As the calendar flips over to July, now’s a good time to give your home loan a once-over. We look at five strategies that could help you save on interest and pay off your mortgage sooner.

With three rate hikes already this year, and a big variation in rates between lenders, it’s worth checking you’re not paying too much interest on your mortgage this new financial year.

Most people don't think about aged care until they have to.

For many families, the conversation begins after a fall, a hospital admission or a sudden decline in health. Decisions that could have been considered over months or years suddenly need to be made in a matter of days.

For many Australians, aged care is one of the biggest unknowns when it comes to retirement planning.

Aged care costs vary based on the type of care required, an individual's financial circumstances, and the provider they choose. While the system can appear complex, understanding the basics before care is needed can help clients make more informed financial decisions and avoid unnecessary stress later.

If you have ever checked your super balance and wondered whether you are “behind” for your age, you aren’t alone.

To see where you truly sit, you should ignore “averages”, which can be skewed by a small number of very large balances. Instead, we look at the median, which is the middle value. Half of people have more than this amount, and half have less.

Many older Australians are understandably eager to access their superannuation, but strict rules apply.

For many Australians, superannuation will be their most significant source of long‑term savings.

Cash flow is essentially your income minus your expenses over a period of time. You can measure your cash flow on a monthly basis by looking at how much you’ve earned (whether through salary, dividends, side hustles, or rental income from an investment property) and how much you’ve spent.

Getting yourself ready for maternity or paternity leave involves more than just organising your time away from work. It’s about setting yourself and your family for success for one of the busiest times you’ll ever have, while ensuring your finances are in order.

Retiring well means making a series of decisions to ensure a financially secure post-work life. One practical step is to work out the income you need each week to survive and thrive when you stop working.

Retirement is an opportunity to assess where you live and how you want to live. 

Retirement may be a time to think about whether you want to stay where you are, downsize or move into a retirement home.

If you need help at home, the Australian Government provides a range of care services.

The first thing to do is think about what you need. You might want to stay in your own home but need some help with domestic chores. Or you might be ready to start looking at options for longer-term residential care.

If you have an SMSF, find out how the new Payday Super Regulations will impact SMSFs when Payday Super starts from 1 July 2026.

With the Payday Super Regulations starting from 1 July 2026, take the time to see how the changes will impact your SMSF.

When we talk about your long-term financial plan, we cover investments, superannuation, retirement income, and estate planning.

But there’s one area that’s often overlooked, and it can have a significant financial impact if it’s not planned properly: aged care.

In Australia, ageing isn’t a single event - it’s a journey that unfolds over decades.

The difference between a smooth transition and a stressful one usually comes down to timing. When you plan early, you have options. When you don’t, decisions get made for you.

Here’s how that journey typically unfolds - and what to do at each stage.

Deciding to downsize is a big life step. It is not just about moving to a smaller house. It can be about leaving behind a home full of memories, familiar streets, and routines you have built over many years.

For many, the idea of simplifying life, reducing maintenance, and freeing up finances can be very appealing. But for some, the reality of downsizing does not always match the rosy picture.

The transition of a parent or relative into residential aged care can be one of the most emotionally and financially challenging moments a family will face.

Beyond the personal upheaval, a number of issues need to be dealt with quickly including how to fund the Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD), how to cover daily care fees and what to do with the family home.

There’s a particular kind of unease that creeps in when market headlines start mixing geopolitics with talk of oil prices and recessions. That feeling has been hard to avoid, as the escalating war in the Middle East spooked global markets and brought fresh uncertainty to an already fragile economic landscape.

The Federal Government increased the Age Pension from 20 March 2026, alongside a gradual rise in deeming rates. Advocacy group COTA Australia says the pension boost will offer relief, but warns updated deeming assumptions may not reflect the realities facing all older Australians.

How much retirement costs depends on what you want out of retirement, and your individual needs and circumstances. The lifestyle you want may look different to another person's, so your living costs will be different. For example, you might prioritise travel, whilst your friends want to stay close to the grandchildren at home.

How a salary sacrifice arrangement can be used to make voluntary super contributions.

You and your employer can agree on a salary sacrifice arrangement (also known as salary packaging or total remuneration packaging) to exchange part of your salary or wages for benefits of a similar value.

Dealing with illness is often unexpected and stressful. Getting emotional and financial support can help you manage.

Here, we explain how you could get additional support.