Planning
First step: set aside emergency cash
I CAN DO THAT The strategy: To recession-proof my income.
Barricade your super from losses
GEORGE COCHRANE Nobody wants to see their account balance drop, so cash is where it's at for safety, writes George Cochrane.
Forget GFC, avoid a PFC
NICOLE PEDERSEN-MCKINNON A few precautions will ensure your finances don't suffer the same catastrophe as Europe's.
Aim for a stress-free move
Noel Whittaker Aged-care facilities and retirement villages are poorly understood so it pays to understand the difference.
The five biggest money mistakes
NICOLE PEDERSEN-MCKINNON One wrong decision can put your financial future at severe disadvantage.
Reprieves still hard to come by
GEORGE COCHRANE Small relief exists for first-time breaches of the concessional contributions cap but there's a catch.
Best options for aged care
It's crucial to understand the special rules that apply to the family home, writes Noel Whittaker.
Funding a private education
When it comes to paying for your child's schooling, it's best to start planning as soon as you can, writes John Collett.
How to retire in tough times
Sue Hoban The GFC forced many people to delay retirement but what is it like for those who have bitten the bullet?
Health insurers on a roll as 52% get cover
Jessica Wright More than half of Australians now have private health insurance.
Find a balance to get ahead
Lesley Parker With the new year comes an opportunity to assess your finances and make improvements.
So, you're suddenly rich ... now what?
GEORGE COCHRANE Term deposits can be a good option for those unaccustomed to the perks and pitfalls of coming into money.
The resolution solution
NICOLE PEDERSEN-MCKINNON Having made a New Year's wish-list, it's time to put your ambitions into action in 2012.
How to account for school fees
Sue Hoban Paying for children’s education can be a costly business but options are available for parents who want to ensure they get a head start.
Retail to e-tail: a web of opportunity
Keeta Nova No matter how small the operation or niche the service, online traders still require a realistic approach to business, with a sharp strategy and a sensible budget.
Increased rebates helping keep childcare costs down, report reveals
ADELE HORIN Families spent a significantly lower proportion of their income on childcare last year than they did in 2004, an official report shows.
Shake your moneymaker: start 2012 on the right foot
Larissa Ham If you maxed out the plastic in the Christmas bonanza - now might be the perfect time for a money makeover.
How much to give?
MAX NEWNHAM Christmas is a time of giving, but if you get the age pension, giving too much can get you into trouble.
Diving into the property market
Government grants plus softening house prices make it a good time to launch into home ownership, writes Bina Brown.
Keep a keen eye on government guarantees
GEORGE COCHRANE It pays to be aware of new regulations guaranteeing a bank's deposits when you have long-held savings.
