IFC Articles
Understanding Australian dividend franking credits (Copy)
Did you know that there is around $2.6 billion in lost shares, bank accounts and life insurance in Australia? Some of it could belong to you, and it’s free and easy to check using the unclaimed money search tool on the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) website.
Australians have $2.6 billion in unclaimed money. Here’s how to check if some of it is yours
Australia’s latest dividends stream was flowing strongly recently as many listed companies and exchange traded funds (ETFs) collectively paid out income returns directly to their investors.
What the proposed super tax changes could mean for you
The federal government has announced updates to its plan to reduce tax concessions on superannuation investment earnings for Australians with balances over $3 million.
New aged care act: What you need to know
Sweeping reforms to aged care came into effect on 1 November to help improve the quality, transparency and flexibility of care.
Relationships and money
Making plans to move in with your partner or share finances can be exciting. Knowing your financial and legal responsibilities, and where to get help if you need it, can make your life together run more smoothly.
Beware pushy sales tactics targeting your super
How to keep your super safe
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has warned Australians to beware of high-pressure sales tactics aimed at getting people to switch superannuation providers.
Cash reserves hit new records but avoid the traps
Why holding too much cash could burn a hole in your investment returns?
Monthly data just released by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) shows households across the nation are now holding record levels of cash.
BAS Statements in Australia: Best Practices for Small Business Owners
Running a business in Australia comes with many responsibilities, and one of the most important is staying on top of your tax obligations. For most businesses, this means regularly lodging a Business Activity Statement (BAS) with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). While BAS can feel complicated, having the right systems and practices in place can make the process much easier.
Case Study: Emma and Jack — Should they use the 5% deposit scheme or put down more?
Emma and Jack are both 32, renting in Brisbane and eager to buy their first home. They’ve saved $120,000 together over the past five years. Their combined household income is $160,000 a year. They are looking at a house priced at $800,000.
Private vs government-funded elderly care: what’s best for your loved one?
Older Australians can access both government-funded and private aged care services, each with different costs, eligibility rules and flexibility. Understanding the differences between these options can help you or your loved ones make informed choices about the right support at home or in care.
Are you a glass-half-full or glass-half-empty investor?
When you think about the markets, do you see promise or peril? Are you the type to believe the glass is half-full, or do you focus on the half that is not there?
1 in 3 Australians in their late 60s are still working, new HILDA survey shows
Australia has seen a dramatic transformation of retirement over the past 20 years, with more Australians delaying retirement than ever before, reshaping expectations for later life.
Should you take advantage of the 5% Deposit if you have a larger deposit
Buying with 5%? How the Australian Government’s Home Guarantee (5% deposit) works and whether you should use it if you already have a bigger deposit
Tax Time in Australia: What You Need to Do Before the Deadline
Every year, tax time comes around faster than we expect. Whether you are an employee, a contractor, or a small business owner, preparing for your tax return can feel overwhelming. The good news is that by knowing the deadlines and having a clear checklist, you can make the process smoother and avoid penalties.
Know your new limits under the age pension tests
Receiving the full government Age Pension, or even a partial pension payment, can provide eligible retirees with a significant amount of income over time that can supplement income earned from other assets.
How behavioural biases could be hurting your investment returns
Even the most experienced investors can fall prey to subtle psychological traps.
Trusts are back in the ATO spotlight
With more than 947,000 trusts operating across Australia, it’s no surprise the ATO continues to keep a close eye on how these structures are managed. Trusts remain central to many wealth and succession plans, but their complexity means they also attract compliance scrutiny.
If I Was Ready to Buy My First Home, Here’s Exactly What I’d Do
Buying a first home is one of those life goals that feels both exciting and terrifying at the same time. With the government’s expanded First Home Guarantee scheme rolling out from 1 October 2025, the path into homeownership looks a little smoother, but I know it still comes with plenty of decisions, risks, and responsibilities.
The gig life - balancing freedom AND financial stability
The gig economy sounds like a dream, and for many it is. Being your own boss, setting your own hours, working in pyjamas - what's not to love? Whether you're freelancing full-time or juggling a juicy side hustle, there’s magic in earning money on your terms.
But let’s not get too starry-eyed. It's not all almond-milk lattes and laptop-at-the-beach vibes.
Australian Government’s Expanded First Home Guarantee: What You Need to Know
Buying your first home in Australia has always been a big milestone, but also one of the toughest financial hurdles many people face. With rising property prices and the struggle to save a 20% deposit, it can often feel out of reach. That’s why the Australian Government has recently expanded its First Home Guarantee scheme, removing income caps, lifting property price limits, and making places unlimited from 1 October 2025. Designed to help first-home buyers get into the market sooner with just a 5% deposit and no Lenders’ Mortgage Insurance, the scheme could be a game-changer—if you know how to navigate it wisely.