Good question, Mr Editor … if your aim was to create a flood of bookings with couples counsellors and divorce lawyers like Arnie Becker (Corbin Bernsen in LA Law). The … Read More “When it comes to household finances, should couples have joint bank accounts or separate ones?”

We’re talking property, so we’re talking fences. Here’s a general rule for Generation X and property investment: If it doesn’t have a fence, then steer clear of it. Capital gains … Read More “Should property investment be about rental income or capital gains? And will that change as I age?”

It was the toughest lesson of my life and I still grapple with it today. But if I hadn’t learned it, I could never have become an investor at all. … Read More “What lesson did you learn as a child that has helped you through the investment challenges of recent years?”

Died-way-too-young singer Karen Carpenter said it wasn’t only rainy days that bummed her out. She lumped Mondays in to the same category. But Karen believed being with someone special fixed … Read More “Australians are notorious non-savers, with about half of us having no savings. How much should we put away for a rainy day?”

My kids are 3½ and 2. I’m literally elbow deep in poop! The parents at mothers’ group, sometimes that’s all we talk about. We bad? My troublesome questions are “Who … Read More “A friend asks you how much money you get paid. What do you say, and why is it taboo to talk about our earnings?”

World-leading taxation from a resourceful government! Franked dividends are the government saying “We’re stealing some of your money now. But we’ll give you a credit note for it.” Genius! But … Read More “Franked dividends: What are they, and are they any use to my generation?”

Aww, do we really have to start this argument? That’s like asking: “Which was better, Dynasty or Dallas?” Heather Locklear or Victoria Principal? The “property versus shares” battle is a … Read More “Shares versus property: which of these two is the best investment to own long-term?”

Declaring bankruptcy is to your personal finances what turning your back on your team is to being a football fan. They are both a declaration that you’ve given up. You … Read More “What are the ramifications of declaring bankruptcy, and is it worth it for some people?”

How to defend the indefensible! Giving Gen Y some credit for future financial potential? Retirees are great with money. No question there. And I’ll ignore Gen Y. Like my 3yo … Read More “Which is the best generation when it comes to managing their money, and which is the worst?”

Simple answer. But the problem is that insurance is the “great grudge purchase”. So, let’s set the scene. Gen Xers are at an exciting, if exhausting, life stage. Marriage, mortgage … Read More “What is the most important insurance for your generation to have and why?”