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Close watchPremiumChaos sparks greater super scrutiny for West Aussies

West Australians top the nation when it comes to plans to take full advantage of new higher super concessional contribution limits as more people keep a closer eye on their retirement savings.

Daniel Newell

The West Australian exclusive
The West Australian exclusive
Reality bitesCommentsPremium
The West Australian exclusive
Mortgage payment pain hits thousands

Thousands of WA households are at least a month behind in their mortgage repayments, as analysts claim the full impact of the coronavirus lockdown is now starting to bite.

Kim Macdonald

Other optionsPremiumLow rates spark market rush, but is it the best choice?

Thousands have plunged into the market since the pandemic began to find better returns than low interest rates. Yet investment experts say there is a more effective way of growing idle savings.

Steven Deare

Top tips?PremiumWhat are Millennials teaching their kids about money?

YOUR MONEY: The smashed avo generation is now dishing up finance tips to the kids. But what exactly are they telling them?

The Humphrey problemPremiumWhy Govt doesn’t want super stash going to your kids

It’s estimated that by 2060, one in every three dollars paid out from superannuation will be part of a death benefit or inheritance. So, what’s the problem with that?

Bruce Brammall

‘Sorry situation’PremiumLove scam victim hits back over $6m mansion sale fail

A woman caught in an alleged online romance scam has hit back at high profile financial planner Troy MacMillan and his wife Gemma over a soured deal to buy the couple’s City Beach mansion.

Neale Prior

Personal FinanceSuper access helping drive property market

Older Australians should be prevented from borrowing against superannuation for housing loans to help ease market prices, a leading academic says.

AAP

Payouts returnPremiumBanks, blue-chips and miners to lead dividend bonanza

Dividend payouts from Australia’s biggest companies are expected to bounce back to pre-pandemic amounts in 2021, even as the nation grapples with a recent coronavirus resurgence.

Thuy Ong

22-year highRenters suffer ‘unsustainable’ price surge amid wage pain

Australia’s booming property market is bad news for renters, with prices surging across the nation over the past year, but one big city got cheaper.

Rebecca Le May

More victimsPremiumDon’t let thieving phishers reel you in

Australians have been warned to polish up their internet, social media and mobile phone safety skills amid a worrying rise in investment scams.

Neale Prior

RISK REWARDEDPremiumSuper funds average 18 per cent growth as shares boom

Investors seeking growth in super were handsomely rewarded with 18 per cent-plus returns in a bumper year. SEE THE BEST-PERFORMING FUNDS.

Neale Prior

Make it countPremiumThe decade to hone your ‘set for life’ roadmap

If you were aged over 50 and wishing to retire in the next 10 years, making smart financial decisions today will ensure your retirement nest egg is robust enough to outlive you in the future.

Fran Hughes

Personal FinanceWhy punting on shares may not be so super

Many Australians have become share market rookies as they seek returns better than low interest rates. However investment gurus say there is a better avenue.

Steven Deare

No chargesASIC ends criminal case against AMP

The corporate regulator has ended its investigation into AMP after it was decided no charges would be laid over fees-for-no-service conduct.

AAP

Muscling inVideoPremiumAfterpay, Zip hammered in BNPL market shake-up

Shares in market darling Afterpay have nosedived as big name global brands jostle for pole position in the booming buy now, pay later sector.

Daniel Newell

Rushing inPremiumThe simple mistake delaying your tax return

Australians have been warned to avoid a simple mistake that could delay their tax return.

Erin Lyons

Floor priceUnion push for minimum fruit picking rates

The Australian Workers Union will ask the Fair Work Commission to guarantee minimum wage for fruit pickers.

Georgie Moore

Get readyPremiumHow to avoid the sole trader tax traps

First-time sole traders who launched their dream business during the COVID-19 pandemic could be in for a shock as they prepare to lodge their returns, tax advisers warn.

Kate Purnell

Little targetsPremiumSuper minnows get creative to avoid circling sharks

Australia’s smallest super funds are being forced into survival mode as increased regulatory scrutiny on fees and investment performance makes mergers all the more likely.

Matthew Burgess

CrimeAustralians scammed of $139m in six months

Australians have been conned out of $139 million in this first six months of 2021, new figures reveal.

AAP

Pigs are flyingPremiumFortune favours brave in year of stellar returns

Despite everything you read about superannuation, the single biggest determinant of how your super fund performs is actually what it is invested in. And the past year proved it.

Bruce Brammall

Going upSuper fund Cbus backs call for 15pc levy

AustralianSuper believes it will be a monumental achievement if and when superannuation rises to 12 per cent, while Cbus has ambitions for 15 per cent.

Marion Rae

Take advantagePremiumCashback home loan sweeteners can work in your favour

‘In the past, a low ongoing rate trumped a cashback deal almost every time, but banks are increasingly offering both low rates and cash back, making the equation a lot more competitive.’

Gerard Cockburn

Make it countPremiumThe money mistakes to avoid in your 20s

To save you from learning the hard way, here are five money lessons to set you up financially for your late 20s, 30s and beyond.

Sean Pyles