It’s not hard to imagine how far reaching the effects of global warming are on our natural environment. Just consider for a moment some of the recent extreme weather events here in Australia: from heat waves and droughts to flash flooding and bush fires, Australia has certainly experienced some of the worst. It’s hardly surprising then that environmental concerns are fast becoming a key factor for homebuyers in Australia, as they consider how to minimise the risk of climate change hazards.

Skeletons in the closet? Ghosts in the attic? How would you feel if you found out your prospective new home had a sinister past? Would it influence your decision to go ahead with the sale? When it comes to buying property, Australian law is quite clear: real estate agents and vendors are required to disclose any “material facts” that could impact the home buyer’s decision. And, surprisingly, that includes the suspected presence of ghosts!

Each year in Australia more than 5.3 million tonnes of edible food is wasted from households and the commercial sector. At the same time, millions of Australians experience food insecurity, many of those receiving much-needed food relief each month, according to the FoodBank Hunger Report. With a national target of halving food waste by 2030, the Federal Government is calling on all Australians to do their bit to cut food waste in the home. To help you get started, try these simple changes to habits from food rescue organisation, OzHarvest.

As the number of unfilled staffing positions continue to grow in the wake of “The Great Resignation”, across Australia, employers are scrambling to offer up “mega-perks” in a bid to retain existing employees and attract new talent. Everything from “heartbreak leave” and extended parental leave, to wellbeing allowances, free cookery classes and time off for life’s big events; businesses are having to get creative when it comes to enticing and holding onto staff. Here’s a closer look.

As Australia moves into a new way of life post-pandemic and lockdowns become a thing of the past, there’s one area of our lives that continues to be impacted by COVID-19: Housing. Post-pandemic, house prices have continued to rise across Australia, making it harder for first home buyers to enter the market. And rent costs haven’t escaped either, as both houses and units in capital cities and regional areas experience the highest growth rate in rent costs since 2007.

The “Great Resignation”: A term that evolved in late 2020 in response to the millions of US workers suffering pandemic-burnout, who began re-evaluating their work-life balance and quitting their jobs. As this phenomenon heads Downunder, with businesses emerging from economic hibernation already facing labour shortages across a range of industries, we take a closer look at how the pandemic has shifted priorities for workers, who now expect flexible working conditions, higher wages, and better work-life balance as the norm.

Large parts of South-Eastern Queensland and Northern New South Wales have been left decimated, following an unprecedented weather event on 21 February 2022. Over two weeks of rain culminated in approximately 18,000 homes being flooded, displacing thousands of Australians across these regions.

In support of those affected by the flooding, Insurance Council of Australia has declared an insurance catastrophe, Federal Government is providing financial aid, and banks are stepping up to help mortgage customers. Here’s an outline of the support available should you need it.

The holidays are over and we’re well into the new year. It’s a time to follow through on the goals that we set and to feel optimistic about the future. But, if you’re carrying debt over from last year’s holiday spending, it can feel like a weight dragging you down. Before you start stressing about looming debt, here are 5 tips to help you tackle holiday debt and get your finances back on track again.

For Australian homeowners looking to save money in 2022, refinancing could be a solution. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows that more than 498,000 Aussies refinanced their home loan as of October 2021, with a massive $16.08 billion worth of home loans refinanced from one lender to another. But before you go ahead, it’s important to check that the benefits of refinancing outweigh the costs. To help you make an informed decision about refinancing your home loan, here are some important factors to consider.

Working from home presents a new opportunity for first home buyers desperate to get into the property market. While inner-city prices spiral further out of reach, those who can work from home are turning to regional locations for more affordable housing or rentvesting as viable options. But with surging demand driving the fastest rise in house values in these areas, first home buyers who may be waiting to buy are urged to start considering their options now when it comes to settling in the regions or rentvesting.