In a world of constant financial noise, from market updates and interest rate speculation to economic forecasts, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and choose to do nothing.

But inaction can be costly when it comes to building long-term wealth. Whether it’s leaving money in cash, delaying investment decisions or ignoring the power of regular contributions, the financial consequences of sitting still can quietly erode your future goals.

Sweeping reforms to aged care are set to begin on 1 November to help improve the quality, transparency and flexibility of care.

With more care levels, clearer pricing, and greater control over how your funding is used, the new system aims to better match services to individual needs. Providers will be required to offer detailed cost breakdowns, empowering you to make informed decisions about your care.

When you think about the markets, do you see promise or peril? Are you the type to believe the glass is half-full, or do you focus on the half that is not there?

Your investing outlook can shape your decisions, influence your risk tolerance, and impact your long-term results. But which approach truly works best? Should investors lean into optimism or prepare for the worst?

Vanguard’s newly released How Australia Retires 2025 report explores how Australians prepare for and experience retirement.

Based on a nationally representative survey of 1,800 Australians aged 18 and over conducted in February 2025, the research reveals a significant gap in sentiment between working and retired Australians.

If you receive the Age Pension, changes that came into effect on 20 September could affect your payments.

Deeming rates used by the government to estimate the income pensioners earn from savings and investments have been frozen since May 2020. But recently changed.

Mortgage debt is impacting the confidence of many retirees

Vanguard’s How Australia Retires 2025 report reveals a concerning trend: more Australians are expecting to enter retirement with mortgage debt, and it’s having a real impact on how they feel about their financial future.

Australia has seen a dramatic transformation of retirement over the past 20 years, with more Australians delaying retirement than ever before, reshaping expectations for later life.

This shift matters because it marks a fundamental change in how people transition out of the workforce — with important implications for financial security in later life.

Navigating the money side of buying a home can be daunting – especially if it’s your first time. Unless you’ve recently come into a small fortune, you’ll need to have saved a deposit and take out a home loan.

That means engaging with the world of banks and mortgage brokers, and grappling with what might be intimidating-sounding jargon – terms like “pre-approval”, “offset accounts” and “serviceability buffers”.

Buying a first home is one of the biggest financial decisions a person can make. There are so many questions to consider it can be hard to know where to begin.

Where should I be looking to buy? Should I buy a house, or an apartment? And should it be an established home, an apartment off the plan, or a new build?

Australians are living longer and experiencing higher house-to-wage ratios. It makes good sense to consider how you can achieve a comfortable long term future.

Our recent webinar on borrowing to invest brought together financial advice commentator Noel Whittaker, REA Group’s Chief Economist Nerida Conisbee and NAB Equity Head of Sales Craig Saunders to explore what makes a smart investor.

Why holding too much cash could burn a hole in your investment returns.

Monthly data just released by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) shows households across the nation are now holding record levels of cash.

Making plans to move in with your partner or share finances can be exciting. Knowing your financial and legal responsibilities, and where to get help if you need it, can make your life together run more smoothly.

The earlier you start talking about your finances with your partner, the better.

What do Tiger Woods, Ben Stiller, Australian pensioners and dating app users have in common? Despite being from different walks of life, they have all fallen prey to various scams.

In 2024, more than A$2.03 billion was lost to scams in Australia across 494,732 reported cases. Most of these scams were enabled by technology, with scammers contacting their victims either online or on the phone. However, about 600 of these scams happened in person.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has warned Australians to beware of high-pressure sales tactics aimed at getting people to switch superannuation providers.

The regulator has warned that “clickbait” ads, comparison websites and promises of unrealistic returns are among the tactics being used to entice Australians into switching their retirement savings, sometimes into risky or unsuitable schemes.

There are 2 ways of contributing to your spouse's super:

• You may be able to split contributions you have already made to your own super, by rolling them over to your spouse's super – known as a contributions-splitting super benefit.

• You can make a super contribution directly to your spouse's super, treated as their non-concessional contribution, which may entitle you to a tax offset.

Superannuation tax rules are changing again and there are implications for those with very large balances as well as those on lower incomes.

The new super tax rules will begin on 1 July 2026 and will be based on your total super balance as at 30 June 2027.

Few investment sectors combine geopolitical intrigue, technological innovation and long-term growth potential quite like rare earth elements (REEs).

For Australians, the recent deal with the United States to supply rare earths to seed US$8.5 billion worth of new projects, has thrust the sector into the spotlight.ⁱ

Divorce can be one of life’s most emotionally and financially disruptive events. Whether you’re in the early stages of separation or rebuilding after a settlement, understanding the financial implications and taking proactive streps can make all the difference.

Retirement has often been seen as a time to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of daily life. And for many, that’s the dream. But retirement is no longer defined by one image or one path. In fact, it can be something much more expansive. Today, retirement is increasingly viewed as a time of freedom, possibility, and reinvention.

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban are making headlines, having reportedly called time on their 19-year marriage. If you’re also facing a relationship break-up, it’s important to know where you stand on practical issues, such as how to hold onto the family home, if that’s your goal.