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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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