Should you buy a new car or a used one?
The allure of a new car is too much for many of us to resist, yet your cash will go further with a good second-hand vehicle. Weigh up the pros and cons of buying a vehicle fresh off the lot.
What to do after you sell your business
People who start a successful business and sell it for a healthy sum are obviously in a fortunate position. However, just like everyone else, they need sound financial advice.
The safe way to fund investments with your mortgage
Borrowing against your home loan for investment is cheaper and less risky than a margin loan but requires regular assessment to ensure the strategy is actually boosting your wealth.
First steps in arranging aged care
When a relative faces moving into care there are lots of questions that need to be considered, including whether it’s time to sell the family home. Careful planning is essential so that decisions can be made quickly.
How to save enough for your kids’ education
Paying for children’s education can be a costly business but options are available for parents who want to ensure they get a head start on saving for the bills.
Video | Why banks lifted interest rates
The Reserve Bank might have held rates but the banks hiked them anyway. Here’s editor Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon on Channel 7’s Sunrise explaining what you can do about it.
Shared accounts: yes or no
When it comes to finances, you’re better off using your head rather than your heart. Here are the pros and cons of sharing accounts – as well as your life – with that special someone.
How to put something aside for the kids
New rules mean that if you want to help your kids out, you’ll need to think beyond hiding cash under the mattress. It’s time for creative thinking, including using the mortgage.
How to avoid defaulting on your mortgage
One of the worst nightmares for any mortgage holder has to be defaulting on the loan repayments and having the property repossessed by a lender.
The nuts and bolts of buying a luxury car
Like any complex undertaking, a winning deal on a luxury car requires technique, timing and a fair slice of luck.
Apps to help you spend your money smarter
There are hundreds of thousands of apps available to help you part with your hard-earned cash. And some even help you to do it more wisely!
How to implement a spending freeze
If you’re consumed by constant urges to buy, it’s time to stop, think and put the plastic away before your budget’s blown. You’ll soon stop spending.
A dozen tips to grow your cash stash
Feeling the pinch? Or prudently building a war chest? We outline unexpected places to find money – simple tips that could save the average family thousands of dollars.
How to ask for a pay rise – and get it
There are ways to fatten up the pay packet and often it’s a case of calmly pursuing the right strategy. But be prepared to ask yourself some tough questions.
Video | Customer satisfaction guaranteed
Smart Investor editor Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon discusses the results of the 2011 SMILES customer satisfaction survey.
Video | How to turn resolutions into results
There’s not much fun about striving to earn more and spend less. So editor Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon explains on Channel 7’s Sunrise program that you need to instead figure out what you want to do with your money in 2012, and work backwards from there.
