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Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon

Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon

Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon is a financial educator, commentator and author.

The government’s super co-contributions could help supercharge your balance come retirement.

One move now could add $25,000 to your retirement savings. Here’s how

For those who play the system right, there’s an extra $500 in super contributions on offer from the government.

  • Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon

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Petrol prices have surged, putting more pressure on inflation.

From fuel to groceries, here are five ways to beat rising costs

A forecast from NAB last week suggested our consumer prices index may spike more than a whole percentage point, to above 5 per cent.

  • Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon
Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon: Having private health insurance was invaluable for my cancer scare.

Five years ago today I beat breast cancer. This insurance saved me

The five-year survivor milestone is a big, beautiful one when it comes to breast cancer. And I hit it today, thanks in part to this insurance.

  • Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon
Qantas has changed how its frequent flyer program works.

Frequent flyer overhaul: Why your ‘status’ now really matters

I’ve recently bought into all the fuss about “status” when flying – and it could prove to be a smart move for frequent flyers.

  • Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon
Thinking of refinancing? It could save you plenty.

The three steps to successfully refinance (and save $428 a month)

On a pretty typical $700,000 mortgage, you’re needing to find almost $110 extra a month now. So the rush is on to ditch lenders for cheaper ones.

  • Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon
The earlier you start, the longer you'll have for compound interest to do its work.

What can I do to stop my 19-year-old daughter spending?

Give her this example: At that age, it would take saving just $6 a day for her to be a millionaire by retirement (at 65).

  • Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon
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You might unexpectedly require access to money, and your mortgage could furnish that.

The compelling reasons to never pay off your home loan

Owing nothing would be grand, but there are big reasons to keep a mortgage going, rather than seeking to discharge it early.

  • Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon
Teaching your kids some money smarts could be invaluable.

Kids are back at school. But they won’t be taught one crucial thing

It’s back to school in Australia and New Zealand – but with one key difference: Kiwi kids will now learn about money.

  • Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon
Getting a few extra dollars in your pocket doesn’t have to involve major, life-changing decisions.

These six numbers can help you sort your finances for 2026

Here’s a quick way to audit your money situation before the year starts to get away from you.

  • Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon
Fixed rates can be a great way to hedge against future interest rate rises, but only if you act sensibly.

Should you fix your home loan before it’s too late?

Expectations of a rate hike next month have eased, but lenders have already started to shift their fixed rate offerings.

  • Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon