The never-ending coronavirus pandemic – why snap lockdowns in Australia make sense until herd immunity is reached

The never-ending coronavirus pandemic – why snap lockdowns in Australia make sense until herd immunity is reached

News that I and many others were effectively in lockdown from Friday was depressing. It got even more depressing when the whole of Sydney and surrounds was put into a two-week lockdown on Saturday. And I am not in Victoria which has had it even worse over the last year, and I can only imagine how bad this must be for those looking forward to school holidays.

Supporting your kids, without sacrificing your own retirement

Supporting your kids, without sacrificing your own retirement

With careful planning, you can give a helping hand to your adult children financially, while still enjoying a comfortable retirement. In the past, wealth was often passed on through an inheritance. But with our longer lifespans, and the higher cost of living (especially housing), the desire to help our kids while we’re alive and well is increasing.

What can’t last, won’t: six reasons to expect residential property price gains to slow

What can’t last, won’t: six reasons to expect residential property price gains to slow

Average dwelling prices in Australia’s capital cities rose by 2.3% in May, their eighth monthly gain in a row, although having settled somewhat since the 2.8% recorded in March. Capital city prices are now 7.8% higher than previous records set in September 2017. Prices in Sydney alone, hardly at bargain basement levels before COVID-19 began, have increased by 14.3% in just four months, their fastest such increase in more than 30 years.

Pets enrich our lives – but what is the cost?

Pets enrich our lives – but what is the cost?

Sharing love with a pet brings unquantifiable joy. They become part of our family unit, improve our health and happiness and teach us valuable life lessons. In addition, studies show that children who care for pets have higher self-esteem and increased cognitive development and social skills. But there are financial costs involved to consider when you’re thinking about adding a dog, cat, or any other animal, to your family.