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Off to a promising start

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

Fight back against scammers

Australians are set to lose up to $4 billion this year here's how to avoid becoming one of the victims

Keep on top of student debt

If you're heading to uni, it pays to think about how you'll manage the rising cost

Show them you're in charge

Here are seven ways to get your finances off to a flying start

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.

How to cash in your chips

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

Donald Trump gets a crack at a second US presidency

THE IMPOSSIBLE IS POSSIBLE

Look at the big picture

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

Penny hopefuls or penny dreadfuls?

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

Survive the Airbnb crackdown

Short-term rentals face tougher restrictions and higher costs. So is it still worth renting out your spare space?

Preserve value in a downturn

By staying on top of maintenance you can ensure your home remains in tip-top condition

TOP 50 SHARE AND PROPERTY BUYS

Positive thinking prevails

Make the most of the perks

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

More than one way to skin this cat

Safe and boring or risky and stressful … whatever your approach to investing, there might be a better alternative

Revive your tired rental

A refresh can be the key to attracting top-quality tenants, but it pays to shop smart

If a cold war turns hot

China’s plans for Taiwan are a known unknown. So, how should investors position for this risk?

BARGAIN BUYS

ASSET MARKETS MAY HAVE TAKEN A HIT, BUT THAT CAN SPELL OPPORTUNITY FOR INVESTORS | INCLUDES SHAREMARKET • FIXED INTEREST • PROPERTY • CRYPTOCURRENCY

8 skills to achieve success

Whether you’re starting out, supercharging or completely changing course, the rules are the same

Miner is now a cash machine

Coal may be a dirty word, but thanks to limited supply and high prices, it's rewarding investors with strong capital gains and generous dividends

Waste warrior thinks big

When Mike Smith sold his wine-making business five years ago, he talked his wife Alyssa into a global adventure. They spent 18 months in remote parts of the world, including the border regions of Afghanistan and Tajikistan, in Kurdish villages near Iraq and Iran, and in North Korea and the north-east of Russia. Edgy types of places.

Expand your search for cash

Traditional fixed-income products are not getting a lot of love, but experts say alternatives such as corporate and private debt could offer good value

EVs pick up speed

Despite supply problems, high prices and a poor charging network, electric vehicles will take over our roads sooner than many people think

Why it pays to think green

Budget-friendly improvements can reduce your power bills, make your home more sustainable and even improve its value

Chart your way to success

Knowing how to interpret charts is important for successful investing, whether you're holding for the long term or going for a quick profit. Charts are readily available and often free.

Property without the price tag

Real estate ETFs can offer diversification and low initial outlay. Here are the factors to consider.

Fixed vs variable

Is there any value in fixing your mortgage anymore? It pays to look at the pros and cons

“It’s not up to someone else to determine your value”

THE HOT SEAT

Next-gen’s retirement guarantee

Millennials may be doing it tough today, but as the first generation to come of age in the era of bigger contributions they’ll reap the rewards tomorrow

Rich pickings for a disruptor

Small, nimble players are punching above their weight in wealth management

Gold-plate your portfolio against inflation

With the ghost of the 1970s haunting investors around the world, hard assets can provide some protection