Real Money
Money editor Dominic Powell and our experts share tips on how to save, invest and make the most of your money.
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.
- by Dominic Powell
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.
- by Dominic Powell
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.
- by 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.
- by 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.
- by 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.
- by 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.
- by 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.
- by 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.
- by 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.
- by 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.
- by 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.
- by 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.
- by 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.
- by 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.
- by 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.
- by 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.
- by 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.
- by 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.
- by 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.
- by 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.
- by 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.
- by 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?
- by 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.
- by 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.
- by 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?
- by 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.
- by 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.
- by 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.
- by 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.
- by 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?
- by 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.
- by 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.
- by 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.
- by 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.
- by 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.
- by Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon
Opinion
Spring-clean your spend: How to go dark on digital and save big dollars
Our digital devices try to seduce us to spend every time we pick them up. Here’s how to go incognito online and give yourself some mindful money and mental space.
- by Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon
Opinion
How to get on the right track when it comes to budgeting
Millions of us shy away from tracking our spending and have no idea where our money is going from month to month. It’s time to get started.
- by Dominic Powell
Opinion
Working hard for the money? Make it work hard for you
You might think a savings account is the best place to keep your hard-earned, but there are ways to make better use of the money you’ve got sitting in the bank.
- by Dominic Powell
Opinion
Yes, chef, it is possible to eat out without forking out
With lockdowns a distant memory and office work back with a vengeance, the amount of money we’re spending on food outside the home is rising. We dish up some ways you can save while dining out.
- by Dominic Powell
Opinion
Green machine: How to shop sustainably without breaking the bank
Research shows Australians are keen to shop more sustainably but are put off by the price of green products. Here are some ways to reduce your environmental impact while saving a buck.
- by Dominic Powell
Opinion
Tips to keep yourself (and your finances) fit and healthy
Whether it’s a gym membership, pool fees or the price of equipment, exercise expenses can quickly mount. Here are some ways to cut your costs while maintaining your health and fitness.
- by Dominic Powell
Opinion
Simple ways to put the brakes on car costs
Australians spend an eye-watering $18,000 a year on their cars, and by the time you factor in loans, fuel, insurance, maintenance, tolls and registration, it’s easy to see why. Here are some savvy ways to drive down your costs.
- by Dominic Powell
Opinion
Premium pain? How to combat rising insurance prices and stay covered
Insurance has become increasingly expensive over the past year, and premiums are expected to keep rising. Here are some simple ways to save money on your house, car and health insurance.
- by Dominic Powell
Opinion
Super simple: Top tips to set yourself up for retirement
If you put off thinking about super until you’re older you could find yourself left with less than you deserve by the time you hit retirement age. Here are some tips to keep on top of your super for every stage of life.
- by Dominic Powell
Opinion
Sign me up: How to save cash on your ever-growing subscription list
It’s easy for your subscriptions to pile up and leave you shelling out each month for things you don’t really use. Here are some tips to cut your costs.
- by Dominic Powell
How to ditch the tax time blues and maximise your return
Tax time can be a painful process, and many people put off filing their tax return. Here are some tips to make it easier and get more back.
- by Dominic Powell
How to drive down the cost of petrol price pain
Record low petrol prices were a pandemic silver lining, but price pain at the bowser is back with a vengeance. Here are some ways you can avoid getting slugged.
- by Dominic Powell
Supermarket sweep: How to save money on groceries and still eat like a king
Grocery prices are soaring, but that doesn’t mean you have to eat poorly. Here are some ways to avoid the supermarket cost creep.
- by Dominic Powell
Analysis
Struggling with your mortgage payments? Here’s what you can do
If you’re feeling the pressure of higher interest rates, there are options you can try.
- by Dominic Powell
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/money/saving/real-money-20231130-p5eo43.html