Plan a laundry that works

This functional and rather neglected room deserves a bit of love and attention to make it complement the rest of the house

Cash in on the great escape

The pandemic-fuelled migration from the cities to the bush, especially among millennials, provides new opportunities for investors

Reality behind the dream

Buying a getaway may seem like a great idea after enjoying an idyllic vacation, but does it stack up financially?

BREAK FREE

The financial independence movement is inspiring new followers – as young as 28 – who want to quit their day job and do their own thing

All will be revealed - finally

Funds will have to tell members exactly where their retirement savings are invested

Path to financial power

Women have come a long way on their money journey, but much more needs to be done before they achieve the rewards they deserve. We’ve spoken to a range of experts to find out the best ways for them to reach their goals.

Winners in the singles game

An increasing number of women are going it alone to get into the housing market

When life falls apart

Life doesn’t always work out the way you plan. In the ’80s and ’90s, Antoinette Colbran and her husband Richard were living the life – a house on Sydney’s lower north shore, a holiday home, European trips, a boat and regular car upgrades. Their work in the medico-legal business of workers’ compensation was going great guns.

Motherhood comes with a penalty

The super system assumes workers have an unbroken career, but this isn’t the reality for most women

Lowdown on how much we need in retirement

The real experts – the people who have already retired and know what it’s like – share their tips

Look on the good side

Investors who want to back their values with their cash need to make sure the ESG label does what it says

Let's have this tough conversation

Roles in a relationship are often based on gender rather than skills and interest

Down but not out

Ansell’s share price has taken a hit, but for the patient investor this could be a buying opportunity

Bank with a conscience

Neobanks appeal to tech-savvy young savers who are keen to protect the planet as well as build their wealth

Abuse takes a heavy toll

While the pandemic has made it harder for women and children to escape an abusive relationship, a range of support can help ease the trauma

In search of a better deal

When switching mortgage providers, take the time to ensure the new offer is as good as it looks

When retirees change their minds

More older people are turning their backs on “the dream” and going back to work

Keep the costs under control

No detail is too small if you want your dream to be realised on time and on budget

Survival guide for choppy waters

A focus on the value provided by strong, profitable Aussie companies should reward investors in what could be a challenging year

When numbers can lie

Investors need to look beyond the financial metrics to identify a high-quality business

Should I stay or should I go?

Here are four rules to help you make one of life’s most challenging decisions

Something ventured, something gained

Casey Flint Associate at private equity firm Square Peg; aged 26; lives in Sydney’s Kirribilli As a young girl, Casey loved mixing “potions” with mud, thinking one day she might be a scientist; grew up in the outback Queensland town of Winton; studied biochemistry and molecular biology at University of Queensland; studied economics after joining Uber; is a keen sailor, an avid reader and follower of podcasts; a devoted video gamer and interested in virtual reality.

IT'S NOT OVER YET

WHILE 2022 IS LIKELY TO BE A MORE “NORMAL” YEAR, PROPERTY PRICES WILL RISE STRONGLY IN MANY AREAS

Have fun in the guessing game

The only predictable thing about the stock market is its unpredictability

Boost your buying power

Teaming up with a family member or friend can beat the affordability challenge

Our tax system is reformed in the wake of the pandemic

It’s a political minefield, but something needs to be done as the population ages

Stapling ends the huge waste

Aussies will save $2.8 billion over the next 10 years as unnecessary fees and premiums are ditched

Put a mask on your portfolio

It’s been an incredible 18 months. Now is the time to prepare for the next leg of the journey.

Under unhealthy influences

Hidden persuaders take away our ability to make true choices, encouraging us to jump to conclusions

Add power to the estate plan

It’s important to nominate a trusted person to make decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated