This Month
- Opinion
- Interest rates
RBA caught in political spin
Political considerations may explain the central bank’s unusual cheerleading of the federal budget.
- Christopher Joye
‘Window of opportunity’ for graduates to score debt reprieve
An accounting quirk means some graduates can escape the brunt of indexation, but only if they act fast.
- Lucy Dean
Higher living costs are eating into your super. Here’s what to do
Retirees are vulnerable to inflation because higher living costs eat into carefully calibrated savings plans that do not benefit from the injection of regular wages. Here’s what to do.
- Tom Richardson
- Opinion
- Superannuation
Labor’s ‘double taxation’ in super may not be as steep as you think
A 30 per cent tax rate is unlikely to ever apply to the entirety of annual earnings for people with balances above $3 million.
- John Wasiliev
My partner earns far more than me. Should we still split bills 50/50?
One partner in the relationship earns $200,000, while the other earns much less. What’s the fairest way to divide their living expenses?
- Penny Wise
From babies to Boomers: what’s in the budget for you
The 2024 federal budget includes power bill relief, more training places and additional rent assistance.
- Joanna Mather and Lucy Dean
- Opinion
- Gold
Why superannuation funds are wrong on gold
Millions of Australians could be missing out on the benefits of gold because of a conflict of interest inherent in big super.
- Chris Brycki
- Opinion
- Investing
No, ESG funds have not had their day
Recalibration of ESG investing has been an excellent exercise in weeding out the greenwashers, bandwagon participants and naysayers.
- Amanda MacDonald
How the $3m super tax whack might hit property investors
Plans to tax unrealised gains on super balances have investors considering options. Here’s what calculations show about the potential impact of the tax.
- Duncan Hughes
- Opinion
- Interest rates
RBA’s credibility at risk as central banks confront interference
The contradictions in the Reserve Bank of Australia’s communications reveal policy conflicts that could erode its already embattled credibility.
- Christopher Joye
- Opinion
- Flat Chat
Building commissioner’s parting warning for property developers
David Chandler’s legacy includes an army of inspectors able to identify the developers most likely to produce suspect buildings.
- Jimmy Thomson
Love or money? What to tell kids about career choice
Do you tell them to do what they love or urge them to become a doctor, accountant or a lawyer because it will provide financial security?
- Bianca Hartge-Hazelman
A smarter way to tax high super balances
The government has tried to keep things simple, but in doing so fairness has gone out the window.
- Meg Heffron
How do I avoid a messy, hostile divorce?
Don’t hire a bulldog lawyer and or make any sudden moves with your finances, lawyers say.
- Penny Wise
The overlooked asset class that could set you up for retirement
Residential property investment is good for accumulating wealth, but commercial property will provide retirees with a better income stream.
- Michelle Bowes
We have $700,000 in super – can we buy investment property with it?
If you want to add a geared investment property to your retirement savings, here’s what you must think about.
- John Wasiliev
- Opinion
- Investing
The investment shift that could undermine your wealth plan
Whether to invest for income or growth is not the right question to ask for those in or moving to retirement.
- Tim Mackay
Why there is no such thing as a simple will
You’ve got to understand what you’re giving up when you sign a simple will – and how there are better ways to protect your loved ones.
- Peter Townsend
- Opinion
- Inflation
Central bank independence is dead
Politicians are compromising central banks’ commitments to price stability targets, and the ensuing sticky inflation will require a much tougher cost of capital to extinguish.
- Christopher Joye
Inside Australia’s most luxurious retirement pads
Rooftop pools, plush libraries and temperature-controlled wine cellars – welcome to deluxe retirement living.
- Michelle Bowes