My mum was allergic to animals, following a nasty incident with a cat when she was pregnant. Consequently, animals weren’t part of my early childhood. My parents eventually relented and … Read More Pet insurance has been growing in popularity but is it worth it for most households?
How to choose between super and the mortgage
SUMMARY: Paying off your home, or contributing more to super? Lower rates can make this an even more super idea. Sustained low interest rates has certainly made paying off the … Read More How to choose between super and the mortgage
What are your top three tips for protecting your retirement nest egg from a financial disaster?
“Wax on, wax off.” If you don’t know what that means, you’re not Generation X. Try a column to the left or right. Daniel-san, aka The Karate Kid, was taught … Read More What are your top three tips for protecting your retirement nest egg from a financial disaster?
Saying goodbye to work … slowly
SUMMARY: Retiring too early? Don’t, there are plenty of reasons to stay working until you’re really ready to ride off into the sunset. The idea of turning in your badge, … Read More Saying goodbye to work … slowly
Money habits are developed from a young age? How do you go about changing any bad habits?
I call it “rewiring my brain”. And I’ve had to do it a bunch of times since 1999 – when I first decided an aspect of my life needed an … Read More Money habits are developed from a young age? How do you go about changing any bad habits?
A million reasons to watch SMSFs
SUMMARY: SMSFs continue to do what they know best – make sure that their own best interests are being looked after. UNDERDOG status is something with which DIY super funds … Read More A million reasons to watch SMSFs
Getting started in investing is often the biggest hurdle. How much money do you need to take the plunge?
You don’t need money! You need a mindset! One big cup of concrete to harden up, mixed with another cup of one of those sandshoe slogans. About doing it, just. … Read More Getting started in investing is often the biggest hurdle. How much money do you need to take the plunge?
Bust the backroom deal and take super control
The best things in life – like a hug from your kids – are free. But, sadly, you can’t survive on free stuff, without turning to crime and pinching everything … Read More Bust the backroom deal and take super control
If only I knew then…
I’d like to bump into myself in the street 20 years ago, but right now. That would be right cool. And rather enlightening. For him. Of course, if I did, … Read More If only I knew then…
The franking credit fallacy
SUMMARY: SMSFs like franked dividends. And as a result, they pay more tax, not less, than regular super funds. The DIY super army is under fire again. Now the claim … Read More The franking credit fallacy