Today
Who three childless couples plan to leave their money to
One of the joys of a life well lived is lavishing the wealth you’ve created on others. If you don’t have natural heirs, thorough estate planning is crucial.
- Nina Hendy and Joanna Mather
Yesterday
- Opinion
- SMSFs
How SMSFs can find cash when tragedy strikes
What happens when the sudden death of one spouse threatens to force the sale of property in a self-managed fund?
- Peter Townsend
This Month
Financial advice is expensive – is it tax-deductible?
A change from the ATO has broadened the tax-deductibility of some financial advice fees, which should make seeing an adviser for the first time a bit cheaper.
- Penny Wise
Where to invest $10,000 for two, five, 10 and 20 years
The decision on where to invest comes down to two factors: how long do you have, and how much risk you are willing to take.
- Lucy Dean
The five numbers that determine whether you’ll pay more for aged care
Well-off families will pay more under new rules for funding residential aged care. Here are five key numbers you need to know to navigate the additional expense.
- Joanna Mather
Nine money tips for new parents (and parents-to-be)
Your budget, salary and superannuation are just some of the things that could take a hit when having a baby. But by planning ahead, you can save on many of the costs.
- Michelle Bowes
How will the ATO view an inheritance from New Zealand?
Estate planning can be difficult for those with family ties on both sides of the Tasman.
- Penny Wise
- Opinion
- Aged care
Thankfully, living at home until the end looks possible for more Australians
Elderly people will get used to paying for the services they need rather than wondering what they are going to leave the next generation.
- Bina Brown
You’ll thank this bank for making you wait hours for your savings
This neo-bank wants to do money differently, and teach its customers how to take control of their budgets.
- Lucy Dean
- Opinion
- Investing
Don’t let politics get in the way of a good return
With the US presidential election less than a month away should investors be concerned about the impact on sharemarkets?
- James Weir
Earning good money but saving nothing? Here’s what to do
No matter how much you earn, good budgeting is the foundation of financial success.
- Lucy Dean
Tweaking the 3pc buffer rule misses the real problem with housing
Reducing the mortgage serviceability test would allow more borrowers into the market. But the test is only one part of a much gnarlier problem.
- Lucy Dean
Would your family trust survive a black sheep attack?
Trusts are the go-to structure for asset protection and inheritance planning but as more wealthy families are discovering, they’re not bulletproof. Experts weigh in on how to prevent costly showdowns.
- Duncan Hughes
- Opinion
- Property downsizing
Four tips for upsizing super with downsizer contributions
If you’re 55 or over, you may be able to make a downsizer superannuation contribution to boost your retirement savings by up to $300,000.
- Jenneke Mills
My son is off to uni. Should I give him a credit card for emergencies?
Set clear guidelines around what constitutes an emergency. Does a late-night taxi ride home from the pub qualify?
- Penny Wise
How the ATO caught taxpayers cheating on ‘lifestyle’ assets
The Tax Office has provided The Australian Financial Review with exclusive details about some recent investigations.
- Duncan Hughes
September
Parents’ eye-watering education bills don’t end with school
Helping kids get started in life has arguably never been more expensive. Plan and save early, experts say. We’ve also found the most generous scholarships available.
- Michelle Bowes
The $52b side hustle economy offers a shot at getting rich
The ATO estimates there are around 1 million side hustlers, including a fast-growing group of white-collar workers who dream of going into business for themselves.
- Duncan Hughes
Perks, points and fees: How to choose the right credit card
Understanding the four credit card types will help you make smart choices.
- Lucy Dean
The $1 rule, and 43 other easy ways to be better with money
Not everything about money has to be hard. We asked experts for their top tips on how to be better at saving, budgeting and investing.
- Lucy Dean
