Congratulations on your pay rise! Commiserations on your resulting higher tax bracket. Find useful information here on how to avoid the consequences of income tax bracket creep so that you can actually feel the benefit of your salary increase.

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You earn more money; you pay more tax. So far, so fair.

But what’s not so fair happens when your wage rise bumps your earnings into a higher tax bracket, even though your pay increase may only be in line with inflation. This is known as ‘bracket creep’, and the combination of inflation and a higher tax rate can mean you have less purchasing power than before your pay rise.

However, you can avoid bracket creep by putting your earnings to work in a way that means they won’t be consumed by tax. Here’s how:

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Our latest quarterly economic update includes commentary on the war in Iran and its impact on oil prices, interest rate increases, inflation pressures, market performance and cost of living challenges.
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The first quarter of 2026 will be remembered as one of the most consequential in decades. A war erupted in the Middle East, the Strait of Hormuz closed, oil prices surged past US$100 per barrel, and inflation roared back to life. Central banks pivoted sharply from cutting rates to raising them. For Australian households, that has so far meant two consecutive rate hikes and a stark reminder that the cost of living battle is far from over.

Geopolitical Risk: The Iran War and Oil Crisis

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This article explains how debt consolidation works and describes how combining multiple high-interest debts into a single loan may simplify repayments and potentially reduce interest costs. A case study is used to highlight the benefits, trade-offs and key considerations to help readers decide whether the strategy suits their circumstances.
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For many households, debt doesn’t come from one big decision. It builds up gradually — a credit card used for everyday expenses, a personal loan for a car or renovation, and maybe a store card that seemed convenient at the time.

Before long, you’re juggling multiple repayments, all with different interest rates and due dates. Even when you’re making every payment on time, it can feel like you’re running just to stand still.

This is where debt consolidation is sometimes considered.

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Higher interest rates may be causing many Australians to delay buying property, but waiting for rates to fall is not always the safest financial strategy. This article explores how borrowers can navigate a higher-for-longer rate environment and includes a checklist to help review existing mortgages or prepare for a future home loan.
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Interest rates are rising, and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has hinted that they could stay elevated for longer than expected.

While people who live off their investments, including self-funded retirees, welcome the rise, homebuyers must think about what higher rates will mean for them, especially if those rates stay higher for longer.

Many households put their lifestyles and financial decisions on hold until rates eventually start to come down – notably those who are looking to buy a home.

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Follow the tips in this article to put your new romance on a sound financial footing, which will ensure that it does not collapse under the weight of a monetary outlook mismatch.
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In the exhilarating early days of a new personal relationship, it can be easy to overlook warning signs that you and your prospective partner may be financially incompatible. This may lead to future stress and legal risk. It’s not a question of always being suspicious, but simply of being aware of these red flags if they appear:

• Secrecy around money matters

Although there’s no need to have financial discussions immediately, be wary of ongoing refusal or reluctance to talk about money matters such as income, debt, employment, personal or business finances, or financial goals.

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This article highlights some of the key super issues (excluding investment markets) that should be at the forefront in these volatile times. The article covers salary sacrifice to cash, and life insurance through super.
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When markets get bumpy or household budgets feel tighter, it’s common for people to start questioning their super. If your balance has dipped or returns haven’t met expectations, you might wonder whether continuing to contribute is worth it — or whether super is really doing its job.

Before making any big decisions, it helps to step back and consider what superannuation is designed to do, and how it can still play a useful role even when conditions feel uncertain.

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Are you sitting on a huge pile of frequent flyer points that you are struggling to redeem? How much are they really worth, and is it worth the effort (and cost) of collecting them? Find the answers here.

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The average Australian is sitting on a balance of 73,000 frequent flyer points, according to a 2025 survey. About a quarter of those surveyed used their points for travel occasionally, but didn’t keep track of their balance, while 18% said they rarely redeemed them, and 15% didn’t understand how frequent flyer programs worked.

Clearly, there’s a lot of confusion about collecting points, using points and their true value. Let’s remedy that.

Collecting points

Although purchasing flights (and to a lesser extent hotel accommodation) is the traditional way to earn points, this only works well for regular business travellers. Most Australians accumulate points via credit card spending and other shopping, including converting Coles Flybuys and Woolworths Rewards Points into frequent flyer points.

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Are you currently a remote worker or digital nomad? Or are you considering becoming one? This article will explain some of the tax, income structure, superannuation, banking, cash flow, insurance and investment issues you may face, and how to adjust your financial planning to meet them.
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Conventional employees can usually plan for their financial future knowing that certain fundamental parameters will not change: their regular income, their Australian tax residency, their banking arrangements, their superannuation contributions and their insurance needs.
But for digital nomads and remote workers, the picture is completely different, and their situation will have implications for how they pay tax, contribute to super, conduct their banking and investments and ensure they are covered for health problems and income protection.

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Would you like to make money while you sleep? The best way is not through social media, but by building your assets and then letting them earn for you, slowly but surely. Find out how in this article.
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What’s the first thing that springs to mind when you hear the term ‘passive income’? It may be creating an e-book, a blog or a YouTube channel, engaging in affiliate marketing or selling stock photos, but in fact, none of these is entirely passive. They all require lots of upfront effort to generate a very modest income unless you are very lucky.

However, there is some good news.

A detailed look at what works

There are plenty of guaranteed ways for Australians to set up the dream of ‘income while you sleep’. Here’s a list of what can actually succeed, but with a dose of realism attached.

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Here are instructions on how to set up the quizzes using Survey Monkey. Or if you would prefer assistance, please contact us and we’ll give you details.
This next quiz tests your readers’ knowledge on ………..

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You might know the cost of your morning coffee. You’re probably across the price of a cut and blow-dry or the latest model iPhone. But can you rattle off your mortgage interest rate or monthly Spotify subscription plan?

Understanding your personal finances isn’t about enjoying the things you can afford to buy, it’s about knowing how your money works for you and the everyday decisions you make that can quietly shape a secure financial future.

Most of us think we’re reasonably good with money, but in reality, there are over 500 debt collection agencies in Australia. Someone is keeping them in business!

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This article outlines the key financial supports Australians may be able to rely on if they’re unable to work due to disability, including insurance, superannuation, government benefits and employer entitlements, illustrated through a real-life case study.
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When life throws you a curveball and you suddenly can't work, the financial pressure can feel overwhelming. But here's something many Australians don't realise: there can be many safety nets to help you through.
Let me share Sarah's story—it's one I see far too often in my practice, but with the right guidance, it had a positive outcome.

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Not sure whether an offset account is the best choice for your mortgage structure? The details provided in this article will help you decide.

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Mortgage offset accounts have steadily increased in popularity since they were first introduced in Australia in the late 1980s. A recent study by the University of Sydney found that around 40% of Australian mortgage holders use offset accounts. Although they are obviously financially beneficial in many cases, their widespread acceptance does not mean that they are automatically the right choice for everyone. It’s worth taking a close look at the facts.

A simple definition of mortgage offset accounts

A mortgage offset account is a transaction or savings account linked to a mortgage held with the same financial institution.

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Wondering whether you have the ideal ratio of cash to other investments in your portfolio. This article will help you to distinguish between emergency cash, cash investments and cash equivalents, as well as discussing cash ratios applicable to different life stages.

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There are always two ways for individuals to hold cash – emergency fund cash and investment cash. This needs to be clarified before discussing any investment mix.

Emergency cash (not part of your investment portfolio)

Life has a habit of delivering the unexpected, so it’s a good idea to keep 3-6 months of living expenses in cash, readily accessible in a savings account or mortgage offset account. Make that 6-9 months if your income is variable and you would like extra peace of mind. Other reasons for setting aside cash might include saving for a particular goal, such as a car purchase, an overseas holiday or a wedding.

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Make 2026 the year that you conquer inflation by adopting the effective budgeting tips explained in this article.

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There’s no escaping the fact that retail prices, utility bills and interest rates remain persistently high. If you’ve managed so far, but feel as if you’re stretched to the limit (or would just like to hold cost increases at bay so that you can add to your savings) here are some strategies to adopt.

Lock down your major fixed costs first

• Housing

Mortgage payments or rent are the biggest expenses for most Australian households.

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A personal financial audit will help you to understand and improve your current financial position as well as set future goals. This 10-step checklist outlines the process for this beneficial activity.

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The beginning of the financial year and tax time present ideal opportunities for a personal financial audit, but you can carry out this important task at any stage. Just follow this 10-step checklist to guide you through the exercise.

1. Collect last year’s income and expenses information

Gather your income data for your salary (from your PAYG statement) and any business and investment income.

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As retirement nears, Sandra discovers that super, tax, pensions and estate planning are more complex than she realised. Through Jamila’s experience, she learns how professional financial advice can turn uncertainty into confidence and peace of mind.

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Sandra had only a couple of years of work left when she realised that she hadn’t the first idea what to do with her super when she retired.

She’d always looked forward to retirement, but as the big six-oh approached, things were getting real, and she was becoming anxious.

Her friend Jamila had had a financial adviser, Terry, for over thirty years. Now, Jamila’s retirement strategy was well underway and she was looking forward to finishing work.

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Refinancing your home loan isn’t just about chasing a lower rate — it can open doors to real financial benefits.

From reducing monthly repayments to consolidating debt, this infographic highlights five smart ways refinancing could work in your favour.

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Have you checked your superannuation investment settings recently? This article explains why you should do so, and how your personal financial circumstances should affect your choices.

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It can be tempting to treat superannuation as a ‘set and forget’ investment. In most years, your annual statement will show what appears to be a satisfactory growth rate, so why tamper with something that seems to be working reasonably well? However, depending on your age and goals, your superannuation fund account could have a more suitable mix of investments.

Put simply, you need an appropriate blend – for your particular circumstances – of growth potential and defensive security.

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If you’ve had a few pay rises in recent years, you may have unintentionally succumbed to lifestyle inflation. Also known as lifestyle creep, it’s a mindset that can affect anyone who suddenly has more money in their pocket and, as a result, feels able to spend more freely.

This infographic shares some top tips to help you avoid the insidious wealth erosion of lifestyle inflation, also known as lifestyle creep.

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This article explains the key complexities of Australia’s age pension and helps retirees understand eligibility, rules and paperwork with more confidence. It also outlines practical steps to maximise entitlements and feel more secure in retirement.

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We’d all love to be self-funded in retirement, but for many of us it’s simply not possible. Sometimes we can partially self-fund, sometimes not at all and this is where the government provides assistance.

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for either a part or full age pension, but the Australian age pension system is notoriously complex.

When trying to understand your eligibility, it’s easy to become confused by questions around means tests, deeming rules, residency requirements etc, making it difficult to understand how much, if anything at all, you’re entitled to receive.

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