2025: The year the world chose direction
18 December
History rarely announces itself in dramatic bursts. More often, it reveals itself through quiet turning points — moments when trends harden into realities and choices can no longer be postponed. 2025 was one of those years. It did not deliver a...[Read More]
Quarter 1 2026 tax planning: The top 5 things business owners should know
18 December
As we move into Quarter 1 of 2026, business owners have a valuable window to get their tax affairs in order before the end of the financial year approaches. Early planning can mean the difference between paying more tax than necessary and putting...[Read More]
Why seek aged care advice from a qualified professional?
18 December
As Australians live longer and healthier lives, planning for aged care has become an essential part of securing wellbeing in later years. Yet for many individuals and families, navigating the aged care system can feel daunting. Complex rules,...[Read More]
How to celebrate Christmas meaningfully with your family and friends
18 December
Creating a Christmas filled with genuine warmth and joy often seems like a daunting task amidst the hustle of holiday preparations. The season of cheer can quickly turn into a flurry of stress, leaving many of us more relieved than regretful when...[Read More]
Common scams and strategies for protecting your small business
18 December
Scammers are constantly refining their tactics to target small businesses, making it essential to stay informed and vigilant. The federal government’s Scamwatch website is an excellent resource for understanding current scams and reporting new...[Read More]
Oliver’s insights – 2025 turned out pretty good, but what about 2026 – still at the bliss point?
17 December
Key points The key themes for 2025 were: tariff turmoil; global resilience helped by AI enthusiasm; sticky inflation; lower rates; and lots of geopolitical noise. For the third year in a row, returns were strong, albeit they slowed. 2026 is...[Read More]
Investment markets and key developments – Weekly market update 12/12/2025
17 December
Global shares were mixed over the last week with the Fed cutting rates but AI worries remaining. US shares made it to a record high as the Fed cuts rates and its commentary was mostly friendly for risk assets but fell on Friday as a disappointing...[Read More]
Tax reform call as data centre boom plugs in investment
17 December
The treasurer has been urged to raise the GST, lower the capital gains discount and introduce a modest inheritance tax to fix his ailing budget as Australia’s nascent data centre boom lifts productivity hopes. In next week’s Mid-Year Economic...[Read More]
Cheapest grocery prices revealed for Christmas parties
17 December
A large gulf on the cost of groceries remains between Aldi and the major supermarkets, ahead of rules cracking down on price gouging coming into effect. The latest quarterly survey of supermarket prices by consumer advocacy group Choice found Aldi...[Read More]
Six figures or out: income needed for typical rental
17 December
Australian households on less than six-figure incomes are struggling to make rent for a typical capital city house, underscoring the depth of the nation’s housing affordability challenge. To afford the median rental house, a household must earn...[Read More]
Weeks wait for social media ban data to come online
17 December
Australia won’t know until Christmas how many children have sidestepped a social media ban for under 16s. The nation has become the first to introduce age restrictions for 10 social media platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat and...[Read More]
‘Smash-hit’ battery scheme topped up, subsidies trimmed
17 December
More batteries in more homes is the promise of a federal government decision to triple the budget of a popular rebate scheme and wind back discounts for bigger systems. The subsidy, which has been in place for five months, will get a generous top-up...[Read More]
Aussies skipping dental, medical care to afford rent
17 December
Squeezed by rising energy and housing costs, many Australians are are skipping meals, medical care and heating to keep a roof over their heads. A survey by campaign group Everybody’s Home has found many people are sacrificing driving, meals and...[Read More]
Social media ban slugged with second legal challenge
17 December
Reddit should not be considered social media, the app’s management argues, as it fights Australia’s world-leading ban for under 16s. The company has filed a challenge in the High Court hoping to repeal the legislation, claiming the age limit is...[Read More]
Long commute deal breaker as workers stay close to home
17 December
Almost two in three Australians would not consider working for a company that required a long commute and many were willing to sacrifice higher wages and perks to work closer to home. Employees with short commutes also reported being happier and...[Read More]