Finance
The value of super: What you don’t feel at first, but thank yourself for later
12 February
Superannuation is one of those things most Australians start without really feeling its value. It begins quietly—small contributions taken from each pay, numbers on a statement you might glance at once a year, if at all. In the early years,...[Read More]
Tax made simple: The top questions people ask their accountant
12 February
Tax is one of those topics everyone knows is important—but few feel confident navigating alone. Rules change, life circumstances shift, and what worked last year may not work this year. That’s why accountants are one of the most frequently...[Read More]
Top 10 home renovation tips for maximising space and value
12 February
Renovating your home to increase space and add value requires strategic planning, creativity, and a focus on key areas that potential buyers or valuers find appealing. Here are the top 10 tips to guide you through this process: Plan and...[Read More]
Oliver’s insights – Inflation, rate hikes and public spending – Q&A
11 February
Key points Keeping inflation low and around target is important in terms of maximising living standards in Australia. We are optimistic that much of the recent rise in inflation will prove temporary. But some may reflect the economy hitting...[Read More]
Investment markets and key developments – Weekly market update 06-02-2026
11 February
Global share markets had a volatile ride over the last week with some sharp falls amidst increasing worries about tech valuations and overinvestment in AI, some weak US jobs data & ongoing fears of a US strike on Iran, but then a rebound in US and...[Read More]
Signs of softening spending could stay RBA’s rates hand
11 February
A sharp rise in consumption that caught the Reserve Bank off guard and prompted it to hike interest rates might have been more temporary than permanent, fresh data shows. Household spending fell 0.4 per cent in December – the biggest drop since...[Read More]
Private demand under the microscope after rate hike
11 February
Australia’s economy is like a car exceeding the speed limit. Or is it an inflating balloon, squeezing up against the inside of a box? Either way, it’s too hot for the Reserve Bank to handle. Fresh data in the coming week will give the central...[Read More]
Signs point to RBA fine tuning, rather than hike spree
11 February
Fresh figures have allayed fears of a tightening in Australia’s labour market, which should rule out the Reserve Bank returning to a major rate-hiking cycle. Australia’s economy added an estimated 21,000 jobs in January, while wages grew by 0.8...[Read More]
Reserve Bank boss calls on businesses to invest smarter
11 February
The Reserve Bank governor has called on businesses to help lift Australia’s sluggish productivity growth as she tries to bring inflation under control. Facing a string of questions about the government’s role in driving up inflation at a...[Read More]
The way to happiness and success
5 February
Happiness and success are deeply intertwined but aren’t always the result of material gains or high-status positions. Instead, a fulfilling life and career stem from aligning your values, passions, and actions in ways that promote well-being and...[Read More]
Financial independence: guiding adult children to contribute at home
5 February
Many parents face the question of when their adult children living at home should start paying board and contributing to household expenses and chores as they transition into adulthood. The question of when and how much to charge, as well as the...[Read More]
Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) checklist – key considerations and requirements
5 February
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]
Oliver’s Insights – RBA starts the year off with a rate hike
4 February
Key points The RBA hiked its cash rate by 0.25% to 3.85% as widely expected in response to inflation running above target. Its commentary was cautious and hawkish with inflation now expected to stay above target for longer even with assumptions...[Read More]
Investment markets and key developments – Weekly market update 30-01-2026
4 February
Global markets had a volatile week amidst ongoing US tariff threats, fears of a US strike on Iran, some mixed US earnings news, Trump’s announcement of Kevin Warsh who is seen as less dovish as his nomination for Fed Chair to replace Powell, and...[Read More]
Borrowed time: rate hike unlikely to be one-and-done
4 February
Borrowers have borne the brunt of a resurgence in inflation, with the Reserve Bank lifting interest rates and leaving the door open for more. The RBA’s monetary policy board lifted the cash rate by 25 basis points to 3.85 per cent in a unanimous...[Read More]