The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has increased interest rates by 0.25 percentage points. The new cash rate target is 4.35 percent, up from 4.1 percent. Interest rates have now returned to the level they were in February 2025 before the RBA began its rate cutting cycle last year, so last year's policy easing has been fully unwound. The decision...

From 1 July 2026, super contributions are getting a refresh. Payday Super means your employer will pay your super at the same time they process your pay, rather than relying on the current minimum rule of quarterly payments. While some employers already pay super more frequently, this will become the standard from July 2026. The result? Your super reaches your...

In recent years, market volatility has once again tested the nerves of investors. From the post COVID recovery to ongoing geopolitical tensions, persistent inflation and rising interest rates, many are questioning how best to position their investments for the future. For retirees, the challenge is even greater, finding reliable income while preserving capital isn’t easy in this kind of environment....

Interest rates are rising and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has hinted that they could stay elevated for longer than expected. While people who live off their investments, including self funded retirees welcome the rise, homebuyers must think about what higher rates will mean for them, especially if those rates stay higher for longer. Many households put their lifestyles...

There are always two ways for individuals to hold cash, emergency fund cash and investment cash. This needs to be clarified before discussing any investment mix. Emergency cash (not in your portfolio) Life has a habit of delivering the unexpected, so it’s a good idea to keep 3 to 6 months of living expenses in cash, readily accessible in a...

Looking for ways to manage investment risk while still aiming for long term returns? While valuations in many investment asset types have been affected by market volatility this year, there are a range of approaches investors may consider to adjust how they’re positioned. After a volatile March that has affected valuations in many investment asset classes, many investors are wondering...

Market developments during April 2026 included: Key Points Global equities rebounded strongly, looking through the geopolitical and oil price pressures. Inflationary pressures continue to cause markets to reassess the monetary policy paths of many central banks. Australian equities lagged global markets, with the Health Care and Consumer Staples sectors the main detractors. Australian Equities The S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index rose...

When markets get bumpy or household budgets feel tighter, it’s common for people to start questioning their super. If your balance has dipped or returns haven’t met expectations, you might wonder whether continuing to contribute is worth it – or whether super is really doing its job. Before making any big decisions, it helps to step back and consider what...

Prepare for any changes that may be occurring in 2026 and beyond. Looking ahead: What’s changing in 2026? At this time of year, many of us start thinking about what’s next – new goals, fresh opportunities and trying to understand what’s ahead. Over the next year, a number of changes to superannuation, tax and even aged care may affect you...

If 2025 was the year that Australia’s property market roared back to life, 2026 looms as the year it taps the brakes. Price growth is expected to slow, there’s a risk of interest rate hikes and rising borrowing costs could fuel negative growth across some sectors. Still, government backed first home buyers, a return of investors and demand for budget...

Thinking about using your super to invest in property? You’re not alone. Australians are increasingly seeking alternatives to traditional investments such as shares and managed funds to build their retirement wealth. Find out if buying property with superannuation is right for you. Buying property with SMSFs: how does it work? Investing in property through a self managed super fund (SMSF)...

Shares or stocks are a popular investment for many investors but can be intimidating when you are starting out. Here’s a short guide to help start your journey into investing. What are shares? Shares, also called stocks, are a part ownership of a company and, if the company is publicly listed on a stock exchange, can be purchased or sold....

Ransomware is a common and dangerous type of malware. It works by locking up or encrypting your files so that you can no longer access them. A ransom, usually in the form of cryptocurrency, is demanded to restore access to the files, or to prevent data and intellectual property from being leaked or sold online. A ransomware attack could block...

What goes up, must come down. Market highs and lows are a normal part of the investment world but they can be hard to handle when it’s your money at stake. Market volatility Investment markets tend to move in cycles, from boom periods when assets rise in value and deliver strong gains, to events like the global financial crisis when...

Market developments during January 2026 included: Key Points The domestic equity market took the lead from European and US markets, finishing higher in January, while Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) moved lower. US equity markets rose in January in the face of rising geopolitical tension and the start of another US earnings season. Fixed interest performance was generally mixed over...

Even with interest rates easing, the cost of living remains tough. In some cases, super can offer relief – especially under compassionate grounds or severe financial hardship. Mortgage stress is hitting many Australians hard – and if you're feeling the pressure, you're not alone. Even though interest rates have started to ease, the cost of living is still putting pressure...

The following outlines your obligations as a trustee or director of a corporate trustee of a Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF) and what happens when they are not met. Understand your obligations All trustees of your SMSF are responsible for running the fund and making decisions that are in the best financial interests of all members. This means you are...

Working out how much your business is worth can be an important part of getting finance, attracting investors or selling your business. Here are some suggested steps to help you through the process. Prepare your business information You’ll need a range of business information to value your business properly. If you need help with preparing your documents and can’t afford...

Superannuation is one of the important pillars of savings in retirement for most Australians. After years of working and contributing to your super fund, retirement is when you are finally able to access it. Whether retirement is just around the corner or still a few years away, it’s worth understanding your options. In this article, we’ll walk you through your...

Receiving an inheritance may be a once in a lifetime financial opportunity that also coincides with a very difficult, emotional time in your life. Whether you inherit $10,000 or $100,000, your age, life stage, risk appetite and financial preparedness are likely to play a key role in decisions about how and where to invest. Many Australians are likely to be...

Your super and investment savings represent years of hard work for a secure future. Unfortunately, they can be a prime target for scammers, causing significant financial loss and emotional distress. Financial scams are on the rise and becoming more sophisticated, making them harder to detect. This article will help you recognise common types of super and investment scams, how to identify...

Deeming rates changed for the first time in five years in September, which will affect the income the government estimates retirees earn from their investments. At the same time, Age Pension payments and part Age Pension cut off limits have also increased. Deeming rates used to estimate the income Age Pension recipients receive from their financial investments increased from 20...

Global Trade tensions re-escalated in October, with the US responding to increased rare earth export controls from China with an additional 100% tariff alongside export controls on critical software. This led to the S&P500 experiencing its largest one day decline since Liberation Day in April, falling by -2.71% on October 10. Gold prices accelerated to fresh record highs amid global...

Overview The total value of Australian residential real estate is now $11.8 trillion. National housing values are gaining momentum, rising 2.2% over the September quarter alone. Darwin markets are setting the pace for capital growth since the first interest rate cut in February, with suburbs like Wanguri and Durack (NT) soaring by 20.1%. Conversely, Sydney and Melbourne accounted for the...

In today's world, we manage a significant part of our lives through emails. We use them to communicate with friends, family and colleagues. We also use email to sign up for online accounts and services. Checking and managing your emails may seem like a mundane and repetitive task. But if you don't stay vigilant, someone else could access and control...

In short: The Reserve Bank cut interest rates by 0.25 percentage points in August to 3.6 per cent, after July's shock 'on hold' decision. The average owner-occupier with a $750,000 mortgage as of February will see their minimum monthly repayment fall $111 if their bank passes on the cut, taking the cumulative reduction this year to $340, according to Canstar....

Protecting retirement income from inflation The fall in inflation from multi decade highs is good news for the Australian economy. Many retirees are struggling to manage their cost of living because of the cumulative impact inflation has had on their financial position. Looking forward, retirees need a portfolio that is protected from inflation risks so that they don’t experience another...

The amount of super you need to support your retirement will depend on what kind of lifestyle you’re hoping to enjoy and how much income you’ll be earning in addition to your super savings. Income from the Age Pension, part-time work and other financial investments will affect the amount of super you need to retire comfortably. The Association of Superannuation...

Australian housing values rose another 0.6% in June, marking a fifth straight month of growth since conditions flattened out through the end of last year. Demonstrating the broad based nature of the upswing, monthly gains were recorded across almost every broad region of Australia, with Hobart the only region to see a month on month fall. The first rate cut...

Global Financial markets rallied in July after the US struck trade deals with Japan and the EU, which involved a reduction in the tariff rate in exchange for over $1 trillion in combined investment and purchased commitments, supporting both equities and broader risk sentiment. While gold has been supported year to date (YTD) by safe-haven demand and exchange traded fund...