Asking for a pay rise: How to prepare for the conversation that matters

19 February

For many professionals, the annual performance review is both an opportunity and a source of anxiety—especially when it comes to discussing remuneration. Asking for a pay rise can feel uncomfortable, even risky. Yet when approached thoughtfully...[Read More]

Why tax planning works best when it’s not left until June

19 February

Tax tends to become a priority when deadlines are close — but the best tax outcomes are usually supported by decisions made throughout the year.  For individuals and business owners alike, proactive tax planning can reduce last-minute stress,...[Read More]

Refinancing your home loan can unlock new opportunities and ease financial pressure

19 February

For many, a home loan is one of the largest financial commitments they’ll ever make. Yet, it’s not something most people revisit often enough. Whether you’re paying off credit cards, dreaming of a kitchen renovation, or wondering if your...[Read More]

Starting the aged care conversation earlier than you think

19 February

Aged care is one of those topics many families avoid until circumstances force a decision. When things change suddenly — a fall, a health event, or a noticeable decline — choices can feel rushed and emotional.  Starting the conversation earlier...[Read More]

Money, meaning, and mistakes: The advice I’d give my younger self

19 February

If I could sit down with my younger self and offer a heartfelt conversation, it would revolve around the two pillars of a well-lived life: financial wisdom and life perspective. It wouldn’t be a lecture, but more like quiet guidance—a few...[Read More]

The quiet power of superannuation over time

19 February

Superannuation rarely feels urgent. It’s often out of sight, tucked away on payslips, and easy to ignore while life is busy. Yet for many Australians, super is one of the biggest financial assets they will ever build.  The good news is that super...[Read More]

Why wellbeing is a foundation, not a ‘nice to have’

19 February

Wellbeing is often treated like a reward — something we’ll focus on ‘when things settle down’. But for most people, life doesn’t truly slow down for long. Wellbeing is less about pampering and more about the basic foundations that support...[Read More]

Oliver’s insights – Nine key charts for investors to keep an eye on

18 February

Key points This year has started off rather messy with geopolitical threats and worries around AI disruption and valuations. We are mildly upbeat on shares for the year but see a 15% or so correction as likely along the way. Nine key charts worth...[Read More]

Investment markets and key developments – Weekly market update – 13-02-2026

18 February

US shares fell over the last week on the back of ongoing concerns about AI disruption, excessive related capital spending and tech sector valuations. For the week the US share market fell 1.4%. Eurozone shares also fell but only by 0.3%. But...[Read More]

One tax still off the table as treasurer weighs reform

18 February

Treasurer Jim Chalmers won’t change the GST despite urging from an influential global economic body to lift the consumption tax. In its latest report, the International Monetary Fund praised the federal government’s handling of Australia’s...[Read More]

RBA urges more high-rise amid home-building constraints

18 February

Governments are making the right moves on housing affordability but builders are still finding it “very challenging” to bring on new supply, RBA governor Michele Bullock says. Speaking at a second parliamentary hearing in less than one week, Ms...[Read More]

Thousands of new brickies, sparkies to bolster housing

18 February

Thousands of new apprentices could help bring down the cost of construction, but land has been identified as the biggest hurdle to getting more homes built. Fresh data reveals 11,407 carpentry, plumbing and bricklayers signed up to the federal...[Read More]

Regions beckon as young Aussies rethink city life

18 February

Gen Z is leading a new wave of city dwellers eyeing a move to the regions, with almost half considering swapping skyscrapers for the great outdoors. Australians aged 18 to 29 have overtaken millennials (aged 30 to 45) as the cohort most eager to...[Read More]

Electric car sales may stall if tax policy changes gear

18 February

At launch, the Electric Car Discount was expected to help about 5000 Australians get behind the wheel of a quiet, low-emissions, battery-powered vehicle. The policy, introduced in 2022, removed the fringe benefits tax from some electric cars,...[Read More]

‘Right the ship’: polluters tax could be vote spinner

18 February

Forcing Australia’s biggest polluters to pay tax for their emissions may no longer be electoral kryptonite, polling indicates. The survey of 3000 Australian adults by Redbridge Group showed most regional and urban voters supported introducing a...[Read More]