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Category: Your Money Gen X

Regrets, we’ve all had a few… What has been your biggest regret when it comes to investments?

JUST one? I could write a book. Well, a chapter. They’ve all been learning experiences, so I don’t know how much “regret” there really is. Investments that don’t wipe you out, make you wiser. I’d score okay for saving early. My biggest regret would be taking too long to learn the benefits of diversification. I […]

It’s hard work building up assets, so what are some good ways to protect yours from relationship breakdowns or business failures?

How pointless would a new business/relationship be if those starting the baby up weren’t wearing rose-coloured glasses? Doomed. As much chance of survival as the first slab of beer on a boys’ weekend. However, pure optimism won’t save everything. And given most ventures, personal and business, fall over, Gen Xers need to be realistic about […]

What are the key mistakes people should avoid when sorting out their tax return?

What’s not to love about tax time? The ATO wants to hand back some of the money it took from you! Billions of dollars raining from the sky. Okay, your first mistake is dreading tax time. Flip the way you think about it. It’s like finding money on the ground. As an employee, I looked […]

What are three worthwhile goals to set for the new financial year, and can you share one of yours?

Click here to download Debt Man Investment Newsletter #45 It’s an immortal movie scene. Cuba Gooding Jr is on the phone, half-naked, dancing around his kitchen. The guy on the other end of the line is screaming. Tom Cruise (Jerry Maguire) is prepared to say anything. “SHOW ME THE MONEY!” he shouts repeatedly. Jerry’s desperate. […]

As blended families become more common, how do you structure wills and super to be fair to everyone?

Ah, the Brady Bunch. Would you want that conniving little so-and-so Marcia to get an equal portion? She was a piece of work, that Marcia. Never liked her. Usually up to no good. If she was my half-sister, I’d … I’d … And, bingo, there’s the problem. Death only makes things worse. There’s nothing like […]

Doomsayers are getting louder as global financial markets struggle. What are your predictions?

In the next 12 months, a Brazilian transexual will win Eurovision, Tanzania’s swim team will scoop the pool in London, I will make the next Who magazine’s “sexiest people” list … and the world’s financial markets will get a freakin’ grip on it and come to their senses. The first three have a chance of […]

As interest rates head lower, what are some of the best ways to make this benefit your finances?

Something to cheer about? “Yeah, yeah!” There would really be something to celebrate if the bastard banks had passed on the cuts in full. No generation has more to gain from lower rates than Gen X. To generalise, our generation is geared to the gizzards. (It’s Aunty Kerrin’s retirees who are going to suffer.) Monster […]

Falling property prices have renewed the debate about renting versus buying a home. What are your views?

Listen up: If rent money is “dead” money, it’s no more “dead” money than mortgage interest. So, that is what you compare. Short term, renting is far cheaper. Long term, however, buying … kicks … ass. Let’s assume two identical houses, side by side. One is up for rent, the other for sale. The rent […]

Super funds have been criticised for holding too many shares and not enough conservative assets. What do you think?

Bunkum, bollocks and bulltish. But let me explain. That proposition was made forcefully recently by former Treasury head Ken Henry. Uncle Ken’s comments were aimed at default “balanced” super funds, which traditionally have 55-70 per cent of their investments in “growth” assets – shares and property. His concerns have merit for Retirees and Boomers, whose […]

Aussie dollar bonus

You’d be daft not to stack up on your favourite wine when the local grog shop had a special on, wouldn’t you? And who hasn’t purchased half-price duty-free booze, simply because they were passing through customs? If you’re sitting in Bali with some fellow bogans, it’s even harder to say no. Heck, what’s $2.80 for […]