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Boost your buying power

Teaming up with a family member or friend can beat the affordability challenge

Have fun in the guessing game

The only predictable thing about the stock market is its unpredictability

IT'S NOT OVER YET

WHILE 2022 IS LIKELY TO BE A MORE “NORMAL” YEAR, PROPERTY PRICES WILL RISE STRONGLY IN MANY AREAS

Something ventured, something gained

Casey Flint Associate at private equity firm Square Peg; aged 26; lives in Sydney’s Kirribilli As a young girl, Casey loved mixing “potions” with mud, thinking one day she might be a scientist; grew up in the outback Queensland town of Winton; studied biochemistry and molecular biology at University of Queensland; studied economics after joining Uber; is a keen sailor, an avid reader and follower of podcasts; a devoted video gamer and interested in virtual reality.

Should I stay or should I go?

Here are four rules to help you make one of life’s most challenging decisions

When numbers can lie

Investors need to look beyond the financial metrics to identify a high-quality business

Survival guide for choppy waters

A focus on the value provided by strong, profitable Aussie companies should reward investors in what could be a challenging year

Keep the costs under control

No detail is too small if you want your dream to be realised on time and on budget

When retirees change their minds

More older people are turning their backs on “the dream” and going back to work

In search of a better deal

When switching mortgage providers, take the time to ensure the new offer is as good as it looks

Our tax system is reformed in the wake of the pandemic

It’s a political minefield, but something needs to be done as the population ages

Stapling ends the huge waste

Aussies will save $2.8 billion over the next 10 years as unnecessary fees and premiums are ditched

Put a mask on your portfolio

It’s been an incredible 18 months. Now is the time to prepare for the next leg of the journey.

Under unhealthy influences

Hidden persuaders take away our ability to make true choices, encouraging us to jump to conclusions

Add power to the estate plan

It’s important to nominate a trusted person to make decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated

In the company of angels

Danielle Robertson was born at a time when Australian women had to manage their homes, children and entertaining pretty much on their own.

A conversation we need to have

Dementia affects an increasing number of Australians, and families should plan now for the financial risks

A little pain can be a good thing

Lending restrictions to rein in booming house prices are prudent risk management

A betrayal of trust

Under the cover of lockdowns, unscrupulous children and other relatives are ripping off ageing parents more than ever

ASK THE EXPERTS WHERE TO INVEST $10K

In a challenging year, one silver lining is that many of us have been able to stash away some extra cash. Here are eight ways to make the most of it.

Borrow to get ahead

You can boost your returns by using someone else’s money, but the payoff is not without risks

Tell the truth, the whole truth

Investment labels such as ‘balanced’ don’t always mean what they suggest

Neighbours' big payday

Homeowners who band together to sell a mega-lot of land, rather than selling individually, can double their profits

The good, the bad, the costly

Lockdowns have triggered an outbreak of home improvement projects. These are the pitfalls to avoid.

Love & money

Financial worries are a major cause of break-ups. But if couples find their money sweet spot, they can boost their finances and their relationship.

An idiot income portfolio

An obsession with franked dividends means Aussie investors miss out on the big returns

In the baby business

While assisted reproduction can be a prolonged and expensive process, for many women it’s well worth it

When sibling rivalry turns nasty

Parents are asking for trouble if they play favourites when it comes to dividing up the estate

Break for the border

There’s a world of opportunity for investors who venture beyond the small, concentrated local market

Ease stress of divorce

When a couple decides to break up, some emotional and practical preparation can help them through the process