Your Money

Rent increases are starting to slow, except in Brisbane …

- April 4, 2025 2 MIN READ

The nation’s capital cities are all experiencing a similar rental market trend, but in Brisbane, it is a totally different story. Here’s why. According to real estate giant Ray White, we’re seeing a national slowdown in rental growth. Average household sizes are returning to pre-COVID levels, creating additional capacity in the market. While housing supply… Read more »

Your Money

My thoughts on the federal budget

- March 28, 2025 3 MIN READ

We’ve been bombarded by coverage of the federal budget, which is likely to only remain relevant for a couple of months in light of the upcoming federal election. But here are my quick thoughts on it: Economy looking OK (for now) The economy seems to be bouncing back with Treasury forecasts seeing economic growth accelerate… Read more »

Your Money

A warning on private credit funds

- March 28, 2025 2 MIN READ

SQM Research has placed the private credit sector on ‘watch’, in response to increased issues being identified by financial regulators, ASIC and APRA. Here’s why. A ‘watch’ issued by SQM Research means they are increasing their active monitoring of the sector and have adjusted their ratings scoresheet to place a greater emphasis on governance. The… Read more »

Your Money

The impact of Trump’s tariffs on our housing market

- March 21, 2025 3 MIN READ

A trade war has a far-reaching impact. Here are three possible scenarios of how it could affect Australia’s property market. While the overwhelming majority of property resales are earning nice profits for their owners, there is a lot of uncertainty on global financial markets. The most immediate reaction to this uncertainty is always reflected in… Read more »

Your Life

How to beat the health insurance hikes

- March 21, 2025 4 MIN READ

Around 15 million Aussies with some form of private health care cover are about to feel the pinch of another rate rise on 1 April. The government has approved an industry average price increase of 3.73 per cent – the biggest hike since 2018. But don’t be fooled by the headline figure because the impact… Read more »

Your Money

My tips for managing your money in times of uncertainty

- March 14, 2025 3 MIN READ

Media coverage of sharemarket corrections can spook even the most professional investor. It can be scary. Before building the bunker, it’s worth remembering a couple of things. I love the advice of Warren Buffet from his biography, Snowball: “Cash combined with courage in a crisis is priceless.” “Don’t invest in things you don’t understand.” “Don’t… Read more »

Your Money

Is Trump good for business? Time will tell!

- March 14, 2025 3 MIN READ

I’ve written about ‘Trump Trade’ before – that is the stocks and sectors which benefit from a pro-business regime in the White House. But since the presidential inauguration, the decisions coming out of the White House have been anything but pro-business and financial markets are now panicking. Markets hate uncertainty and with Trump 2.0 there… Read more »

Your Money

How to ensure your renovations will add value

- March 7, 2025 3 MIN READ

Does doing your house up by adding a swanky new kitchen, swimming pool or deck add as much value as you hope? Let’s take a look.  According to Ray White chief economist, Nerida Conisbee, over the past two years, we’ve seen the value of renovations undertaken remain high, largely driven by rising construction costs. With… Read more »