Oliver’s insights The art of happiness – economics and the “hedonic treadmill”
1 May
Key points – Despite a big rise in GDP per person, surveyed measures of happiness have been flat to falling in the US and Australia. – Younger people in the US, Canada, Australia and NZ are the least happy age group. This is a major change from...[Read More]
Investors on the hook for artificial intelligence abuse
1 May
Discrimination, loss of privacy and distorted data linked to artificial intelligence is putting companies and their backers at risk, an investor group warns. A network with more than 500 members representing US$29 trillion in assets released advice...[Read More]
With Love and Legacy: Guiding Our Aging Parents with Compassion and Care
25 April
Watching a parent age and come to terms with their diminishing independence is a profound and emotional journey, one that blends love, duty, and at times, uncomfortable pragmatism. As children, the shift from being cared for to caring for is a...[Read More]
Steps to building an emergency fund & why do you need one
25 April
Life is unpredictable, and financial surprises can arise when you least expect them. This is where an emergency fund comes in. This financial safety net is designed to cover unexpected expenses, like car repairs or medical bills, or provide support...[Read More]
Ensuring Harmony and Legality: The Critical Role of Legal Advice in Family Estate Planning
25 April
Estate planning is a crucial but often challenging aspect of managing familial wealth and assets, particularly as parents age. The process involves making decisions about how to allocate assets such as businesses and property among siblings, which...[Read More]
‘Jam packed with love’: the story of the Anzac biscuit
24 April
Young digger Paul Teesdale Smith wrote to his girlfriend from Gallipoli, describing care packages filled with biscuits, peanuts, butterscotch, cigarettes and socks. “It’s wonderful how little things, no matter what they are, break the...[Read More]
Senators want property tax reforms back on the agenda
24 April
Tweaking property investor taxes could save the federal budget billions and boost home ownership, even with exemptions for those operating under the old rules, analysis commissioned by two senators suggests. Independent senators David Pocock and...[Read More]
Consumer price temperature check key to rates outlook
24 April
Australia’s hotly anticipated quarterly consumer price index will land amid fears inflation progress is stalling in some advanced economies and threatening to delay interest rate cuts. Consecutive months of hotter-than-expected United States...[Read More]
Housing crisis to ‘get worse before it gets better’
24 April
Australia’s housing crisis is expected to get worse before it gets better and the federal government is facing growing pressure to do more to fix it in the May budget. Deloitte Access Economics partner Stephen Smith said the nation had not been...[Read More]
Securing Peace of Mind: The Undervalued Comfort of Life Insurance
18 April
Life insurance is often perceived as a rather morbid necessity—an acknowledgment of mortality that many prefer to defer. However, its value extends beyond mere financial security; it encompasses emotional and psychological comfort for both...[Read More]
Top 10 Remote Escapes: Journey to the World’s Most Secluded Destinations
18 April
In an increasingly crowded and fast-paced world, the allure of remote travel destinations where one can truly escape the hustle and bustle is more compelling than ever. Both within Australia and internationally, there are numerous hidden gems...[Read More]
Planning Your Next Chapter: The Benefits and Timing of Transitioning to a Retirement Home
18 April
Transitioning into a retirement home is a significant life decision that involves careful planning and consideration. As people age, their living needs change, and moving into a retirement home can offer numerous benefits. Here are the top 10...[Read More]
Maximising space and value: Top 10 home renovation tips
18 April
Renovating your home to increase space and add value requires strategic planning, creativity, and a focus on key areas that potential buyers or valuers find appealing. Here are the top 10 tips to guide you through this process: Plan and...[Read More]
How to thrive despite higher inflation
18 April
The cost of living continues to rise, and many are feeling the pinch. However, there are ways to navigate and adapt to this challenging financial landscape. If you’re looking for practical solutions and workarounds to help you tackle higher...[Read More]
Oliver’s insights – Israel/Iran fears and rate cut uncertainty – shares are vulnerable to a bout of volatility but here’s five reasons why the trend will likely remain up
17 April
Key points – After strong gains, shares are vulnerable to a pull back or more volatile/constrained returns than seen so far this year. – The key threats at present are Iran’s attack on Israel which risks escalating the war in the Middle East,...[Read More]