Lots of stores offer consumer leases that allow you to rent an item like a laptop, TV or fridge. How a consumer lease works A consumer lease lets you rent an item, like a laptop, TV or fridge, for a set amount of time. You make regular rental payments, typically weekly or fortnightly, until the … Read more
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
Setting up a lifetime income stream is one way to get regular payments in retirement. What is a lifetime income stream? A lifetime income stream is a financial product that pays you regular income for as long as you live. You buy a lifetime income stream with a lump sum of money, such as your … Read more
Getting on top of your finances is one of the most common new year’s resolutions. But sticking to them can be hard. If you want to get your finances unstuck, here’s five money tasks you can tick off during your summer down time, that will help set you up for success this year. Check your … Read more
In November 2025, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) announced major changes to the Debt-To-Income (DTI) lending criteria that will be introduced on 1 February 2026. In this article, we will explain what’s happening, why, and what it means for borrowers and the overall housing market. Introducing the changes For the first time, Australian banks … Read more
Self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) trustees always have a lot on their to-do lists but the first few months of 2026 are likely to be busier than usual. Topping the list is preparing for the introduction of Payday Super and the Better Targeted Superannuation Concessions on 1 July 2026. Payday Super is a change to when … Read more
Quoting a tax file number When you buy shares, you have a choice whether you quote a tax file number (TFN). If you quote a TFN, you pay taxes on the dividends when you lodge the tax return. If the shareholder is the: child, quote the child’s TFN parent, as trustee for the child, and … Read more
We plan for holidays, home renovations, and retirement but we’re less likely to plan for the unexpected. Life insurance is one quiet but powerful way to protect the people you love from financial stress if something happens to you. Whether you’re raising a family, supporting a partner, or building a business, life insurance helps ensure … Read more
You’ve been doing all the right things when it comes to saving your hard-earned cash. You’ve cut back on luxury getaways and culinary splurges, exercised caution around Friday night drinks, resisted the temptation of online sales and proudly watched your savings grow. Then out of nowhere – your car has broken down, your dog needs … Read more
You must tell us if you or your partner start any paid work and you must report any employment income you or your partner have been paid. If you don’t, we may pay you too much Age Pension and you’ll have a debt to pay back. We may also stop your payment. Read about employment … Read more
Why you should review your super Your super could be one of the biggest assets you’ll accumulate in your lifetime. However, many Australians think they don’t need to worry about their super until retirement. Some don’t think about it at all. It’s never too early to think about your super and the earlier you get … Read more
The key factors that influenced trading on global financial markets 2025 was defined by dramatic shifts and surprising outcomes across global investment markets. From the surge in precious metals to the resilience of equities and the evolving landscape of fixed income, investors navigated a world shaped by economic uncertainty, technological innovation, and shifting government policies. … Read more
