Where the grass is greener

When comparing banks and non-banks for a home loan it pays to keep an open mind and look for the best fit

When charity begins online

What do you do when your child has a medical emergency and you can’t afford the treatment? Or your beloved pet runs up vet bills that you can’t pay? Or you want to raise funds to help care for threatened species?

Get financial advice in six easy steps

If you’ve never met with a financial planner before, you’re probably not aware of the process they follow. It’s important that clients understand the financial planning process so they get the most out of seeking personal financial advice.

Don't let the old man in

Our days are numbered, so let's try to get the best value out of them

What matters most

With more than 300 ETFs to choose from, the test for investors is to identify risk and strategy

Hydrogen emerges from the shadows

As costs fall, a third energy source will join wind and solar in transitioning the world from fossil fuels to renewable energy

Gain extra leverage

Margin loans can help investors build and diversify their portfolio, but they're not without risks

Go with the P2P flow

For investors looking for an income stream, peer-to-peer lending provides an attractive alternative to regular banking products

For $250, it's yours

You don't need big money-or big loans-to get a foot on the property ladder

Price of good health

A record number of Aussies are taking out private cover, but for others the cost outweighs the benefits

ACTION PLAN

How to fight rising costs

Off to a promising start

The sharemarket can be volatile, but investors who do their research stand to be rewarded over time

Agents of change

Whether you're moving on or moving up, a buyers agent can give you an edge in the property market. But are they worth the cost?

Jobs to tackle before winter

Before too long winter will be upon us, and that usually means an increase in the cost of running your home.

Use brain power to get back on track

A big financial loss can be as devastating as a personal crisis, taking a heavy toll on a woman’s mental health

Parental leave makes progress

Both employers and the government are helping to ease the financial costs of raising children

When it's time to upgrade your solar

A decade has passed since Australia's first solar boom, leaving some households wondering what to do next

A conversation that changes lives

The future wellbeing of ageing parents is a sensitive issue that should be tackled early to avoid financial and family stress

Swindled by a sweetheart

Romance fraud is run by cybercriminals often prepared to be patient they can groom their victims for years. And business is booming.

“Wealth’’ is about community and culture

Through support networks and modern storytelling, First Nations Australians are gradually regaining their financial independence

The women's issue

FOR RICHER, FOR POORER. When a woman is wealthier, it’s not just her wallet that wins, it’s the bank balance of the entire household that improves by a wide margin.

Waging a war against modern slavery

Slavery has been an issue in Australia since colonisation in 1788, when convicts were transported to Sydney. It continues to this day, despite having been outlawed in the early 1800s.

I want to make rules, not follow them

A devastating medical condition set Louise Bedford, author of five books on the stockmarket, podcaster and behavioural finance expert, on a new wealth-creating path

Look at the big picture

Even if shoppers cut back their spending this year, the longer-term outlook for retailers is promising

Donald Trump gets a crack at a second US presidency

THE IMPOSSIBLE IS POSSIBLE

Setting up a seat at the table

Fact file Topaz McAuliffe Founder and CEO of 15 Times Better, which encourages and supports organisations to set up Indigenous affairs programs. Born in the mining town of Wickham, in Western Australia's Pilbara, in 1980 and later moved to Cairns. First job was at a local sports store; started a university teaching course, but realised that wasn't her calling. Discovering barriers to Indigenous employment changed her outlook; is concerned about the disparity in superannuation for First Nations people. She believes in living for today because you may die tomorrow - \"we had a lot of death being a large Islander family\". Her philosophy is to say yes to everything and worry about it later; enjoys travelling, food and wine.

TOP 50 SHARE AND PROPERTY BUYS

Positive thinking prevails

Penny hopefuls or penny dreadfuls?

For patient investors who have a high risk tolerance, the rewards can be worth the gamble

How to cash in your chips

Semiconductors are a modern marvel that has transformed our lives - and investors are enjoying the financial benefits

Make the most of the perks

Give your retirement savings a boost by taking advantage of the latest rule changes