What does the Federal Budget mean for me?

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has high hopes that his 2024 Federal Budget will rein in inflation earlier than expected, ease cost-of-living pressures and build a stronger economy in the future.

As 2024 kicks off, Australia’s two million plus small business owners face fresh economic challenges and a whole new world of game-changing technology. Those are the findings of the second annual The Big Small Business Survey, conducted by five Australian business owners (including me), writes Katrina McCarter.

To say that it’s been a challenging period for bond investors for the best part of a decade, is not an exaggeration. If we cast our minds back to 2008, the world was in a precarious situation as the Global Financial Crisis took effect. Central bankers were busy thinking of ways to avoid a deep global recession or worse, a depression.

After accumulating superannuation savings over multiple decades, many retirees are fearful of spending too much. When it comes to life in retirement, many Australians are probably being more frugal than they need to be.

Deciding what you really need. Buying your first home can be a mix of excitement and apprehension. With solid preparation you can make the experience less stressful and more productive. Here are some of the things to think about before looking for something to buy.

A self-managed super fund (SMSF) is a private super fund that you manage yourself. SMSFs are different to industry and retail super funds.

Understanding your redundancy payout. According to ASIC, a redundancy payout can be made up of any of the following: a severance payment, an incentive payment, a payment in lieu of notice or unused annual leave and long service leave.

Investing success can mean different things to different people. Being clear on what success means for you is key to mapping out your plan.

Cost of living pressures coupled with rate rises have made it more difficult to save for a home deposit and afford the lifestyle you’ve either become accustomed to or are dreaming of.

The start of 2024 continued the upward trend for the year for dwelling values, recording a 0.4% increase in January, marking its 12th straight month of value increases.

The much debated tax on superannuation balances over $3 million is inching closer and those who may be affected should ensure they have considered the implications.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced proposed changes to address ongoing cost of living pressures with all 13.6 million Australian taxpayers receiving a tax cut from 1 July 2024, compared to the tax they paid in 2023-24.

Using a fundamental investing principle could help many Australians bring their retirement forward.

Most Australians want to share their wealth with the next generation but are unsure how to transfer that wealth and need help to plan for an effective transfer. Financial advisers are well-placed to meet those needs, according to the findings of a new report from Fidelity International and independent research firm, MYMAVINS.

Personal transformation can be challenging. We all have habits we’d like to break and behaviours we’d like to do more of. But when we do some self-examination and think about what is involved in navigating change, it can seem overwhelming to get to where we need to be, whether that is personally or professionally.

We spend decades watching our super balances grow but for those thinking about retirement in the next few years, it can be confusing to work out how best to use your super.

Australia’s economy stubbornly defied predictions during 2023, dashing any hopes that we might begin to return to some kind of normal.

Well, it hurts! There are at least 5 "pain" points.

Monitor how your shares are performing compared to similar companies or the market overall.

For those getting ready to stride into the world of home ownership, the uncertainties of pre-approval can cast a shadow of doubt over an otherwise exciting time. When is it necessary? How long does it last? And what does it involve, exactly?