Volatility is how the return on an asset fluctuates over time. Using the share market as an example, volatility is often measured by changes in the price of a share. When the market is volatile, prices can rise or fall a lot in a short time. These movements mean the value of your investments can … Read more
If you need help at home, the Australian Government provides a range of care services. Where to start The first thing to do is think about what you need. You might want to stay in your own home but need some help with domestic chores. Or you might be ready to start looking at options … Read more
Using publicly available, general-purpose artificial intelligence (AI) for money questions? Learn when it can help, and when you should get more information. If you’ve ever asked AI a money question, you’re not the only one. More Gen Z Australians (those born between around 1996 and 2010) are using AI tools alongside social media and online … Read more
Retiring well means making a series of decisions to ensure a financially secure post-work life. One practical step is to work out the income you need each week to survive and thrive when you stop working. If you are one of the many Australians still working and growing your super, knowing more about tailored retirement … 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
Talk of a recession in Australia has picked up in recent weeks. Rising fuel prices, a sharp fall in consumer confidence, and signs of softer spending have all added to concerns the economy may be losing momentum. A recession is commonly defined as two consecutive quarters of negative economic growth. By that standard, Australia is … Read more
If you have ever checked your super balance and wondered whether you are “behind” for your age, you aren’t alone. To see where you truly sit, you should ignore “averages”, which can be skewed by a small number of very large balances. Instead, we look at the median, which is the middle value. Half of … Read more
Entering the world of investing can be a life-changer for people of all ages. Here are seven simple steps for beginners to start their wealth journey. 1. Do a financial stocktake Before taking the leap into investing, evaluate your financial position. Assess your income, savings, living expenses and, perhaps most importantly, your personal debts (you … Read more
Dealing with illness is often unexpected and stressful. Getting emotional and financial support can help you manage. Here, we explain how you could get additional support. Work out your medical costs Medicare When managing unexpected medical costs, take some time to find out what is covered by Medicare. If you find any of the information … Read more
The Federal Government increased the Age Pension from 20 March 2026, alongside a gradual rise in deeming rates. Advocacy group COTA Australia says the pension boost will offer relief, but warns updated deeming assumptions may not reflect the realities facing all older Australians. From 20 March 2026, around 2.5 million Australians receiving the Age Pension … Read more
Lenders use your credit score (or credit rating) to decide whether to give you credit or lend you money. Knowing this can help you negotiate better deals, or understand why a lender rejected you. Get your credit report and score for free If you’ve ever applied for credit or a loan, there will be a … Read more
Just when we thought it was safe to return to the supermarket aisle, it seems inflation has come back to bite us again. Worse, the Reserve Bank of Australia predicts it will linger for longer than previously expected, adding to cost-of-living concerns. So, what is inflation, and what causes it? Do we have to worry … Read more
