What are interest rates? The interest rate is the amount a borrower pays for borrowing money from a lender, which is why it’s often referred to as the cost of borrowing. Conversely, the interest rate is also the amount earned on money deposited into a bank or financial institution, also known as the rate of … Read more
When purchasing an investment property, there are a number of factors that could increase or reduce your potential return on investment. In this case it’s not just location, location, location. When considering a property for investment purposes, the most important question to ask is ‘will be attractive to tenants?’. But how do you know what … Read more
Australians are leaving capital cities in droves in a phenomenon being referred to as ‘The Great Relocation’. However, there’s a lot to consider beyond the obvious appeal of waking up to the laughter of kookaburras or enjoying a long walk on the beach. The terms ‘sea change’ or ‘tree change’ have been around for a … Read more
With the end of financial year approaching, it’s a good time to review your personal balance sheet. If it’s not as healthy as you would like, perhaps it’s time to do a little budget repair of your own. Just as governments need to set policy objectives and budget for future spending commitments, households need to … Read more
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has today announced four key focus areas for Tax Time 2022. The ATO will be focusing on: record-keeping work-related expenses rental property income and deductions, and capital gains from crypto assets, property, and shares. These ATO priority areas will ensure that there is an appropriate level of scrutiny on correct … Read more
This time of year, people’s thoughts start turning to their tax return, but it can also be a good time to set things up so you don’t pay more tax than required next financial year. Simply talking to your employer about setting up an arrangement to “sacrifice” some of your pre-tax salary could potentially lower … Read more
It’s tempting to put price above everything else when choosing insurance for your property. However, whether you’ve just taken out a new mortgage or are hunting for a better deal, making sure you have enough of the right sort of cover is just as important. Here are the main insurance points to consider when comparing … Read more
It’s a big decision when you decide you’re going to start saving to buy a home. It may seem like it’s going to take forever, but there are ways you can get there more quickly. We’re going to look at some of these in our three-part home deposit series. The key to a successful savings … Read more
It is important to understand where this income will come from, how long it will last, and whether your retirement investments are on track, or whether some adjustments need to be made to get you there. Work out how long your super or account-based pension will last There are many variables that come into play … Read more
The cost of coffee made headlines a few weeks ago when it was reported prices could reach up to $7 a cup. Although counter reports came out sceptical of such a price hike, it’s undeniable that Australians are experiencing a creeping rise in expenses across the board. From petrol to groceries to travel, things are … Read more
As the end of the financial year approaches, now is a good time to check your super and see what you could do to boost your retirement nest egg. What’s more, you could potentially reduce your tax bill at the same time. There are a handful of positive changes to super due to start next … Read more
Why buy shares? When people talk about investing in shares (or stocks), they’re usually referring to common shares. These kinds of shares give you the opportunity to join in the success of public companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, and as such, they’re an investment that can really grow your investment portfolio. Because you’re a … Read more