Budget October 2022: sign of the times In his first Budget, Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ emphasised the three Rs – responsible budget repair and restrained spending, right for the times. For good measure, resilience also got a mention with spending targeted at building a more modern economy to deal with the challenges ahead. This is the first budget from a federal... View Article
With interest rates on the rise and investment returns increasingly volatile, Australians with cash to spare may be wondering how to make the most of it. If you have a mortgage, should you make extra repayments or would you be better off in the long run boosting your super? The answer is, it depends. Your personal circumstances, interest rates, tax... View Article
Before you say ‘I do’, talk about your finances with your partner. Not getting married, but in a relationship? See relationships and money for useful tips. If COVID-19 has impacted your wedding plans, the ACCC’s explains your rights when it comes to cancellations and refunds. Manage the wedding whirlwind The average Australian wedding costs $36,000. According to a Moneysmart survey, 82% of... View Article
Working out how much you need to save for retirement is a question that keeps many pre-retirees awake at night. Recent market volatility and fluctuating superannuation balances have only added to the uncertainty. So it’s timely that new research shows you may need less than you fear. For most people, it will certainly be less than the figure of $1... View Article
A balancing act Billed as a Budget for families with a focus on relieving short-term cost of living pressures, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg’s fourth Budget also has one eye firmly on the federal election in May. At the same time, the government is relying on rising commodity prices and a forecast lift in wages as unemployment heads towards a 50-year low... View Article
After weeks of escalating tension and US statements that Russia will attack, Ukraine is now under invasion. As the world watches on while the tragedy of war unfolds, what will the impact on financial markets be? Russia’s military action in Ukraine is first and foremost a human tragedy. Many lives will be lost, and people’s homes, livelihoods, and families destroyed.... View Article
Buying your first home is always a big step, but with property prices rising faster than pay packets taking that first step seems more challenging than ever. National house prices rose 20 per cent in the year to September, the fastest growth since 1989. Higher prices have also fanned out from capital cities to the regions, as city folk discover... View Article
There are no prizes for guessing what dominated the economic landscape in 2021. For the second year running, the pandemic was the focus for policy makers, markets, businesses, and individuals alike. The year began with hopes that the rollout of vaccines around the globe would stem the spread of COVID-19 and allow economies to reopen. Instead, most countries were hit... View Article
When the coronavirus pandemic hit financial markets in March 2020, almost 40 per cent was wiped off the value of shares in less than a month.i Understandably, many investors hit the panic button and switched to cash or withdrew savings from superannuation. With the benefit of hindsight, some people may be regretting acting in haste. Although for others, accessing their super... View Article
Investing in recovery In his third and possibly last Budget before the next federal election, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg is counting on a new wave of spending to ensure Australia’s economic recovery maintains its momentum. As expected, the focus is on jobs and major new spending on support for aged care, women and first-home buyers with some superannuation sweeteners for good... View Article