A boss from a previous life gave me a talking to. In essence, he said: You are only as successful as the car you drive. Cars give the appearance of … Read More What is the worst financial insult you have seen, and how do people avoid putting their foot in their mouth about money?

They say “you get what you pay for”. But my experience with travel insurance suggests, um, not so much. Two years ago, mine and two other families were Bali-bound. Airline … Read More Holidaying without travel insurance is dangerous. What should you look for in a policy?

Ah, being a Gen Xer is like living in Queensland. “Beautiful one day, perfect the next”. Could life get better? Our careers are blooming, our tin lids bring us mountainous … Read More What is the biggest financial challenge facing your generation over the next decade?

TINY? That’s generous! Cash returns are dead! D-E-A-D. They’re in negative hyperspace. Yes, less than zero. How? If you’re earning 4 per cent interest, then take off tax (at the … Read More Returns from cash deposits have been tiny over the past year. Should cash still play a role for investors?

Yeah, yeah. I could tell you all the “normal” stuff. Spend deductible money before June 30. Delay income until July 1. Same, same. But let’s try something bigger picture and … Read More Tax time is approaching fast. What should taxpayers do over the next month to boost their refund?

This sort of financial lessons for young adults advice makes me feel old. But, I guess, anyone who can remember Australia’s America’s Cup victory can no longer claim to be … Read More What three financial lessons for young adults would have been worth learning before you started work?

Oh, property! How do I love thee! Let me count the ways. What! Just three tips investing in property? Property investment can be a beautiful thing. But let’s be clear: … Read More Investors have been surging into real estate. What are your top three tips for would-be property investors?

MMMM. To be honest, I wouldn’t have said Gen Xers. So many Xers have kiddliwinks – our donating to charity is to try to raise them right. Kids leach all … Read More Which generation is the most generous when it comes to giving to charities. How do you best donate?

“You’re only young once, but you can be immature forever.” No, my bad. That was my 40-something-year-old mates. My DebtKids have reinforced in me the lesson of “learned behaviour”. We … Read More Children can teach us valuable money lessons. What is the most memorable one you received from a child?

You’re pulling my leg, right? You’re asking me, Debt Man, a Generation Xer, whether debt is evil? Debt, like greed and Miley Cyrus, get bad reputations in times of crisis. … Read More Debt can be a nasty four-letter word, but is it always bad?