News and Tips
Vested interests spar over what's best for super
Annette Sampson Here's a handy tip for those of you on higher incomes. Squirrel as much as you can into super this year, while you can still take advantage of those generous tax concessions.
Marcus Padley
We know, we know, we know - stop telling us, already
MARCUS PADLEY Before we have to read another opinion about the market, let's get a few things clear.
Assured earnings a boon for Telstra
John Collett Long-suffering shareholders to be rewarded at last. By John Collett.
Savings
How to account for school fees
Sue Hoban Paying for children’s education can be a costly business but options are available for parents who want to ensure they get a head start.
Power price leap energises call for consumers to shop for best deal
Clay Lucas Electricity and gas prices will jump by at least double the rate of inflation on January 1.
The new age of old: going back to basics
Lindy Percival Suddenly op shops are chic places to be and ungainly objects have fresh reasons for being. So what's behind the retro boom?
Borrowing
Prices slowly emerging from the doldrums
Simon Johanson After almost two years of gloom, house prices in Sydney and Melbourne are showing some signs of improvement and real estate agents hope lower interest rates will accelerate the trend.
A handy home-loan summary
Mortgage payment guides are useful tools for buyers but beware their oversimplification, writes John Kavanagh.
Wary home buyers lock in fixed-rates
Peter Martin Financial markets are banking on more rate cuts over the next six months, but many home buyers appear not to care.
Investing
Profile: Belinda Clark
PROFILE If Belinda Clark gets time for a backyard cricket match this summer, her nieces and nephews know she's always reluctant to hand back the bat.
A decent return can be found
John Collett goes in search of investments that will perform better than term deposits.
Planning
Best options for aged care
It's crucial to understand the special rules that apply to the family home, writes Noel Whittaker.
Funding a private education
When it comes to paying for your child's schooling, it's best to start planning as soon as you can, writes John Collett.
How to retire in tough times
Sue Hoban The GFC forced many people to delay retirement but what is it like for those who have bitten the bullet?
Super & Funds
Discipline can save the day
FUND PICK Anyone expecting investment markets to make up for their lack of savings discipline in achieving a comfortable retirement is deluding themselves. Superannuation funds are not again going to be making the high single-digit returns year after year that they did before the GFC.
Funds using climate risks in asset decisions
Paddy Manning SUPERANNUATION funds, including the $42 billion industry fund AustralianSuper, are beginning to factor climate risks into investment decisions, according to a report by actuarial firm Mercer.
How to retire in tough times
Sue Hoban The GFC forced many people to delay retirement but what is it like for those who have bitten the bullet?
Tax
Tax breaks for wealthy under fire
ADELE HORIN A crackdown on federal waste and unfair tax breaks is needed to fund social and economic reforms.
Gillard touts tax break for families with teens at school
Debra Jopson Families can get up to $160 extra a fortnight in tax benefits if their teenagers stay in school or in vocational training.
New laws put ATO to the test
Ben Butler Tax Commissioner warns organisation will be put under pressure by carbon and mining taxes.
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