Money

Don't rely on pre-filled data from the ATO and other tips that will help make tax time a breeze!

More cash for frivolous spending (or, you know, the mortgage).

A H&R Block tax expert shares his tips to make sure tax time a happy time.

More money in your pocket, not the Government's.

Financial expert Adrian Raftery answers the question a lot of families are debating.

She didn’t buy a single non-essential item – yes, that includes coffee.

Financial literacy is critical for women and in her book Canna, a divorced single mum, empowers women to save money quickly and easily.

When is back to school 2018 and how you can save money while doing the dreaded back to school shop?

What happens when your luck runs out?

This chart and meal plan could help you save $700 before Christmas.

Save money and time by shopping online.

It's not as complicated as it seems, promise.

Making the right decisions now can provide peace of mind in the future

Most of her meals cost just $2 per person!

The 22-year-old wants to feel like 'a real woman'.

Australian's are spending more than we earn. Here's how we can save more and get out of debt.

This Woolworths computer glitch has seen six-month-old customer transactions reprocessed

With over 68% of us making money from the sharing economy, these are the tax implications you need to know about.

Did you know your medicare can help you pay for occupational therapy and IVF?

July 1 saw a spate of new price rises.

Win $1,000: Have you thought about the type of lifestyle you want in the future? We are encouraging more Aussies to make the pledge and pay themselves forward! Follow the three steps below...

Join other Australians and make your pledge below and be in the running to win $1000!

Take advantage of all the perks of Australian super to make sure you have enough for retirement.

If you ignore your super or break the rules, the consequences can be costly.

Work out how much you’ll really need to be #winning through retirement.

How to identify a winning super fund. Because with the wrong one, you could lose a small fortune.

No jargon, just answers.

Do this for a job? Make sure you don't try fudge your tax.

Fact: The more you know about super, the more likely you will reach your retirement savings goal.

If you have 40 or so years until retirement, low fees can make a HUGE difference to your super...

In your 30s, you can afford to take more risk, but it's all about the planning.

Mortgage is the priority when it comes to super in your 40s.

Last chance to turbocharge those savings...

Yes, this is a thing... If you’re paying too much super, you could be hit with a penalty.

Reduce fees and paperwork by moving all your super into one account.

Hello, tax benefits!

Forget the noise, super is still safe as houses.

It's not as easy as naming someone in your will.

There are strict rules about when you can get your hands on your retirement savings. Allow us to explain...

Your savings may have to last for 30 years, so use this checklist to make sure you’ll be living your most comfortable life.

Get your head around risk to get the most out of your super.

Money magazine editor Effie Zahos answers one of her most-asked superannuation questions.

Are you being cheated on a daily basis?

Talking dollars and sense now can set littlies up for a lifetime of good habits.

It’s predicted coins and notes will be things of the past in a few years. But is it too much, too soon?

Healthy tips for your bank account.

Although some of us will be better off from this tax reform.

Here's your first squiz.

Plus the biggest mistake you can make.

More regulation please.

These easy tricks will help you be financially free faster.

Going, going, gone.

Good news if you’re expecting.

You don't need to break the bank to look as good as an A-lister.

How to recreate the most beautiful celebrity homes with inexpensive products.

Don’t snooze and lose this Boxing Day – beat the crowds and bag the best bargains in the sales with our expert guide. Westfield insider Alyce Cowell shares her top tips for success. What are the best tips for bagging bargains in the Boxing Day sales? Many of the Boxing Day sales begin before Christmas, […]

Research shows women aren’t as savvy as men when it comes to being aware of their credit rating and its importance Credit expert Andy Sheehan says women need to be more vigilant when it comes to taking control of their finances. He said recent changes to credit reporting – which means providers, like banks and […]

The New Year could mean good things for your wallet, especially if you plan ahead! Spending expert Ali Cassim from financial comparison site RateCity.com.au shares five major financial developments to look out for and work to your advantage in 2014. More mulah for expecting mums Australian women are set to receive more paid maternity leave […]

If you’re one of those people who dread the big spring clean, listen up! Aussie-born organisational guru Peter Walsh has some refreshing tips for cleaning out and decluttering your home. Peter, who is Oprah Winfrey’s trusted organisation expert, says families have close to one tonne of things in their house that they don’t use or […]

June 30 is rapidly approaching, which means one thing – it’s tax time again! For many of us, putting together a tax return is just another job we try to fit into an already busy schedule. But this year there are some changes you need to know about that could save you money. Adrian Raftery, […]

For some, the very word ‘sale’ is music to their ears as they decide how they can use their extra cash they have been saving to bag a bargain. For others, the word can cause them to break out into a sweat. This is not from the thought of shopping – but because they know […]

These DIY masks are a great way to involve kids in the build-up to your party. They’ll be so proud to show off their creations to family and friends. You’ll need A koala template (downlaod the template here or draw your own) From Officeworks A4 cardboard sheet Elmer’s School Glue Scissors Paintbrush From craft/discount store […]

Want to manage your money better in 2013? Kick-start the new year with five simple resolutions to get your finances in shape. 1. “I will keep a spending diary” Keeping a food diary helps dieters pin-point bad habits and trouble spots – and the same principle can be applied to money. For two weeks, keep […]

Although it’s relatively simple to check your rights as a consumer — see www.accc.gov.au — it can be difficult to stand your ground in the face of poor or even rude customer service and complain constructively. If goods are faulty it’s the supplier’s responsibility to refund or replace and if told you have to claim […]

Read the tips then take the quiz to find out…

Around 70 per cent of Australians will gamble at some point this year. In 2009 we spent $12 billion on the pokies alone. For most it’s the odd flutter for fun, but for problem gamblers it can mean the end of their career, family and even life. So how can you detect problem gambling? They […]

This cushion is both a finishing touch and a seat. It is tied in place at the back, so the cushion stays in place and doesn’t move around – the front ties are longer than the back ones. 200 x 150cm cotton floral print 145 x 45cm high density foam 5 cm wide 800cm piping […]

Is your wardrobe in need of a serious fashion renovation, but you don’t have the space in your cupboard or you can’t afford to go out and spend hundreds of dollars on new-season fashion? We’ve found eight failsafe ways to help you trade in your pre-loved clothing and make a little extra cash for new […]

To help you make the most of your wardrobe staples, save a few hundred dollars each year and build a wardrobe full of wearables, follow these quick tips and tricks. Garment care instructions It’s important to look after the items in your wardrobe so always read the garment care instructions before washing. Dry cleaning Research […]

An ottoman is one of the most versatile furniture pieces in the home, acting as a footrest, coffee table or seat. So if yours has seen better days, perk it up with this vibrantly zingy new coat, edged with pompom braid for extra pizzazz. Ottoman Fabric – measure across and down in both directions of […]

To turn a plain lampshade into something special, wrap it in stunning fabric and trim with a quirky braid. Drum lampshade Fabric Coordinated braid Double-sided tape Scissors Note: Fabric and braid quantities depend on the size of your shade. How to make it: Measure circumference – seam to seam – and depth of shade, then […]

Retirement. Snooze. Investments. Yawn. It’s ironic; while financial security is what most of us strive for, it’s an area where we’re likely to bury our heads in the sand. In 2007, The Financial Literacy Foundation reported around 31 percent of adults think dealing with money is boring, while another 48 percent found money matters completely […]

OK, so it’s dreaded tax time again… but don’t panic! We’ve asked an expert for help. Heather Smith is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants; and the Principal of ANISE Consulting in Brisbane. Heather has compiled this ‘Top 10’ list as a guide for how we can all do our own tax […]

Having a baby? Then find out about your maternity leave entitlements. Government-paid maternity leave around the world varies from 68 weeks in Sweden to 39 weeks in the UK and 12 weeks in China to no weeks in the US and Australia. Last year, there was a lot of talk about the federal government introducing […]

Geoff Devitt’s superannuation accounts were a mess, so Adrian helped him trace his lost money. Did you know there is more than $12 billion worth of lost superannuation in Australia? That figure is staggering, considering our population is more than 22 million and compulsory super only started little more than a decade ago. Geoff Devitt […]

As your parents get older, there may be an added responsibility of looking after their finances as well as their health. Here are a few ideas on how to handle a touchy subject. Invariably there comes a time when “senior moments” become more regular and your parents will need your help. However, don’t take control […]

A new arrival means a financial overhaul. Use these tips so bringing home baby doesn’t break the bank. Your lifestyle will change once your baby arrives, so reassess your expenditures. Some items will naturally become a smaller part of your budget. For instance, you might not be going out as much with a little one […]

Compare accounts online for a good deal, advises money expert Adrian Raftery. Question: Which is the best savings account on the market right now? There seem to be so many options, I don’t even know where to start. Louisa, Dubbo, NSW. Adrian’s Answer: A You can compare bank accounts at the website of ratings company […]

Bring all your favourite family moments back to life with Windows Live Photo Gallery and Movie Maker, complimentary downloads with Windows® 7. Now it’s easier than ever to organise and edit your photos – and even make movies – to share with friends and family thanks to the simplicity of Windows Live Photo Gallery and […]

If spending habits are hurting your relationship, it’s time to act. Money is one of the top four causes of conflict in a relationship, according to Relationships Australia. No matter what we argue about — he spends too much, she hides the bills, there isn’t enough to go round — we do argue. And the […]

In the current chaotic economic environment many people are more worried about their ability to manage their personal finance commitments with several institutions. This may be due to concerns over job security or changing economic circumstances within the household. If you’re having trouble juggling many accounts and ensuring you meet the differing due dates for […]

You do your best to keep your mind and body in tip-top shape. But how’s your financial health? Lots of Australian families are finding money matters really tough going at the moment, so here, Financial Counsellor Elizabeth Terry, from Wesley Mission, shares her best advice for taking control of your finances. Do a comprehensive budget, […]

— with financial expert Adrian Raftery If you’re facing repossession, the first thing to know is that you can get help from various organisations, free. The threat of losing your home is a harrowing experience, but you have to act immediately, or the problem will only grow worse. Talk to a free adviser immediately. Below […]

— with financial expert Adrian Raftery We’ve all seen the stories of overseas banks collapsing and people rushing to the bank to take out their money in case they lose it. Should you do the same? Adrian says you needn’t worry. “In the unlikely event of …” We hear this phrase all the time when […]

— with financial expert Adrian Raftery It’s never too early to learn valuable financial lessons. Most parents think that children are too young to understand the concept of money, but you’d be surprised at how much they learn just by watching you. When I met Michelle, she said her kids didn’t receive pocket money. I […]

— with financial expert Adrian Raftery One consequence of a slowing economy is that more people are likely to be made redundant. It’s a stressful event, but if it happens to you, there are ways you can reduce its impact. Your legal rights Employers must follow strict guidelines when dismissing an employee due to redundancy. […]

Turn a plain, boring wall into a gorgeous panelled feature with this simple — and inexpensive — decorating tip. Head to your local hardware store for strips of slim moulded railing for the square frames or wider pieces for the mid-wall dado and the picture rail (from $12.76 for 1.8m length, Bunnings). Use a pencil […]

These days, tightening your belt isn’t just a fashion statement, it’s a way of life. Rising interest rates, soaring rents and petrol prices seem to be swallowing our pay. But by joining the ranks of the newly frugal you can stop frittering away your finances and get what you really want. There’s a simple rule […]

Limit your supermarket shops to once a week or fortnight. Most people will buy two or three items they didn’t plan on every time they hit the supermarket. (Get bread and milk from the corner store instead.) And shop alone if you can — it’s cheaper and faster if you don’t have the kids there […]