Few investment sectors combine geopolitical intrigue, technological innovation and long-term growth potential quite like rare earth elements (REEs). For Australians, the recent deal with the United States to supply rare earths to seed US$8.5 billion worth of new projects, has thrust the sector into the spotlight.i What are rare earths? Rare earth elements are a...

Ways of contributing to your spouse’s super There are 2 ways of contributing to your spouse’s super: Splitting your contributions with your spouse Some super funds allow you to split your contributions with your spouse. When and how to apply You can generally apply to split your contributions with your spouse after the end of the...

In a world full of financial noise—market forecasts, interest rate speculation, economic headlines—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and steady the ship by doing… nothing. But as Ursula Boorman, Managing Director of Direct Advisers, puts it: “Inaction feels safe, but it’s often one of the riskiest choices you can make. Let your money work for you—not...

How to develop an estate planning strategy to deal with your assets in the event of your death. Estate planning involves developing a strategy to deal with your assets after you die – the legal instruments and structures, such as a will, you put in place to transfer your assets in the event of death....

Sweeping reforms to aged care are set to begin on 1 November to help improve the quality, transparency and flexibility of care. With more care levels, clearer pricing, and greater control over how your funding is used, the new system aims to better match services to individual needs. Providers will be required to offer detailed cost...

The best time to start planning for retirement is yesterday. But the second-best time? Today. About two-thirds of Australians retire earlier than they anticipated because of unexpected events such as job loss or redundancy, they need to care for a family member, have a sudden illness or injury, problems at work or a partner’s decision...

After a five-year freeze, deeming rates are set to increase on 20 September 2025. For some older Australians, this may not be a welcome change. An increase in deeming rates increases assessable income for Centrelink and Veterans’ Affairs, which may reduce entitlements and/or increase aged care fees. But for many people, the impact may not...

The bad news for savers relying on income returns is set to continue Australia’s underlying level of inflation is continuing to fall, and which paved the way for another official interest rate cut when the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) board met earlier in the month. It was welcome news for borrowers, but not for...

As the chill of winter begins to lift and the warmer months approach, there’s a natural sense of renewal in the air. Just as we might open the windows and shake off the winter dust, it’s also a good time to check in on your mental and physical well-being, especially as we get older, approach...