Articles

Australia’s Antarctic expeditioners have taken an icy plunge to mark the shortest day of the year, although some will have to wait until the end of the month to see the sun rise. The traditional swim is part of their “Christmas celebrations” on the frozen continent...

Terms relating to the applicant Mortgagor: The applicant – the person who pays the mortgage loan. Mortgagee: The lending institution the applicant accesses the loan from – the lender. Mortgage broker: She/he arranges the home loan process between the applicant and the lender. They spend time analysing the applicant’s situation and,...

More than 2.6 million Australians will get a $40 weekly pay rise from July 1 following a decision by the Fair Work Commission. The 5.2 per cent increase for the country’s lowest-paid workers was necessary to deal with rising grocery and fuel prices, with inflation sitting...

Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe has warned Australians to be prepared for higher interest rates, saying inflation must be brought under control. In his first public appearance since the RBA raised the cash rate by a larger than expected 50 basis points at last week’s board...

Determining the Right Business Structure   All successful businesses depend on a solid and dependable structure. While you can always work it out as you go, improvisation in the business world is inefficient, highly risky, and likely to lead to failure. Getting the right systems in place...

Ballooning inflation, rising interest rates and a loss of confidence around the economic outlook, in Australia and abroad, has sent consumer sentiment reeling. The Westpac-Melbourne Institute survey for June showed the consumer sentiment index fell 4.5 per cent to 86.4, and follows last week’s decision by...

Lower tax on your investments can help you reach your financial goals sooner. But don’t choose an investment based on tax benefits alone.   How investment income is taxed You need to include investment income in your tax return. This includes what you earn in: interest dividends rent managed funds distributions capital gains...

The national electricity market has been suspended as the market operator says it has become impossible to operate within the rules. The Australian Energy Market Operator said in a note issued on Wednesday it had suspended the electricity spot market in NSW, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania...

Business confidence is holding up in the face of rising interest rates and inflation, but there are signs households may start winding back on spending. New figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed household spending was running at a healthy 7.6 per cent annually in...