Acting on a hot tip might sound like a good idea when investing but if that hot tip is inside information, it might lead to heavy fines or prison time. What is insider trading? Insider trading is when you trade in a financial product (for example, shares, options or derivatives of a listed company) while … Read more
Deciding to downsize is a big life step. It is not just about moving to a smaller house. It can be about leaving behind a home full of memories, familiar streets, and routines you have built over many years. For many, the idea of simplifying life, reducing maintenance, and freeing up finances can be very … Read more
What is rental yield? Rental yield is a simple way to measure how much money you’re making from an investment property compared to its value. The calculation factors in the money you receive from renting the property minus costs like repairs, maintenance, and depreciation. It’s usually shown as a percentage, and helps investors understand if … Read more
Older Australians could face health insurance price rises three times higher than others under new government rebate changes. Here’s what families need to know. Older Australians could soon be paying significantly more for their private health insurance. The increase may hit them much harder than younger policyholders. New data from Private Healthcare Australia reveals that … Read more
Property booms and market swings shape the case for property and shares Hot property markets and volatile share markets add extra intrigue as investors weigh up whether to put their money into property or equities. But the decision could come down to a few key considerations. Which is the better investment – property or shares? … Read more
There’s a particular kind of unease that creeps in when market headlines start mixing geopolitics with talk of oil prices and recessions. That feeling has been hard to avoid, as the escalating war in the Middle East spooked global markets and brought fresh uncertainty to an already fragile economic landscape. For investors, watching so many … Read more
Tax time is just around the corner, so now is the time to make sure you’re prepared for 30 June. Each year, the ATO highlights its areas of focus. Taking a few minutes now to review these can help you avoid issues when lodging your return. Work-related deductions under scrutiny This year, the ATO is … Read more
Balancing Australian and global shares means weighing growth, income & currency risk Getting investment exposure to global companies through share markets makes sense, but weighing up risks such as currency fluctuations is important. Many Australians have a justified love affair with the domestic share market. The Australian share market has delivered solid long‑term returns for … Read more
Housing markets losing momentum as they face stronger headwinds The last quarter marked a clear shift in housing conditions, with growth continuing to slow and market performance becoming increasingly fragmented. According to Cotality’s June Home Value Index, national dwelling values rose 0.6 per cent over the quarter, reflecting a market that has moved from broad-based … Read more
Recent updates from the ATO highlight a mix of proposed tax changes and compliance priorities, with new draft legislation under consideration and practical guidance released ahead of the Payday Super changes starting 1 July 2026. Check eligibility for tech booster deduction Small businesses are being encouraged to review their eligibility for the government’s proposed Technology … Read more
Your favourite finfluencer’s content might sound good, but you should still run some checks before you commit your money. What is a finfluencer? Financial influencers (aka ‘finfluencers’) discuss financial products and services online through social media platforms and/or a website. Their content tends to be highly relatable, with personal stories relating to their finances paired … Read more
Bills of exchange can look and sound similar to term deposits, but they do not have the same protections and carry a high risk of losing money. What is a bill of exchange Companies are offering high fixed income returns through a product called a bill of exchange. You may have seen offers promising higher … Read more