Students and hire staff pay for Labor election pledges

30 April

Hiking international student visa fees and trimming consultant spending are Labor’s plan to keep the budget in shape while splashing out on election sweeteners. An assurance by Treasurer Jim Chalmers that more than $7 billion in savings would...[Read More]

Million-dollar homes here to stay in record five cities

30 April

Buyers beware – it costs an average of $1 million to enter the housing market in most major cities as political leaders try to woo potential homeowners. Adelaide has become the fifth capital city to break into the million-dollar club, with the...[Read More]

Fraud warning from ‘gold squad’ as price hits new high

30 April

If a gold deal sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is. As gold reaches the record price of more than $5300 an ounce, the Perth Mint and WA Police are warning buyers of an increase in counterfeit gold. Fake gold bars and coins are being...[Read More]

Full-time workers hit by ‘worst ever’ housing crisis

30 April

Two workers for the federal government have been forced to use a food bank because of exorbitant rents, advocates say, as fresh data shows most rentals are unaffordable. The two women, in the nation’s capital where the average annual wage is more...[Read More]

Calls go out to dial in payphones as national landmarks

30 April

Payphones might appear to be a thing of the past but thousands of Australians are using them each month to access crisis support. That is one argument being pointed to in a push for three Telstra public phones to be recognised as national...[Read More]

Problem child no more: surprise rise in state rankings

30 April

Oft-derided as an economic basket case whose government had driven the state’s budget into a black hole, things are looking up for Victoria. Australia’s second-most populous province is the biggest surprise in CommSec’s latest State of the...[Read More]

Full steam ahead for cash rate cut as inflation settles

30 April

Interest rate relief could come within weeks after a higher than expected inflation print still fell within the Reserve Bank’s target range. Underlying inflation fell to 2.9 per cent in the year to March and headline inflation held steady at 2.4...[Read More]

Drivers could pay more tax after electric car U-turn

30 April

The cost of buying an electric vehicle could rise by thousands of dollars for some motorists if fringe benefits tax rules are changed after the election. Automotive groups warn drivers in outer metropolitan suburbs could be hit hardest by the...[Read More]

Digital literacy in retirement: embracing tech in the golden years

24 April

In today’s fast-paced world, digital literacy has become a vital skill for people of all ages—including retirees.    Far from being just “young people’s territory,” technology now plays a significant role in helping older adults stay...[Read More]

Saving for the future: building financial security

24 April

In an era where the allure of instant gratification is stronger than ever, the art of saving money seems to be fading into the background. Yet, the truth remains: most of us have aspirations that extend beyond our immediate reach, be it a new car,...[Read More]

Understanding underinsurance in Australia

24 April

Australia faces an underinsurance crisis, leaving many exposed to unexpected life challenges. A quick scroll on social media might reveal fundraisers for families who’ve lost a loved one. Tell-tale signs indicate a worrying trend and numerous...[Read More]

Benefits of a caravan lifestyle in Australia

24 April

A rising number of Australians are searching for alternative life experiences that provide them with a sense of independence from city life and a connection to nature.   Caravan living can be for you if you’re looking for new experiences or wish...[Read More]

Rate cut on horizon amid fears of more stock turmoil

23 April

Investors tormented by weeks of tariff turmoil will hope for a quiet return from Easter as mortgage holders eye a rate cut on the horizon. Stocks in Australia and the US have clawed back ground in the past fortnight after US President Donald Trump...[Read More]

Jobs market strong but Trump tariff bomb yet to explode

23 April

Global headwinds stirred by “erratic” US policy decisions could still hit the Australian jobs market despite latest figures showing only a small uptick in unemployment. About 30,000 jobs were created in March after a shock 53,000 slump in...[Read More]

Economists send open letter opposing nuclear plan

23 April

An open letter from 60 Australian economists has rejected the coalition’s nuclear energy plan, promoting instead the subsidising of household clean energy policies, including incentives for home battery storage. The organiser of the letter, Gareth...[Read More]