Sold short after the storm

No one likes having to litigate to get redress. It's expensive and time-consuming. Mediation is usually preferable, or so I used to think. more

Don't borrow if you can avoid it

Using your own money for an investment property is probably the best way to go, writes George Cochrane. more

Ask Noel

FEATURES.   WHITTAKER.  Noel Whittaker dinkus. I have two properties; the first was bought as an investment and the second was our principal home. more

Fit for retirement

Transition-to-retirement strategies have become popular with financial planners for people 55 or older with a reasonable amount in retirement savings. more

Golden tips for cashing in

With the gold price hitting record highs, Australians are being urged to take part in a new gold rush by turning their old or unwanted jewellery into cash. more

Tangled web of internet privacy

Think before you hand over your personal details. more

Profile: Neil Balnaves

Neil Balnaves, the former head of Southern Star, and now running a philanthropic foundation, in his Mosman home, Monday February 15, 2010. Business was out and philanthropy in after a serious boating accident. more

Cash is king

Rainy day Putting some aside for a rainy day is back in vogue. more

LOOSE CHANGE

romance online More people are falling victim to online dating scams, says the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. more

Profile: Penny Sackett

Australia's Chief Scientist Professor Penny Sackett. Our chief scientist reached for the stars with a healthy respect for gravity. more

With a will there's a way

Make sure your Will benefits those you want it to. The strategy: To make sure my loved ones get the full benefit of my super. more

Learn something new

You can claim a portion of your child's school expenses.  The strategy: To claim the education tax refund. more

Separation anxiety

Divorce anxiety. The GFC has made a big impact on couples thinking about divorce more

Sure and steady in volatile times

Sure and steady in volatile times. Conservative investing in dividend-paying companies will soften the blow of negative returns more

Where credit is due

Ways to erase credit card debt. The strategy: To get rid of that silly-season credit card debt. more

Planning Tools

PLANNING CALCULATORS

Leasing Calculator

Work out your monthly repayments for your lease based on your purchase price and term, interest rate, and residual value. more

PLANNING FACT SHEETS

Top Ten Wills Questions

A will is the only way you can tell others how you want your assets to be distributed after your death. more

Top Ten Insurance Questions

Renewals, changes to policy, what are all these questions; try our insurance Top Ten Questions. more

Rights of borrowers

It is easy to borrow - it is often a lot harder to face the reality of monthly payments to repay the loan. more