In today’s fast-paced world, where every minute counts, managing personal finances can feel like another tedious task. However, thanks to the rise of personal finance automation, managing these tasks, can now be handled with minimal effort on your part. Whether you’re a professional, a business owner or someone who is busy and looking to streamline … Read more
With more older Australians looking to downsize and younger generations looking to get a foot on the property ladder, building a granny flat or a second dwelling in your backyard has become a more affordable solution. In 2023, CoreLogic analysis of residential properties in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane found more than 655,000 sites suitable for … Read more
Some investors find it satisfying to take a do-it-yourself approach to retirement savings – taking on the responsibility for the growth of their retirement savings in a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF). While you have total control over how your retirement funds are invested within the confines of the laws, many factors need to be considered … Read more
Stay up to date with what’s happened in the Australian economy and markets over the past month. Headline inflation eased more than expected during the last three months of 2024 – opening the door for the RBA to cut the cash rate. While the release of China-based DeepSeek’s new cut-price AI model sent shockwaves through … Read more
Achieving your long-term financial goals doesn’t need to be overwhelming. If you can put in place some basic financial steps, you are on the road to a successful outcome. It means keeping on top of your options and devising strategies for investment, debt reduction and risk protection. The start of the year is a perfect … Read more
The retirement living sector is growing rapidly in Australia as the population ages and demand increases for a spot in a retirement village. For many people, the idea of having someone on site to help with property and garden maintenance is enough for them to make what can be a major change later in life. … Read more
The many unpredictable events of 2024 could easily have been disastrous for investment markets. Instead, we saw remarkable resilience and growth despite occasional volatility as investors reacted to the extraordinary times. While economic growth in Australia and overseas was underwhelming, share markets rode out the ups and downs to finish 2024 strongly. 2024 was the … Read more
As we step into a new year, it’s a good opportunity to think about what we want to embrace and experience in the year to come. Amidst all the resolutions that might be broken before we know it, one powerful and positive way to approach the new year, is to make this the year of … Read more
Which records to keep for your property so you can work out CGT when you sell it. Property records you should keep For your property, you should keep records of: your acquisition of the property and related expenses, such as purchase contract stamp duty legal fees settlement statement survey and valuation fees your disposal of … Read more
Ah, Christmas! – the time of year when your bank account shrinks, your social calendar explodes, and your family dynamics resemble a poorly scripted soap opera. As we navigate this festive minefield of shopping, social gatherings, and feasting, it’s common to feel a little frazzled. In fact, research has found that the holiday season is … Read more
At this time of year, when giving is particularly on our minds, some might turn their attention to how best share their wealth or an unexpected windfall with their loved ones. You might be thinking about handing over a lump sum to help them with a major purchase or business opportunity, or be keen to … Read more
Australian share prices have seen record highs in 2024 after a sluggish couple of years. The S&P ASX200 index added just under 7 per cent in the 10 months to October 31 closing at 8160.i It reached its previous all-time high of 8355 just two weeks before. So, if you were invested in an index … Read more