The principles behind smart borrowing to invest
Australians are living longer and experiencing higher house-to-wage ratios. It makes good sense to consider how you can achieve a comfortable long term future.
Our recent webinar on borrowing to invest brought together financial advice commentator Noel Whittaker, REA Group’s Chief Economist Nerida Conisbee and NAB Equity Head of Sales Craig Saunders to explore what makes a smart investor.
Cash reserves hit new records but avoid the traps
Why holding too much cash could burn a hole in your investment returns.
Monthly data just released by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) shows households across the nation are now holding record levels of cash.
Relationships and money
Making plans to move in with your partner or share finances can be exciting. Knowing your financial and legal responsibilities, and where to get help if you need it, can make your life together run more smoothly.
The earlier you start talking about your finances with your partner, the better.
You’re likely not as immune to scams as you think - here’s why
What do Tiger Woods, Ben Stiller, Australian pensioners and dating app users have in common? Despite being from different walks of life, they have all fallen prey to various scams.
In 2024, more than A$2.03 billion was lost to scams in Australia across 494,732 reported cases. Most of these scams were enabled by technology, with scammers contacting their victims either online or on the phone. However, about 600 of these scams happened in person.
Beware pushy sales tactics targeting your super
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has warned Australians to beware of high-pressure sales tactics aimed at getting people to switch superannuation providers.
The regulator has warned that “clickbait” ads, comparison websites and promises of unrealistic returns are among the tactics being used to entice Australians into switching their retirement savings, sometimes into risky or unsuitable schemes.
Spouse super contributions
There are 2 ways of contributing to your spouse's super:
You may be able to split contributions you have already made to your own super, by rolling them over to your spouse's super – known as a contributions-splitting super benefit.
You can make a super contribution directly to your spouse's super, treated as their non-concessional contribution, which may entitle you to a tax offset.
Super tax shake up
Superannuation tax rules are changing again and there are implications for those with very large balances as well as those on lower incomes.
The new super tax rules will begin on 1 July 2026 and will be based on your total super balance as at 30 June 2027.
Investing in rare earth requires patience and perspective
Few investment sectors combine geopolitical intrigue, technological innovation and long-term growth potential quite like rare earth elements (REEs).
For Australians, the recent deal with the United States to supply rare earths to seed US$8.5 billion worth of new projects, has thrust the sector into the spotlight.i
5 strategies for financially surviving divorce
Divorce can be one of life’s most emotionally and financially disruptive events. Whether you’re in the early stages of separation or rebuilding after a settlement, understanding the financial implications and taking proactive streps can make all the difference.
Your retirement. Your way. Your adventure
Retirement has often been seen as a time to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of daily life. And for many, that’s the dream. But retirement is no longer defined by one image or one path. In fact, it can be something much more expansive. Today, retirement is increasingly viewed as a time of freedom, possibility, and reinvention.
Separating? Understand your home loan options
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban are making headlines, having reportedly called time on their 19-year marriage. If you’re also facing a relationship break-up, it’s important to know where you stand on practical issues, such as how to hold onto the family home, if that’s your goal.
Find lost super
If you’ve ever had a job in Australia, even short-term, your employer probably paid money into a super fund for you.
This money is yours – even if you’ve moved, changed names, stopped using your old phone or email, or never signed up for an account.
Is big tech about to stumble?
It's easy to get sucked into the lure of the biggest companies - they're the most powerful; they're unstoppable. But history suggests that's not how these things work.
The companies many investors have relied on for their returns in the last few years are the Magnificent 7 (Mag 7). Today, what kind of shape are they in? Do they justify the faith that investors have placed in them? And crucially, is it too late to buy them as investments?
How ‘investment procrastination’ could be hurting your wealth
Putting off investing could cost you more than you think.
Many people delay investing because they feel they don’t know enough, are afraid of making mistakes or believe they need a large sum to begin.
This ‘investment procrastination’ — which can be a result of uncertainty, fear or hesitation — can limit their ability to build long-term wealth.
Australia’s economy shows best results in two years as consumer spending picks up
The Australian economy picked up strength in the June quarter as consumers opened their wallets, boosted by interest rate cuts earlier in the year.
New figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 0.6% in the June quarter and 1.8% over the year — the strongest outcome in two years and above market and economists’ expectations.
Thinking about retirement
We can help you plan for retirement and meet financial challenges when you’re retired.
You may be at a point in your life where you’re thinking about retiring. This could mean you’re reducing your work hours or stopping work completely.
Caring for older Australians
Caring for the elderly or aged means caring for someone who is either:
older than 65
older than 50 for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people.
It may be your parent, grandparent, extended family member or loved one.
You have access to the same services and payments as other carers. You may need to take time off work for caring responsibilities. You’ll need to make sure you also care for yourself.
Boost your super savings
What's your super strategy?
Creating a strong super strategy is crucial to setting yourself up for success later in life. Starting now and making small changes to how you approach your super savings can make all the difference to ensuring you have a secure and comfortable retirement.
Private vs government-funded elderly care: what’s best for your loved one?
Older Australians can access both government-funded and private aged care services, each with different costs, eligibility rules and flexibility. Understanding the differences between these options can help you or your loved ones make informed choices about the right support at home or in care.
As Trump abandons the rulebook on trade, does free trade have a future elsewhere?
The global trading system that promoted free trade and underpinned global prosperity for 80 years now stands at a crossroads.
Recent trade policy developments have introduced unprecedented levels of uncertainty – not least, the upheaval caused by United States President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff regime.

