“Hi Tash, what is the deal with self-managed super funds, are they the way to go? What are the pros and cons of doing it yourself?” So for those who haven’t heard of the concept, a self-managed superannuation fund (or an SMSF) is a private superannuation fund that you manage yourself, instead of it being managed for you by a … Read More
What comes first, the HECS debt or the mortgage?
Hi Tash, I’m wondering what the best thing is to do, prioritise buying a house or pay back my HECS debt first? Is being completely debt free better than having a HECS debt and a mortgage? Or is HECS not something I need to worry about paying back so quickly? Great question! First of all, HECS-HELP is essentially a government … Read More
Women are awesome, and yet…
Women. Are. Awesome. In case you need it, here’s proof. On top of it all, we work, cook, clean, shop, chauffeur, pay bills – often all simultaneously. You do it, I do it, together we kick some serious butt! Unfortunately, despite how awesome women are… we still tend to pass the buck on important money matters. Divorce, which is becoming … Read More
I’m a single parent, will I ever own a house?
Tash, I feel gypped! I built a house with an ex a few years ago, using my first home buyers grant and he ended up with the house. Now five years later I have full time job and I’m a single parent and it’s a lot harder getting a house the second time around. Do you have any tips to … Read More
New or used? Don’t miss this important step in your research!
This week we tackle another common dilemma, this time on the subject of cars! Hi Tash – I hope you can help! My car is plagued with issues and is a total money drain, not to mention it also has a loan attached to it! I’m currently working on clearing a smaller loan which has an interest free period until … Read More
I’m ready to invest… now what?!
A managed fund is a fund that invests in a variety of shares (and other investments such as cash and property). Your money is pooled together with other investors, and an investment manager buys and sells shares (also called stocks) on your behalf. When you buy into the fund, you effectively buy small portions of each of the stocks the … Read More
Drowning in debt? Here’s what you can do.
Have you heard of the Australian Debt Clock? If you haven’t its worth looking at. It tallies, live, the amount of debt that Australian’s have – and let me tell you, it goes up faster than you can imagine. And those numbers will be well and truly out of date by the time I send this blog! So if you’re … Read More
CATC 011: Benefits of rentvesting
There is a common belief that ‘rent money is dead money’, but is this really the case? This week I chat to award winning Melbourne businesswoman Emilia Rossi about her thoughts on renting and why she chooses to rent rather than buy her own home. For more from Emilia check out her award winning lifestyle blog https://www.emiliarossi.com.au/ and her online … Read More
010: Ethical Investing
Is there a more socially conscious way to invest your money and grow your super? This is the topic I explore today with Kirsten Simpson, Corporate Responsibility Manager of VicSuper. For more information about VicSuper’s Ethical Investing options check out: https://www.vicsuper.com.au/sociallyconscious https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Q_Ll0XC9mk
The cents-ible way to spend your tax return!
It’s tax time! This time of year many of us are eagerly anticipating our tax refund and already planning how to spend it. Ok, so you can if you want, but before you do, I suggest having a read through some of the more sensible ways to use your tax return. Of course, your spending ability will depend on the … Read More