural investment traps. But how do you create an investment plan? And where do you start? Start with financial goals. Studies show that people are more successful when they set goals for themselves. Whether it be … Read more
Paying off your mortgage early will save you money and take a financial load off your shoulders. Here are some ways to get rid of your mortgage debt faster. Switch to fortnightly payments If you’re currently paying monthly, consider switching to fortnightly repayments. By paying half the monthly amount every two weeks you’ll make the … Read more
Be suspicious of anyone offering you easy money. Scammers are skilled at convincing you that the investment is real, the returns are high and the risks are low. There’s always a catch. If you think you’ve been targeted by scammers, act quickly. For steps to take and where to report a scam, see what to … Read more
Although the day may be a long way off, when it comes to exiting your business, the golden rule is to start planning early. With a detailed succession plan in place, you are the one who gets to decide how – and when – you leave your business. You also need to ensure the viability … Read more
Step one: what are your financial pain points? When you start making plans, chances are you’ll both come across financial pain points. In other words, the areas that need some attention and possible alterations. These might include: post-wedding or honeymoon debts different earning capacities different savings goals different spending habits disagreements you’ve had in the … Read more
Take some of the guesswork out of planning for the future. Work out how much super you’ll have when you retire, and if it will be enough to fund the lifestyle you want. It’s never too soon to start planning for a better financial future. Estimate how much super you’ll have You probably know how … Read more
Another year of varied returns demonstrates the importance of diversification. Global share markets surged into record territory during 2024, delivering double-digit returns to many investors. Indeed, investors using broad-based exchange traded funds (ETFs) to cover the largest companies on U.S. and international share markets would have ended the year with significant gains. By contrast, total … Read more
