Would you drive 30km/h to reduce road deaths?

14 May

Unsafe roads are forcing parents to drive children less than one kilometre to school, say safety advocates pushing for lower speed limits. Restricting cars and trucks to 30km/h would be the norm for neighbourhood streets under proposed laws being...[Read More]

Real conclave nothing like the film: Cardinal

14 May

A cardinal on the inside says the conclave to elect Pope Leo XIV was fraternal in atmosphere, without the high drama of the award-winning film of the same name. Conclave, released late last year, just months before the real-life secret meeting of...[Read More]

Dream holidays made easy: should you book direct or use a travel agent?

8 May

Planning your next family or dream holiday can be an exciting adventure in itself. Whether you’re dreaming of a tropical island escape, a multi-city European tour, or a road trip, the process starts with one big decision: how to plan it.  Should...[Read More]

Unlocking the Value of Your Home Loan: The Importance of Refinancing

8 May

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]

Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) checklist – summary

8 May

A Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) offers individuals more control over their retirement savings, but it comes with significant responsibilities.  This checklist outlines key considerations and requirements to help ensure compliance and effective...[Read More]

The redundancy checklist

8 May

Facing redundancy can be a challenging and emotional experience. It’s important to take a calm and considered approach to ensure you make the best financial decisions for your future.  A qualified financial adviser can assist you in navigating...[Read More]

Investment markets and key developments – weekly market update 05/05/2025

7 May

The rebound in shares continued over the last week helped by talk of trade deals, including with China, and Trump continuing to back track on tariffs along with good US earnings reports and solid payrolls. For the week US and Eurozone shares rose...[Read More]

Oliver’s insights – Labor returned to government in Australia – key challenges and risks

7 May

Key points The return of Labor with an increased majority basically means more of the same in terms of key economic policies. The key challenges for the Government are to boost productivity and hence living standards, improve housing supply and...[Read More]

Rate cut could fuel further ‘modest’ house price growth

7 May

Australian home values have continued to soar and an expected post-election rate cut is likely to fuel further growth. Defying economic uncertainty caused by US President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs, the national median dwelling price rose 0.3...[Read More]

Living costs rising despite cooling inflation

7 May

Australian households who depend on government payments have faced the highest increases in living costs this year, new data shows. Age pensioners and other recipients of government help faced 1.6 per cent higher living costs in the March quarter,...[Read More]

AI in every room: why home appliances are getting smart

7 May

Lights flick on as you enter the hall, the air-conditioner has pre-chilled the lounge, the robot vacuum has cleaned up, and the fridge sends you a message to let you know your cheese is nearing its expiry date. The artificially intelligent fridge...[Read More]

Election expected to drive confidence in electric cars

7 May

Electric vehicles are expected to grow in number and fall in price following the federal election as manufacturers and motorists gain confidence that regulations on low-emission transport will not change. Automotive experts issued the predictions on...[Read More]

Neale Daniher, Australian icon, is no good at fashion

7 May

Neale Daniher is 2025 Australian Of The Year and universally respected for his inspiring fight against motor neurone disease. Before becoming the face of the Fight MND charity, he was a very good AFL player and then an accomplished coach, who took...[Read More]

End of an online era as Microsoft closes Skype

7 May

Skype, the once-popular video call service, has ended operations after more than 20 years. Owner Microsoft had announced the move in February, encouraging Skype users to migrate to its communications app Teams. “As we say goodbye to Skype, we want...[Read More]

Cash splash on Mother’s Day, as fewer take part

7 May

The cost-of-living crunch won’t deter Australians from spoiling mum as they’re set to splurge this Mother’s Day. Flowers, food, clothing, personal beauty products, and jewellery are expected to top the list of gifts this year, as millions gear...[Read More]