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Tag: Debt

What’s better? Tipping money into super or paying off a mortgage?

  Better questions. Who would you rather sleep with? Ladies, Brad Pitt or Matthew McConaughey? Lads, Jennifer Love Hewitt or Heather Locklear? If you’re straight, perhaps you answered a screaming “BOTH!”. If you’re gay or bi, you might have answered two, possibly more. If you’re a Gen Xer and answered one or less … then […]

Australians aspire to own their own home. How do you do it?

Oh, I dunno. Let’s ask a financial expert. The man in charge of Australia’s finances, Treasurer Joe Hockey. “If you’ve got a good job and it pays good money …” Um, Joe, had to punish you for that one again. You walked into it, buddy. The “how” you do it is dependent on only one […]

Is all debt bad? What’s the difference between good and bad debt?

            All bad? Hell no! Stupid question! Are you bat-crazy, like Kanye West? Or just out-of-your-mind, like Charlie Sheen? Seriously? How can all debt be bad? If you’re not convinced, ask yourself the following simple question: “Who could buy their first home without debt?” A tiny fraction of 1 per […]

Something’s gotta give, honey

I spent a good portion of my Christmas break learning some pretty amazing, sometimes too intricate, details about a mate. Over many nights, and many lagers, I heard a lot of stories about his youth.  Many of them were stories about the 20-something backpacking lifestyle that I wished I’d lived. Others were experiences I’m happy […]

A single pot strategy

PORTFOLIO POINT: If you’re over 50, do you treat your super and non-super assets as two pots or one for asset allocation? Here’s an argument for the singular. Simply, the rules are different. Superannuation has one set of rules and taxation consequences. And your “normal” investments have another set of tax rules. For example, superannuation […]

Paying your dumb debts first can save you thousands

I’m feeling an arctic breeze blowing through my world, but I can’t hear the “Happy Feet” tapping of penguins. I’m feeling a little vulnerable, a little skittish. Actually, I’m feeling a little like Tinkerbell. Peter Pan warned the kids that if Jane stopped believing in fairies, “Tink’s light’s gonna go out”. She’d just plain disappear. […]

What are three key questions you should ask yourself before taking on any new debt?

Unfair! The question seems to presuppose that debt is bad. Sure, some of it is pretty nasty. But not all debt. Oh, no-sir-eee. Some debt is actually okay. For example, a mortgage. Know any Gen Xers who bought their first house with savings? Mortgages help you buy what will one day be your biggest asset. […]

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 […]