Personal Finance

Tax returnsQuickest ways to get your tax return money back

Millions of Australians will be rushing to file their tax returns this month and there are some easy ways to get money back quickly.

Sophie Elsworth

First homeWhy first home buyers should purchase property now

First-home buyers should seriously consider buying property as market conditions make now a great time to make the home ownership dream come true.

Sophie Elsworth

Potentially explosiveJudge lifts ban on ‘tell-all’ book by Trump’s niece

A ban on a controversial new 240-page book by US President Donald Trump’s niece that dubs him “the world’s most dangerous man” has been lifted paving the way for its distribution.

AFP, New York Post, AP

Pull backClick-happy WA shoppers return to bricks and mortar

West Australians took a break from an April online shopping frenzy last month, with the latest data showing WA recorded the nation’s biggest drop in online sales growth in May.

Meilin Chew

Don’t panic!Million-dollar target for comfortable retirement a myth

What’s conveniently omitted by the so-called experts is how Centrelink benefits work hand-in-glove with your savings to produce a regular tax-free income that increases each year. Here’s how ...

Nick Bruining

A little extraComfy couples set for nice age pension boost

Increased Centrelink means-test thresholds which came into effect yesterday give all part-pensioners a boost in their fortnightly benefit.

Nick Bruining

Cards pleaseCash no longer king in post-COVID retail world

A new report shows more than a third of Australians intend on using cash less frequently, or not at all in a post-coronavirus world.

Meilin Chew

Retirement savingsAccessing super early sends the ATO into meltdown

Cash-strapped Australians have rushed to access their retirement savings early during the pandemic but it has been argued this should have never been allowed in the first place.

Sophie Elsworth

Cash handoutsWho gets July’s $750 government cash payment?

Retirees, other pensioners and many families are in line for the second round of government COVID-19 stimulus payments from mid-July. Find out if you qualify …

Anthony Keane

First homeHow to buy your first home with a five per cent deposit

Aspiring first-time home buyers can get a foot on the property ladder much sooner if they use the Federal Government First Home Loan Deposit Scheme to buy a home from July 1. This is how it works.

Sophie Elsworth

Work changesAussies enjoy surprising work from home perks

While the coronavirus pandemic has caused chaos for many workplaces, being free of the office has benefited both workers and their bosses in some surprising ways.

Melanie Burgess

Money tipsThree easy ways to lower your cost of living

Aussies are feeling the financial pinch during the economic downturn, but there are three quick ways you can cut your cost of living and save cash now.

David Koch

InvestingTech stocks surge: how to grab a slice

Technology companies such as Afterpay and Kogan bounced back from March’s COVID crash and have captured the imagination of investors. Here’s what you need to know before buying in.

Anthony Keane

Big roleCOVID could be key to regaining trust in finance sector

The pandemic has provided a ‘real opportunity’ for banks and other financial institutions to overcome public trust problems, which have plagued the sector since the banking royal commission.

Meilin Chew

Deductions explainedWhat to buy now to maximise your tax return this year

While many savvy retailers are great at tricking people into spending money at this time of year purely to get a tax deduction, there are genuine ways to spend for a better tax refund.

Vanessa Croll

Where there’s a will...Why now is the best time to get your will in order

If your will is not in order, the people you most want to benefit from your estate might not get anything at all. In a time of great uncertainty, now might be the best time to put plans in place.

Meilin ChewFinance News Presenter

InvestingVolatile shares a trap for new investors

New investors have been entering the stockmarket in droves but their enthusiasm might end with a nasty financial hit, according to shares specialists.

Anthony Keane

Barefoot InvestorHow demolishing debt can set you free

Whether you’re getting ready to expand your family or you’re still in your 20s and having fun, paying off your debts remains the most important step on the road to financial freedom, writes the Barefoot Investor.

Scott Pape

See the listHow to maximise your working from home tax refund

Bigger tax refunds are just weeks away for millions of Australians who have been working remotely during the coronavirus pandemic. Here’s what you can claim and what you can’t.

Anthony Keane

ExclusiveBooze, Netflix, shopping all in a day’s work

Cheeky Aussies have been taking advantage of working from home, with more than a third watching TV on company time and one in 10 admitting to getting on the drink.

Melanie Burgess

The West LiveNick Bruining talks working from home tax refunds

With the end of financial year around the corner our finance guru says now is the time to examine working from home costs to claim COVID-19-related entitlements. LISTEN LIVE AT 8.45AM

Caitlyn Rintoul

Go longWhy you should start investing now

BRUCE BRAMMALL: While I think predicting markets is crazy stuff, I do know a few things. I know the long-term averages. And I know long-term investors will generally be rewarded.

Bruce Brammall

Out and aboutWest Aussies lead nation’s post-virus spending splurge

We’re also leaving other States behind when it comes to renewed dining and takeaway spending.

Meilin Chew

Debt controlHow to beat the recession debt crunch

Recession-related debt pressures are set to squeeze household budgets as Australians’ borrowing remains near record highs. But there are easy ways to ensure your finances are in check

Anthony Keane