Finance
10 Tips to Cut Down on Household Energy Consumption
18 May
As a homeowner, you’re likely aware of the increasing costs associated with household energy consumption. This is why cutting down on energy use can mean big savings. In addition to the financial benefits, reducing electricity use can help to...[Read More]
Striking a Balance: How to Achieve Financial Independence and Enjoy It Too
18 May
Striving for financial independence is an important goal for many people, as it helps them focus and create concrete plans for their desired outcomes. However, what happens after you achieve financial independence or FI? Some actually find it...[Read More]
Oliver’s insights – commercial property returns under threat
18 May
Key points – Australian unlisted commercial property returns have been very strong over the last two decades thanks largely to the “search for attractive yields” by investors. – With the back up in bond yields, this driver is reversing...[Read More]
Super health check
17 May
Use this checklist to review the health of your super in 5 easy steps. Why you should review your super Your super is one of the biggest assets you’ll accumulate in your lifetime. However, many Australians think they don’t need to worry about...[Read More]
Weekly market update-Investment markets and key developments
17 May
It was a quieter week in financial markets. Issues around the banking sector have again faded into the background, but its too early to say that they are completely resolved. US debt ceiling negotiations are progressing. US President Biden...[Read More]
Tight jobs market underpins 3.7 per cent wages growth
17 May
Wages have responded to the tight labour market, rising 3.7 per cent annually in the March quarter. On a quarterly basis, the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ wage price index lifted 0.8 per cent. ABS acting head of prices statistic Leigh...[Read More]
JobSeeker threshold change would cost less: Dutton
17 May
A proposal to lift the working hours threshold for those on JobSeeker would allow them to earn more while putting less strain on the budget, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton says. The coalition has called for an increase of five to 10 hours in the...[Read More]
Light on the hill for China barley tariff removal
17 May
There’s a light on the hill for the end of punitive import tariffs on Australian barley imposed by China, with hopes Beijing will remove the impediments in the coming months. Beijing agreed to expedite a review into its barley tariffs after...[Read More]
Australia urged to join any G7 sanctions against Russia
17 May
Australia is being urged to join any G7 push to strengthen sanctions against Russia when the world’s most powerful leaders meet in Japan this week. G7 leaders will take further steps to choke energy and exports funding Moscow’s war effort and...[Read More]
Home improvement: What you need to know
11 May
Embarking on a home improvement can be an exciting and rewarding process. It can transform your living space and increase the value of your property. With so many informative videos and other great resources online, there’s a thriving culture...[Read More]
The 2023-24 Budget – Return to surplus with fastest improvement since end of WW2, cost of living help but structural deficits remain (albeit smaller)
11 May
Key points – The budget this year is expected to return to a surplus of $4bn thanks to a continuing revenue windfall. – Key measures include cost-of-living support, more spending on aged care and a move to slow NDIS growth. – Implications...[Read More]
Weekly market update – Investment markets and key developments
11 May
Global share markets mostly fell over the last week with further rate hikes and ongoing concerns about US banks and the US debt ceiling. Despite strong rallies on Friday as US banks bounced and as solid US payrolls tempered recession fears a bit,...[Read More]
Key areas of savings and cuts in 2023 federal budget
10 May
KEY SAVINGS AND CUTS IN THE FEDERAL BUDGET * Reducing debt to save $83 billion in interest over 10 years * $3.8 billion over five years from GST compliance crackdown * $3 billion over five years in tobacco tax * $2.4 billion from changes to...[Read More]
Cost-of-living package promises to benefit women most
10 May
Single mothers and staff in feminised workforces are some of the biggest winners in the federal budget, which puts improvements to women’s lives front and centre. The federal government has labelled its cost-of-living support package which...[Read More]
Treasurer Chalmers plays down second surplus prospect
10 May
Treasurer Jim Chalmers is playing down the prospect of a second consecutive budget surplus as he pitches his economic blueprint. The government expects to book a $4.2 billion underlying cash surplus in this financial year – the first in 15...[Read More]