Budget time is review time: why professional advice matters

14 May

The Federal Budget is more than a political announcement. For many Australians, it is an important reminder to stop, review and ask a simple question: are my financial, lifestyle and tax strategies still working in my favour?   Budget changes can...[Read More]

Self managed super funds: Understanding the basics

14 May

A Self Managed Super Fund, often called an SMSF, can be an attractive option for people who want more control over how their retirement savings are managed. But while the idea of “managing your own super” may sound empowering, it also comes with...[Read More]

Smarter energy at home: Serious ways to reduce electricity bills

14 May

Electricity bills have become one of the biggest household expenses, and for many families, the usual advice of “turn off the lights” simply does not go far enough.   While small habits matter, meaningful savings often come from understanding...[Read More]

The view from 80: Lessons worth learning before life teaches them the hard way

14 May

If you ask an 80-year-old what matters most in life, chances are they will not begin with money, status, career titles or the things they once rushed to buy. They may smile quietly, pause for a moment, and speak about people. About time. About...[Read More]

Navigating ownership changes: A guide for business owners

14 May

Changing a business’s ownership structure can be a complex process, often necessitated by various circumstances, such as partnership disputes, divorce, retirement, or the sale of the business.   Regardless of the reason, it’s crucial to...[Read More]

Take the break: creating memories with your loved ones

14 May

In today’s fast-paced world, the significance of taking leave and investing quality time with loved ones cannot be overstated.    Our professional lives often consume vast portions of our waking hours, leaving limited opportunities to nurture...[Read More]

Ethical investing: How do you align your money with your values

14 May

In today’s world, more investors are seeking not only financial returns but also alignment between their money and their values. This approach, known as ethical investing, is about choosing investments that consider environmental, social, and...[Read More]

Things you can do to entertain teenage kids still living at home

14 May

Sometimes, it may seem as though we have no connection to our formerly young, now-adolescent children.   It can be difficult to relate with teenagers as they navigate adolescence by developing their own interests, experimenting with various social...[Read More]

Oliver’s Insights – The 2026-27 Budget – responsibility, productivity and fairness – or is it?

14 May

Key points The key changes are a wind back in negative gearing, the taxation of real capital gains, numerous moves to reduce regulation, and modest net budget cuts over five years. The projected deficits are now slightly lower over the budget...[Read More]

Budget spending stokes fears of further rate rise pain

14 May

Treasurer Jim Chalmers is defending an extra $18 billion in government spending next financial year despite warnings it will make the Reserve Bank’s fight against inflation harder. The federal budget on Tuesday revealed government spending will...[Read More]

Labor tucks away $77b war chest for further tax cuts

14 May

Tax changes in the budget give the government scope to direct more relief to workers in future, raising the prospect of a 2028 pre-election sweetener. While higher taxes on assets will be returned to workers via tax cuts in the short term, Treasury...[Read More]

Business sector urges Canberra to tackle red-tape cuts

14 May

The federal government must crack on with harmonising regulations so that businesses like retailers, airports and farmers can avoid costly red tape, a major business lobby says. The Alliance of Industry Associations, representing 30 groups including...[Read More]

Australians move to regions seeking affordable housing

14 May

House prices in the regions are growing faster than the capitals as Australians abandon big cities in search of affordability. In the three months to April, regional dwelling values increased by 3.3 per cent, outpacing the 1.1 per cent rise across...[Read More]

Super shake-up wins support as budget savings spruiked

14 May

Superannuation performance test changes are being flagged as a way to boost Australia’s lagging productivity rate, as the federal treasurer promises more budget savings. First signalled during Jim Chalmers’ economic reform roundtable in August,...[Read More]

Aussies reliant on crucial medicines to save on scripts

14 May

More Australians will be able to pick up their prescriptions for less money, as the government boosts medicine subsidies in the federal budget. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, which regulates prices of life-saving medications, will be increased...[Read More]