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It’s evident that the Australian consumer is under pressure. It appears the tailwinds that helped brand the consumer as ‘resilient’ are now turning into headwinds. Think of it like a rubber band: household budgets are being stretched tight and at the moment, the band is withstanding the pressure. So how long can it really hold...Read More
Enjoy the now and secure your future
October 8, 2024Financial Planning
Managing your financial situation always involves tension between how you live your life now and preparing for your future – whatever that looks like. The worry about not getting the balance right and making unnecessary sacrifices now – or not having enough money for the things you want to do in the future is a...Read More
The pros and cons of taking the DIY super route
September 30, 2024Superannuation
Having your own super fund provides more control, but they’re not for everyone. The number of Australians choosing to manage their own superannuation investments – both before and during retirement – has been progressively increasing over time. Current data from the Australian Tax Office (ATO) shows around 1.15 million people are now members of self-managed...Read More
Insuring against loss of income
September 30, 2024Insurance
Protecting income from unexpected illness and injury is particularly important to anyone with a mortgage to service, small business owners and self-employed people with no sick leave available. With income protection insurance, you can be paid some 70 per cent of your income for a specified period to help when you cannot work.i The most...Read More
Joint accounts
September 30, 2024Debt Management & Budgeting
A joint account is a bank account that more than one person can access. It can make it easier to manage shared expenses, but also comes with the risk of sharing access to your money. A joint account can be any kind of bank account: savings, transaction or term deposit. The type you choose depends...Read More
As the real estate market begins to bloom with opportunities for homebuyers, for those who wish to buy in the next few months understanding the distinctions between pre-qualification and pre-approval for a home loan can be pivotal in securing your dream home. If you are starting out on your journey to buy a home, one...Read More
Moving into residential aged care can trigger a range of emotions, particularly if it involves the sale of the family home. What is often a major financial asset, is also one that many people believe should be either kept in the family or its value preserved for future generations. Whether or not the home has...Read More
Spend smarter and shop safer during sales
September 23, 2024Debt Management & Budgeting
Cutting back on overspending Whenever there’s a big sale event, like the upcoming Black Friday sales, it can be tempting to go on a shopping spree while products are discounted. However, this can be a slippery slope and you may end up purchasing items you don’t need simply because they’re cheaper than usual. Fortunately, there...Read More
A guide to combining finances for couples and newlyweds
September 16, 2024
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...Read More
Trauma insurance
September 16, 2024Insurance
A critical illness or serious injury can make it difficult to continue to work. Trauma insurance can help support you and your family at this time and pay for medical and rehabilitation costs. What trauma insurance covers Trauma insurance, also called ‘critical illness’ or ‘recovery insurance’ pays a lump sum amount if you suffer a...Read More