Series
Real Money
Money editor Dominic Powell and our experts share tips on how to save, invest and make the most of your money.
- Opinion
- Opinion
From Grange to loose change: How to turn your hobby into a money spinner
If you enjoy collecting items such as wine, coins or stamps, you could be sitting on a nice little nest egg.
- Dominic Powell
- Opinion
- Opinion
What’s the go with crypto: Is Bitcoin still a good investment?
For genuine investors who are interested in the crypto space but know little about it, the confusing and unregulated industry can pose a daunting barrier to entry.
- Dominic Powell
- Opinion
- Opinion
On the fly: How to manage money when you travel overseas
Australia is back in a travel boom, with overseas tourist numbers outstripping pre-pandemic levels for the first time.
- Dominic Powell
- Opinion
Netflix, handbags and sunnies: The surprising tax deductions you might be entitled to
Without the help of a tax agent, it can be difficult to keep track of all the things you might be able to claim.
- Dominic Powell
- Opinion
A stage 3 payday is on the way. Here’s how to maximise it
Take-home pays are set to rise from the end of this month thanks to the stage 3 tax cuts. Don’t let your newfound wealth go to waste.
- Dominic Powell
- Opinion
Struggling with rent? It’s time to speak up
Getting slugged with a rental hike is terrifying, but fighting rising rents may not be a losing battle.
- Dominic Powell
- Opinion
Why it pays to consider the cost of your funeral
Many people put off thinking about their funeral until it’s too late, leaving loved ones with a hefty financial burden.
- Dominic Powell
- Opinion
That sinking feeling: What to do if you fall for a scam
You’re probably kicking yourself, but you’re far from alone – Australians are losing about $20 million a month to scams, and many fall victim more than once.
- Dominic Powell
- Opinion
Why debt is not always a dirty word
Debt is generally considered detrimental, but there are times when the finance world begs to differ.
- Dominic Powell
- Opinion
Contemplating an EV? Here’s the buzz on the pros and cons
Electric vehicles are soaring in popularity, but “range anxiety” and fears over costs are preventing many drivers from making the switch.
- Dominic Powell
- Opinion
Downsizing the Australian dream: What to consider when buying an apartment
Apartments offer a more achievable alternative for those looking for a way into the property market, but there are a few factors to consider before signing on the dotted line.
- Dominic Powell
- Opinion
It’s ‘good’ debt, but should you pay your HECS off early?
Australia’s student loan system is a relatively fair scheme, but rising inflation means balances are booming. It’s time to study your options.
- Dominic Powell
- Opinion
So you’ve got an offset account, but are you using it wisely?
Homeowners are squirrelling away billions in offset accounts, but many aren’t using them to their full potential and are missing out on significant home loan savings.
- Dominic Powell
- Opinion
Share tactics: How to take a punt on investing and avoid backing a dud
Investing is increasingly popular, with more than 10 million Australians owning shares outside of super. But no one wants to back a loser.
- Dominic Powell
- Opinion
Pets are pricey, let’s not pussyfoot around
Cats, dogs and other furry friends give endless love, but they don’t come cheap. Commit with care.
- Dominic Powell
- Opinion
The overlooked tool that can guarantee your retirement income
Retirees are often wary of annuities, also known as a lifetime or fixed-term pension. Here’s what you need to know.
- Dominic Powell
- Opinion
Should you DIY super? There are risks and rewards
Self-managed super funds allow you to pick exactly how your superannuation is invested – but they’re also a lot of work.
- Dominic Powell
- Opinion
These schemes could help you buy a house, but caveat emptor
Shared equity schemes allow home buyers to purchase with much smaller deposits, but come with restrictions and conditions.
- Dominic Powell
- Opinion
Just Afterpay it? If you buy now, you might pay later
Buy now, pay later services can seem like a good deal on the surface, but can be problematic if used improperly.
- Dominic Powell
- Opinion
When it comes to this insurance, it’s time for a healthy debate
More than half of us have private health insurance, but it’s not cheap. So, do you really need it? Here are a few things to consider.
- Dominic Powell
- Opinion
Let’s talk money, honey: How to have tricky finance chats
Navigating the financial side of a relationship can be daunting and awkward. Here are some tips for having those hard conversations with your partner.
- Dominic Powell
- Opinion
Fakes, frauds and swindlers: How to spot a scammer and save your cash
From sophisticated investment and business-targeted scams to false billing and phishing attempts, scammers know no bounds. Here’s how you can avoid getting duped.
- Dominic Powell
- Opinion
How to make house sharing a financial right move
Moving in with a partner, friend or flatmate is one of life’s big moments. But how should you juggle finances?
- Dominic Powell
- Opinion
How to have a break – without breaking the bank
Summer holidays are winding down, but you might already be dreaming of another sojourn. Here are some tips to help you save on your next trip.
- Dominic Powell
- Opinion
Home truths: Hidden costs to consider when buying a house
Buying a house isn’t as simple as rocking up to an auction with your 20 per cent deposit. There are myriad additional costs and expenses to consider.
- Dominic Powell
- Opinion
Cashback or catch? Why money-back schemes have their downfalls
Cashback schemes have boomed in popularity in recent years, but are they actually worth the time?
- Dominic Powell
- Opinion
Fun in the sun: Cheap ways to entertain your kids in the summer holidays
The school holidays are fun for kids, but for parents they can be dread-inducing. Fear not: here are some budget-friendly ways to keep your cherubs entertained, and your sanity intact.
- Dominic Powell
- Opinion
How to save money on Christmas gifts without looking like the Grinch
It’s called “the most wonderful time of year”, but the festive season is also a time for lots of spending. Here are some ways you can cut back on the cost of presents.
- Dominic Powell
- Opinion
Maximum impact: The best ways to save money for your kids
Parents who are keen to put cash aside to help their offspring get ahead should follow these strategies for maximum bang for the buck.
- Dominic Powell
- Opinion
How to teach your kids to budget, and sleigh it
Christmas is the perfect time to teach your kids the wonders of a budget, with ample opportunities to talk about money.
- Dominic Powell
- Opinion
Spread your wings: How to make the most of frequent flyer schemes
If you’re one of the millions of Australians with an airline loyalty account, you know the joy of snagging a bargain using points. But are you making the most of them?
- Dominic Powell
- Opinion
Don’t drown in debt, eat that elephant slowly (and other tricks)
Managing debt is like eating an elephant: you should do it one bite at a time. Our finance gurus share their debt-busting tips.
- Dominic Powell
- Opinion
Bright spark ideas to save money on work around the house
With even the smallest jobs likely to set you back a few hundred dollars, getting those (often necessary) things done around the house can put a strain on already stretched budgets. Here’s how to save on trades.
- Dominic Powell
- Opinion
Peering over a mortgage cliff? Here’s how to refinance your home loan
If your low fixed-rate loan is ending, or you’re just looking to save some money each month, here are some tips on how to best manage the refinancing process.
- Dominic Powell
- Opinion
How to talk to your mates about money, minus awkwardness
As the cost of living rises, it’s becoming harder and harder to justify expensive activities and nights out with friends. Here’s how to chat to your mates about money.
- Dominic Powell
- Opinion
Seven ways to save on your school holiday spend
The school holidays are upon us, and the cost of entertaining your kids can quickly add up. Here are some easy ways to save cash and still have fun.
- Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon
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