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Lucy Dean

Today

You should really pay yourself first, say advisers. Here’s how to do it.

Wealthy people tend to have mastered this simple savings strategy

Automating your savings so that on payday money is immediately funnelled into accounts to meet your long-term goals is one of the simplest ways to get ahead.

This Month

Kerrie Claffey, pictured inside her glider at Temora Airport, is ready for take-off.

I have no spouse or kids. This is what my will looks like

Kerrie Claffey has mapped out plans to leave money to charities close to her heart.

Aidan Saarman, Tony Saarman, Pauline Saarman and Taryn Saarman outside their home.

They own 8 properties but this couple still had FOMO for their kids

In a panic over property prices some parents are rushing to gift or lend their kids money for a home deposit. But certain strategies are better than others.

Trying to build a deposit in the sharemarket? This is what you need to know.

How to invest your way to a bigger home deposit

The housing market is not friendly to would-be buyers without help from mum and dad. So many are turning to the sharemarket for help.

December 2024

Want to retire early, head to Europe every year or work less? This formula could help you work out what you need.

How to calculate your financial freedom number (and why you should)

Do you know the rule of 25? It’s one of the core tenets of the Financial Independence, Retire Early movement – or FIRE – and a useful starting point for mapping out long-term money goals.

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Corey and Brooke Selfe bought a holiday house together and haven’t looked back.

How to buy real estate with siblings (so it doesn’t end in tears)

As high property prices make it harder to save a deposit and service a mortgage, it may be tempting to buy with a sibling. Answer these 10 questions first.

  • Updated
The world of publishing is changing, and “Icebreaker” proves it.

You’ve seen this book everywhere. TikTok is responsible

The romance novel “Icebreaker” has sold almost 2 million copies since publisher Anthea Bariamis discovered it on BookTok, a forum turning the fiction industry on its head.

Life & Leisure reporter Lucy Dean at Maccallum Seawater Pool with a few of her summer books.

12 books fiction lovers will give (or hope to receive)

We asked prominent Australian writers, readers, tome-buyers and page turners to tell us what they are most hoping to get – and send to others.

  • Updated
AMP is believed to be the first major super fund to gain exposure to cryptocurrency.

Bitcoin has ‘no role’ in retirement portfolios: Vanguard

The asset manager has blasted bitcoin as having “no appropriate role” in long-term investment portfolios, but the peak superannuation body says more funds will inevitably follow AMP into cryptocurrency.

James Tsinidis of Munro Partners.

Wealth - the 2025 outlook

This special report talks to top fund managers for their stock market tips and the key risks to the economic outlook, and looks at options for fixed income.

James Tsinidis of Munro Partners.

Top fundies name their stock picks for 2025

From weapons makers to eye drugs and even Qantas, these are the investment opportunities fundies are watching closely in the new year.

Cbus chairman Wayne Swan.

Cbus’ Swan has ‘serious questions’ to answer: Coalition

Fundamental transparency and accountability failings at the industry super fund may yet claim the scalp of its chairman.

Trouble winding back your spending? Here’s what you need to think about.

How a family of five beat overspending to find ‘freedom’

Toui Lepkhammany and his wife Jen fought lifestyle creep – and won. Now their family is on track to reach “financial freedom” with a passive annual income of $140,000.

A series of shorter breaks throughout the year can be more effective for wellbeing than one long holiday.

One long holiday or multiple short breaks – which makes you happier?

Most people save up their leave to take a long break over summer, but psychologists say there might be a better approach.

November 2024

Ask yourself what sort of lifestyle you intend to lead in retirement and how much you need save to fulfil that expectation. This number will be your north star.

What successful retirees do one, five and 10 years out from retirement

We asked financial advisers for a checklist of things to do as retirement approaches.

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The inquiry into the financial regulatory framework and home ownership is due to report by December 5.

Two tweaks would let first home buyers borrow $116,000 more: NAB

Changes to the way tuition debt is assessed and a smaller serviceability buffer would increase the borrowing power of younger buyers, NAB says.

Can’t buy me love (or a house).

‘Let’s get together, double our income’: Money is the new dating trend

Love can conquer most things, but can it overcome financial differences? Australia’s singles aren’t so sure.

Here’s exactly how much you need to invest a month to have $1 million by 50.

$1m by 50: What you need to invest each month to get there

Identifying the monthly sum needed to eventually reach seven figures offers a simple – but critical – lesson about investing.

Can the apps win back singles’ love?

‘Stop locking up the hotties!’: Why dating apps are dying

Growing cynicism among singles is reflected in tumbling share prices, but the founder of Hinge is one of many businesspeople trying to bring romance back.

Netflix and UberEats are a last bastion of fun for families and young people squeezed by interest rates and rental payments.

The small luxury Australians just won’t give up

Australians are hanging onto their subscriptions, reflecting a world in which the little luxuries may be all they have left.

Original URL: https://www.afr.com/by/lucy-dean-p5362x