In times like these, when there is great uncertainty about what will happen to interest rates, borrowers get lots of advice about whether to go fixed or variable. Unfortunately, a lot of it is not well founded. For example, anyone who tells you to lock a fixed rate mortgage now before rates rise, is basically… Read more »
With rising inflation, a war in Europe affecting global fuel costs, and ongoing supply strain issues, this year’s budget is shaped not just by the upcoming election but a growing cry in the community about the cost of living. But despite some significant multi-billion dollar spends within the next six months, the deficit is predicted… Read more »
Overwhelmingly, Australia’s top economists would rather the Federal Budget 2022 funds measures to cut carbon emissions than cuts to income tax or company tax. They are also dead against rumoured cuts to petrol tax and the tax on beer. The Conversation’s pre-budget survey of a panel of 46 leading economists selected by the Economic Society… Read more »
Last year, half a million Australians couldn’t afford to fill a script. Here’s what needs to be done to put a lid on rising health costs. Nearly every Australian uses some part of the health system every year, whether it be going to the GP, getting a prescription filled, or seeing a specialist. Despite having… Read more »
Stealth tax rises mean that when the government announces a tax cut, you’ll probably pay the same or more tax anyway. A curious feature of the Australian tax system is “bracket creep”. Taxpayers whose income climbs by no more than prices (inflation) get no increase in their living standards. Instead, they see more and more… Read more »
While MLMs promise financial independence, flexibility and work-life balance, very few MLM sellers ever make any profit. Multi-level marketing (MLM) is a business model that relies on direct selling and consultants recruiting friends and relatives to also become consultants, salespeople or distributors. MLM salespeople sell products – such as beauty products, kitchen wares, essential oils… Read more »
With the world facing an ever-growing number of environmental and social challenges, investors are increasingly expecting corporations to “do the right thing” and contribute positively to the community. This is known as corporate social responsibility or CSR. Investors play an important role pushing firms towards becoming better corporate citizens. So, what do investors (including those of… Read more »
If you’re paying off a mortgage – or aspiring to – imagine if you didn’t have to worry so much about rising interest rates. That’s already the reality for US home buyers. Unlike in Australia, most mortgages in the US have a fixed-interest rate, locked in for 30 years. Instead of having to wait and… Read more »
Right now, is it best to put extra money into your mortgage or super? To help you decide, here are four questions to ask yourself. At a certain point in life, many wonder what’s better: to pay off the home loan ASAP or top up your superannuation? If your emergency cash buffer looks okay and… Read more »
Have you watched Don’t Look Up on Netflix yet? It’s actually quite a useful economics education, as Steven Hail from Torrens University Australia points out. In the new Netflix sensation Don’t Look Up, two astronomers, played by Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo Di Caprio, discover a massive comet heading towards Earth, and desperately try to warn the… Read more »
