Guiding adult children to contribute at home – fostering responsibility and independence

6 February

Many parents face the question of when their adult children living at home should start paying board and contributing to household expenses and chores as they transition into adulthood.  The question of when and how much to charge, as well as the...[Read More]

Curtain call: basic energy upgrades may save households

5 February

Australian households could knock more than $1500 off their energy bills with some basic home upgrades – and almost twice as much by investing in renewable energy technology. But the potential savings identified in a study – which add up to more...[Read More]

Interest rate cut hopes rise on soft inflation print

30 January

Interest rate relief could be around the corner after underlying inflation came in below expectations. Core inflation fell to 3.2 per cent in the year to December, opening the door for the Reserve Bank of Australia to cut the cash rate at its next...[Read More]

Solar boost could mean good news for renters, regions

29 January

Low-income households, renters, and people in regional and rural areas could be among those who benefit most from greater investments in solar energy projects. Environment and community groups issued their assessments on Tuesday after Energy...[Read More]

Creating a refreshing and organised home for summer

23 January

As the summer months roll on, the warm weather brings longer days, sunshine, and the perfect opportunity to refresh your home.  Whether you’re hosting barbecues, spending lazy afternoons with family, or just enjoying the season, these homemaking...[Read More]

Strong jobs growth data deflates February rate cut hope

23 January

Australia’s jobs market continues to show “remarkable” resilience with stronger than expected employment growth tempering hopes of a February rate cut. About 56,000 jobs were added to the economy in December, the Australian Bureau of...[Read More]

‘Net zero hero’ myth risks overburdening individuals

22 January

It’s not unusual to see individuals championed as heroes of climate action, with their efforts to install rooftop solar and buy electric cars promoted as pivotal in the fight to save the planet. Hero figures can motivate others to follow suit but...[Read More]

Ways for consumers to put the ‘sun tax’ in the shade

22 January

For those who can afford it, adding a battery could beat the “sun tax” that will further deplete the once-generous rate of return for rooftop solar pioneers. A third of Australia’s households have rooftop solar and almost three quarters of the...[Read More]

Protect your home against dry weather threats with these steps

16 January

Protecting homes from dry weather threats, such as bushfires, requires proactive measures and preparedness. Here are some steps to help protect your home:Maintain the exterior: Clear roofs, gutters, and chimneys of debris regularly to prevent the...[Read More]

Property investing: comparing residential with commercial real estate

16 January

In the realm of property investment, prospective investors often grapple with comparing residential vs commercial real estate. Both offer viable investment opportunities, but they also come with their own unique advantages and drawbacks. Hence, the...[Read More]

Consumer spending plunge brightens hopes of rate cut

16 January

Australians pulled back sharply on purchasing household goods after bringing forward spending during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. Consumer spending fell 1.8 per cent in December after a rise in November, with financially stretched households...[Read More]

Steps to take if you can’t afford your mortgage repayments

9 January

Owning a home is a significant milestone. However, the financial responsibility of mortgage repayments can be daunting for some homeowners. In times of financial difficulty, it’s essential to find ways to manage your mortgage and avoid defaulting...[Read More]

3 advantages of having a smart home and how to turn your house into one

9 January

While smart home technology has been around since the 1990s, people are just beginning to appreciate having it. The devices in a smart home are interconnected and accessible from a single hub, such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop or gaming console....[Read More]

A 9-step guide to organising your space and clearing the clutter

2 January

Cleaning up and organising your living area may seem daunting. However, by embracing these nine straightforward principles, you can cultivate an orderly and serene environment.  Seek Inspiration Find your muse in decluttering champions like Marie...[Read More]

6 tips to overcome the deposit barrier

2 January

In Australia, the deposit barrier is a significant challenge for many people who wish to buy their own homes.  Saving up for a deposit can be a daunting task, especially for first-time homebuyers.  The good news is that there are various...[Read More]