Sure, they come in degrees of seriousness, but they’re all emergencies. A good drama-queen can make an emergency out of anything! Bar, 2.30am. You’re exceedingly intoxicated and have been acting … Read More How much cash should you hold for an emergency, and where do you keep it?

There’s a fringe element out there – certifiably crazy, in my opinion, like Charlie Sheen’s spectacular brain implosion – that believes debt is the devil. These, um, fools, claim embracing … Read More Borrowing to invest: Is it still a worthwhile investment strategy today?

Implement previously rehearsed emergency tactical diversion techniques. This is not a drill. This situation is live! Go to the bathroom. “Sorry, I’m off. It’s washing night.” Wander off to order … Read More What should you do if your wage comes up in a conversation with your colleagues?

FOOD fight! Cool, I feel like a Blazing Saddles pie fight. The default position for payment for all restaurant meals is … Boomers, of course, should pay for everything. While … Read More Eating out can cause financial fights. Who pays on a first date and who pays at a family dinner?

Boomers. Question answered. Am I done? But we can’t blame the Boomers directly. They were only such a large generation because the parents who spawned them were so darn … … Read More Which generation is the biggest threat to your own generation’s financial future?

Gen Xers have major distractions in their lives – burgeoning careers, cash-guzzling and time-devouring rugrats plus monster mortgages. It’s possible to do everything yourself … if your time is unlimited. … Read More Is it worthwhile seeking professional advice about your superannuation account?

Fences equal splinters in butt. So straight-talking it is. Managing money comes down to income, spending and investment. You have less control over the first and ultimate control over the … Read More Battle of the sexes: Are men or women the best money minds of your generation?

I have this sneaking feeling, with no hard evidence to back me up, that speed skater Steven Bradbury is actually in control of Australia’s finances. Maybe as Wayne Swan’s puppeteer? … Read More Our economy is envied by much of the world, but how do we compare when it comes to personal finance?

Just like that old 80s “oils ain’t oils” Castrol ad, it’s important to remember that shares ain’t shares. Shares are the riskiest asset class. And the recent proof of that … Read More If you were going to start a share portfolio, what would be the first five stocks you’d buy, and why?