Looking for higher returns than cash in the bank with less volatility than shares and property? With interest rates generally considered to be at or near their peak, fixed interest investments, such as bonds and other credit investments, may offer an attractive ‘middle ground’. Interest rates represent the cost of borrowing money. They affect how […]
It’s lucky Aussie homeowners are a pretty resilient bunch. All the interest rate rises over the past couple of years have delivered a serious reality check, leaving variable rate home loans higher than they’ve been for a generation. So you need to get your home loan working as hard as possible particularly if your fixed […]
In this article we look at some of the ways you can better manage the high cost of living by investing, increasing your income or reducing expenses. Key takeaways Investing a portion of your income is one way you can keep up with a high cost of living. Shopping around for the best deals on […]
The three biggest drains on our money are paying for housing, food and transport; and there’s no getting away from the fact that it is unlikely we can live without any of the ‘big three’. Here we look at some ways of how to save on these items. Saving on rent in the Big Smoke […]
Is it really possible to live within your means and still enjoy life? The answer is yes and with just a few important changes you can start spending less and lose the debt. From less than zero to savings hero Debt can be a really big drag on your finances and yet borrowing to buy […]
If you’re thinking about refinancing your home loan, this step-by-step guide shows you what to expect and how to navigate the process. Refinancing can mean talking to your current provider to renegotiate your arrangement with them (an internal refinance), but it often refers to switching to a different lender to secure a better deal (an external […]
Volatility is part and parcel of investing so it’s important to put it into perspective and look at the full picture when thinking about your wealth, rather than focus on day-to-day market swings. If there was to be a single investing lesson that emerged from the events of the last two years, it is that […]
Do you struggle to control your spending around your friends and family? If the urge to ‘keep up’ with a certain lifestyle is stretching your finances, it could be time to take action. From splitting the bill at an expensive restaurant, to having the ‘right’ house, car and clothes, many of us fall victim to […]
Worrying about your finances can take a real toll on your mental health. With many people experiencing financial stress, we look at what you can do to improve your financial (and mental) wellbeing. According to the Melbourne Institute, one-in-three Australians are now reporting financial stress, while one-in-five are feeling ‘mental distress’. The Melbourne Institute also found […]
Higher interest rates can present unique opportunities for saving and potential portfolio rebalancing. As inflation continues to challenge the economy, it’s likely we’ll see interest rates rise and economic activity slow. However, that doesn’t have to be cause for panic—higher interest rates can present unique opportunities for saving and potential portfolio rebalancing. What do interest […]