Billy Joel claimed his Boomer generation “didn’t start the fire”. Maybe, but they certainly fuelled it. Gen X will make it worse. And our Gen Y and Z kids will … Read More Instant gratification is a key sign of modern lifestyles. How do we balance it with saving and investing?”

Nothing quite feeds an “us versus them” mentality as voraciously as cutting down tall poppies. It’s as Australian as tax evasion, bagging politicians and drinking cold beer in Bali. And … Read More “Big changes to the tax system are on the way thanks to the Henry Review. What do they mean for our personal finances?”

Three months before my wedding, I had a nasty accident. Let’s just say: extreme sport, bad turn, torn knee cartilage. Actually, this is embarrassing. The “extreme sport” was golf and … Read More “Compared to many countries, Australia has an enviable public health care system. Where does private health cover fit with this?”

If there are any Gen X readers wealthy enough to retire now, let them raise their hands, so that the rest of us may bow down before them and give … Read More “Capital growth versus income. What should be more important to me and why?”

On our South American backpacking honeymoon, Mrs DebtMan and I wrote an email from a Bolivian internet cafe with this subject line: “Tear gassed in La Paz!” The student peasants … Read More “Aussies love to travel, but what does it mean for your budget and your investments?”

There’s been loads! Where did they come from? Everywhere! Billboards, books, Buffett and Bullmore. From adapting the Nike theme (“Just do it!”) to my personal finances, to the classic truism … Read More What was the best piece of money advice you ever received? Who was it from and how did you use it?”