Many Australians face challenges with managing their finances and repaying debt due to the ongoing high cost of living. Forced into using credit cards or high-interest loans to pay for essential purchases or unexpected medical expenses, they struggle to maintain a clean credit file. As a good credit score is essential when it comes to accessing favourable credit, here are 5 essential tips to help you clean up your credit file.

Managing money is an essential skill that can determine the quality of our lives. And, while not everyone agrees on the best ways to earn, save, and spend money, there are a few key practices that can lead to financial stability. One of these is the practice of saving money. Whether you’re building an emergency fund, saving for a dream holiday, or investing in your future, here are 5 money quotes to inspire you to save, as well as the meanings behind them.

Home ownership for Australians has long been considered a key milestone in life, and it plays an important role when it comes to boosting retirement income too. Homeowners considering downsizing to a smaller home in their retirement years, could give their Super a last-minute boost by adding up to $300,000 tax-free from the sale of a property. Find out more about Downsizer Contributions, the eligibility criteria, and how pension entitlements could be impacted.

Over the last few years, Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) in Australia have become more popular, as more people are choosing to have greater control and more flexibility over their retirement savings. By establishing an SMSF, investors are able to manage their own super portfolio instead of it being managed by a fund manager. And while there are certainly benefits to this type of investment, it’s vital investors are clear on what the pitfalls are to avoid.

One of the most common questions we get asked is whether it’s best to pay off a mortgage first or salary sacrifice and pay extra into a superannuation fund, or to do both. While the answer to this question is never straightforward and will depend on things like lifestyle, financial position, and time of life, salary sacrificing can be a tax-effective strategy when implemented correctly. To help you decide, here’s an explanation of what it means and examples of how both options work.

Months of high inflation in Australia have forced many households across the country to spend more without actually getting more. This festive season, many families will be wondering how to cut back and avoid overspending. If your family is one of these, don’t despair, it is still possible to enjoy an unforgettable Christmas without the worry of massive credit card bills in January. Here’s how to do it.

Talking to young children about money may seem a waste of time, but many of the lessons we learn as children stay with us as adults and can have a lasting impact on our lives. The more we talk about money with our children, the more chance they have to learn how to manage money properly when they’re older. Help shape your children’s future and get them thinking about the value of money, by teaching them financial literacy from an early age.

With higher interest rates than everyday transactional accounts, and the ability to withdraw funds when needed, a savings account is a good way to grow your savings faster and reach your savings goals sooner. But, just as it’s important to research and compare home loans, it makes good financial sense to do the same when considering savings accounts. Here’s a handy guide for all you need to know about savings accounts in Australia.