After a natural disaster, you may be targeted by ‘storm’ or ‘disaster’ chasers. They might claim to offer you quicker, cheaper, or specialised repair services, or to help with your insurance claim. Before you commit, pause and check that the quicker, cheaper service isn’t going to cost you more out of pocket. Australia sees multiple … Read more
It’s the season for gifts, sharing meals and spreading cheer. But what if your festive generosity could do more? What if it could ripple through generations, perhaps shaping futures and maybe reduce your tax bill? Giving isn’t just an act of kindness; it can also be a smart financial move. From helping loved ones today … Read more
Men are earning on average A$9,753 more than women each year in the form of performance bonuses, allowances and overtime pay. That’s according to the latest gender pay gap data released on Thursday by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency. It covers more than 8,000 private companies for 2024–25, employing more than 5.4 million workers across … Read more
Retirement has often been seen as a time to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of daily life. And for many, that’s the dream. But retirement is no longer defined by one image or one path. In fact, it can be something much more expansive. Today, retirement is increasingly viewed as a time of … Read more
Ageing is a natural part of life, and with it often comes a reduced ability to manage everyday tasks, especially at night. The same is true for people living with disabilities who may need extra support with mobility, safety or personal care. While daytime assistance is valuable, nighttime brings its own challenges and risks. Overnight … Read more
Get the right amount of home insurance and protect yourself from costly surprises. When disaster strikes, the last thing you want to discover is that your insurance doesn’t stretch far enough. Underinsurance is very common in Australia and most people don’t know they are underinsured. And it can leave you significantly out of pocket when … Read more
What is Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI)? If you’re finding it difficult to save a 20% home loan deposit, you might still be able to borrow by paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance. Here’s everything you need to know: Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) is insurance that a lender takes out to insure itself against the risk of not recovering … Read more
The number of applications to access super for medical treatments has surged You may have heard or read ads from some dental service providers asserting that you can access your superannuation to pay for dental procedures. It may sound like a great idea to some people, but don’t smile too soon. The Australian Taxation Office … Read more
Divorce can be one of life’s most emotionally and financially disruptive events. Whether you’re in the early stages of separation or rebuilding after a settlement, understanding the financial implications and taking proactive streps can make all the difference. More than 47,000 divorces were granted in Australia in 2024, down 3 per cent on the previous … Read more
Recently, there was an alert about the ASIC Moneysmart website being impersonated. It’s part of a growing – and increasingly sophisticated – trend of scammers targeting reputable, high traffic websites. These days, websites can be very easily set up and look quite professional without much effort, thanks to templates. So, whether you’re visiting the website … Read more
How to search for unclaimed money Did you know that there is around $2.6 billion in lost shares, bank accounts and life insurance in Australia? Some of it could belong to you, and it’s free and easy to check using the unclaimed money search tool on the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) website. What … Read more
Sweeping reforms to aged care are set to begin on 1 November to help improve the quality, transparency and flexibility of care. With more care levels, clearer pricing, and greater control over how your funding is used, the new system aims to better match services to individual needs. Providers will be required to offer detailed cost … Read more
