CATEGORIES

Help, I've been scammed!

Even an expert can be caught out by those ever more resourceful fraudsters.

When the "hyenas"Go to Work

Keep an eye on the stocks that are the favourite target of the short sellers.

In Your Interest

I would love to know the hit rate for the stream of scams we all get by email.

Teacher's Best Friend

Martin Dougiamas is possibly Australia’s least-known big-time tech entrepreneur.

Turn $5k Into $50,000

An investment that grows tenfold sounds like the answer to our financial prayers. It’s tricky if you want to do it quickly and still sleep at night but it can be done if you plan carefully. Alternatively, you can take your time and play it safe. Or there’s a middle course. Our three experts examine strategies for three risk profiles: low, moderate and high.

Low Risk

With interest rates at record lows, there is a constant frustration among investors in the chase for greater returns.

Moderate Risk

I asked several people with limited financial knowledge how they would turn $5000 into $50,000.

High Risk

To create wealth, you need a dollar to make a dollar. $5000 is a small amount to start with. However, it’s a start. Here are some of the options that I would look at:

Mixed Emotions

Blended families have enough challenges, so get on top of the money issues as soon as possible

On The Active Front

Market volatility and growing investor interest in passive funds are just bumps on the road to success, writes Susan Hely

Low Cost, High Value

Vanguard continues to set the benchmark for investment choice and fees, writes Susan Hely

Realise The Dream

Innovation and regular engagement with fund members supports strong returns, writes Kirby Rappell, CEO of SuperRatings

Scam

The return being offered was 200% a year ... good grief, how dumb can we be?

The Gift Card That Doesn't Keep On Giving

Keep an eye on the date or your present will “expire” too

Flair For Fine Food

Peter Gilmore loves nothing more than messing around in his vegie garden at home.

BrickX

BrickX Story

New Kids On The Block

Values are soaring with Japanese models joining their European counterparts as an alternative investment

Reality Bites

George, 85, had lived comfortably in a retirement village in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs for nine years – in a unit that cost $595,000 – but when the time came for him to move into aged care he and his three children received two sizeable shocks.

'We Sold The Units For $500,000; Today They Would Be Worth $2M'

Peter Koulizos was recently elected chairman of the Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA). He has been teaching in real estate and investment for almost 20 years and also personally invests in property and currently holds several properties. Koulizos is the author of The Property Professor's Top Australian Suburbs and Property vs Shares.

Top Property

With 2018 shaping up as a challenging year for investors, property guru Terry Ryder and the sharemarket experts at Skaffold reveal, for the seventh year, where they see the greatest value. Property winners in 2017 included Indented Head and Jan Juc (both 20%-plus) in Victoria, Werrington (19%) in NSW and Sunshine Beach (21%) and Noosa Heads (19%) in Queensland. The Top 5 share portfolio delivered 4.7%, with individual returns ranging from an impressive 71% (Northern Star Resources) to a disappointing -50.8% (Vita Group).

Join The Lay-by Revolution

The new deferred payment services can benefit both retailer and shopper

A Smart Outfit

Fact fileJane CayCEO and founder of Birdsnest, an online fashion retailer. Age 40. Lives in Cooma. She and her husband Oli have three children.Business philosophies are to spend money to make money, you can’t sell out of an empty barrel and, if generous, good things will come. First job, at 12, was cleaning at Toyworld on Saturday mornings. Pastimes are limited to yoga and skiing.

The Future Is Wearable

Watches, rings and even sunnies take tap-and-go to the next level.

Good Habits Start Young

Parents have an important tool to teach their children financial skills that can last a lifetime.

Off - Market Forces

Buyers and sellers are getting together in a more private setting.

The ‘Crisis' In Perspective

Buying property has always been expensive but investors with a social conscience can help solve the problem.

Where To Invest 10k

It's not quite like winning the lottery, but $10,000 invested wisely can make a big difference to your finances or future lifestyle. But where to invest? Our experts point you in the right direction.

Devil Is In The Detail

Take a closer look at your cover to make sure you are paying the right price for the protection you need

What A Difference An Extra Year Could Make

The 12-month work test exemption gives new retirees with a low superannuation balance the chance to enjoy a better lifestyle.

Where To Invest $10K Expert Picks

PLUS The experts provide answers to some of the top questions Money gets from our readers.