Want to ensure financial sustainability even after your last official paycheck has landed? Whether retirement is a long way off or right around the corner, it's important to have a plan so that you can enjoy the retirement of your dreams. But where should you start? With so many options and information out there about retirement planning, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. This article helps demystify the process and breaks down the top considerations you should make when plann...

Here's what you ought to know about Melbourne's latest property hotspots. House-price growth is set to creep further north and west alongside infrastructure spending, with what were once hard-knock suburbs named as Melbourne's next property hotspots. This article looks at the proudly blue collar suburbs of Heidelberg Heights, Sunshine West and Fawkner, which were named the top-three investment areas for affordable houses in PRD Nationwide's Property Affordability 20...

Here's what you ought to know about negative gearing in 2016, and beyond. Is negative dead? Put simply, no. In fact, negative gearing remains a legitimate financial strategy that can improve your overall investment returns. To go back a step, 'gearing' is best explained by realestate.com.au as simply borrowing money to buy an asset. In the case of real estate, you take out a loan to purchase a property. 'Negative gearing', however, means that the interest yo...

6 financial pros and cons to consider when buying an apartment off the plan. There are many benefits to buying off the plan just the thought of moving into a brand-spanking new place, or having it as part of your investment portfolio is enticing enough. Let alone the fact that many developers often list new projects on the market at drastically lower prices. However, there are a few pitfalls to be mindful of when it comes to your personal finances and purchasing property off the pl...

Here's how to start thinking like a millionaire and you don't need the exorbitant bank balance to do it! Want to be one of the 234,000 odd people in Australia with a "high net worth" i.e. a millionaire? According to global consultancy Capgemini's 20th annual World Wealth Report, there were 8000 more high net worth individuals in Australia in 2015, than in 2014. Largely thanks to low interest rates and more people investing in property. Interestingly, the report also s...