How to pick an architect and how to manage the build

How to pick an architect and how to manage the build

Experts suggest thinking about how you’ll use your home in future when considering a building project. 10’000 Hours | Digitalvision | Getty Images Extending your home or remodeling your kitchen and bathroom may be an exciting prospect but it’s worth carefully planning the design and build to manage the risks involved, according to specialists who … Read more

Queensland’s first homebuyers grant doubles to $30,000

Queensland’s first homebuyers grant doubles to ,000

The Queensland government is doubling grants for people buying or building their first home. About 12,000 people are expected to benefit from the $30,000 grants available from Monday and set to remain in place until June 30, 2025. The change will cost $210 million, with the money raised through the government’s coal royalties regime. For … Read more

3 year-end investment tax tips from top-ranked financial advisors

3 year-end investment tax tips from top-ranked financial advisors

Catherine Falls Commercial | Moment | Getty Images The page has almost turned on 2023 — and that means time is running out to make certain tax moves by year’s end, or else risk missing out on their benefits. Here are some tax strategies to consider before ringing in the new year, according to advisors … Read more

Hostplus, AustralianSuper, UniSuper named among Finder’s best superannuation funds of 2023

Hostplus, AustralianSuper, UniSuper named among Finder’s best superannuation funds of 2023

Australians are being reminded to check their superannuation funds to ensure they are maximising results, as experts reveal their best picks for consumers. Comparison site Finder has shared the winners of its super fund awards for 2023, naming the best of the bunch for key categories including low-fee funds, balanced funds, conservative funds and high-growth … Read more

‘Girl Math’ returns as shoppers navigate holiday shopping finances

‘Girl Math’ returns as shoppers navigate holiday shopping finances

Pedestrians walk through the festively decorated Burlington Arcade luxury shopping arcade in London, UK, on Monday, Dec. 4, 2023. Inflation in UK shops has fallen to a 17-month low as retailers fight to attract shoppers ahead of the crucial holiday period. Photographer: Jason Alden/Bloomberg via Getty Images Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images “Girl math” … Read more

Early retirement is changing — here’s what to consider, according to the experts

Early retirement is changing — here’s what to consider, according to the experts

Ascentxmedia | Istock | Getty Images Retiring early is a dream for many, but can often appear impossible unless you’ve made millions throughout your career. “Twenty years ago rates of early retirement were fairly similar across different wealth levels,” Heidi Karjalainen, a research economist for retirement, saving and aging at the Institute for Fiscal Studies … Read more

If you’ve been laid off, experts say 8 steps can help you regroup

If you’ve been laid off, experts say 8 steps can help you regroup

Srdjanpav | E+ | Getty Images When it comes to the holidays, there’s one thing most workers don’t want to receive: a pink slip. But that’s exactly what some employees are getting this year. Citigroup is in the midst of layoffs as part of a corporate overhaul. Other companies to recently shed workers include e-commerce … Read more

RBA December interest rates decision: Reserve Bank of Australia makes major interest rates decision

RBA December interest rates decision: Reserve Bank of Australia makes major interest rates decision

The Reserve Bank of Australia has decided to hold interest rates steady this month, giving mortgage holders much needed relief just weeks out from Christmas. The RBA board met on Tuesday and chose to hold the cash rate steady at 4.35 per cent. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Reserve Bank gifts Australians some Christmas relief with … Read more

Real estate investment trust are one option for inflation protection

    MBPROJEKT_Maciej_Bledowski | iStock | Getty Images For retirees searching for investment income and protection from inflation, one solution may be real estate investment trusts. REITs, as they’re called, are companies that own and/or operate properties like office buildings, shopping malls, apartment complexes and warehouses. While they do come with more risk than some … Read more

Here are the world’s top spots for working vacations

    Bangkok ranked No. 1 on a new list of top global “workation” destinations from Holidu.co.uk. Getty Images As telecommuting has proven necessary, practical and long-lasting for many amid the pandemic, a common thought’s been occurring to employees worldwide — why work from home when you could work by a beach, or at a … Read more