News

Bad news for mortgage holders around the country: the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) today raised the cash rate by 25 basis points to 3.85%. Today we’ll look at why it did so, and how this rate hike could impact your monthly mortgage repayments. Well, those three rate cuts in 2025 were nice while they lasted! But recent...

The Government recently announced that it was delivering on its commitment “to mandate cash acceptance for essential purchases by finalising regulations that require fuel and grocery retailers to accept cash from 1 January 2026.” The changes mean that, from 1 January 2026, most food and grocery retailers must accept cash for in-person transactions of $500...

After a lengthy run of rising prices in 2025, some pundits are tipping property prices could keep climbing in 2026. Today we’ll take a sneak peek inside the experts’ crystal ball – and what it could mean for your home buying plans. 2025 was a great year for home owners, though a little more challenging...

Owning an investment property isn’t limited to the uber-rich. In fact, investors are usually people you interact with daily. Today, we’ll reveal which occupations are the nation’s most prolific property investors, and how you could potentially join them. Owning a home has traditionally been the great Australian dream, but aspirations to own an investment property...

You might’ve seen recent headlines that national property prices made another big jump this year. But do you know exactly how your suburb and property type performed? Well, today we’ll show you how to find out in just a few quick clicks. Over the past year, home prices have risen 8.7% nationally, according to PropTrack. If...

2025 has been a big year for property investors. But the rapid growth of investment lending has fuelled speculation about a possible crackdown on loans to property investors. We explain what’s happening, and why it might be worth considering bringing forward your plans. The past year has been a cracker for property investors. The tightest vacancy...

Gen Z may be known for being tech savvy, but they’re also showing their smarts when it comes to home buying, with a surprisingly large number preparing to buy their first home before the end of the decade. Here’s how Gen Zs are making their home-buying plans happen. They don’t call it the ‘great Australian...

To save or to pay down your home loan, that is the question. Ok, so it’s not Shakespearean levels of contemplation – but it’s still a big decision facing many Australian families right now. Let’s take a look at what the majority of home owners are leaning toward. A growing number of home owners have...

With the holiday season approaching, many employers and businesses want to reward their staff and loyal clients/customers/suppliers. Again, it is important to understand how gifts to staff and clients, etc., are handled ‘tax-wise’. Gifts that are not considered to be entertainment  These generally include a Christmas hamper, a bottle of whisky or wine, gift vouchers,...

With the well-earned December/January holiday season on the way, many employers will be planning to reward staff with a celebratory party or event.  However, there are important issues to consider, including the possible FBT and income tax implications of providing ‘entertainment’ (including Christmas parties) to staff and clients.   FBT and ‘entertainment’ Under the FBT Act,...