Oliver’s Insights – The RBA cuts for the third time – expect a further gradual easing to 2.85%
14 August
Key pointsThe RBA cut its cash rate by 0.25% taking it to 3.6%. This is the third rate cut in this easing cycle.The RBA sees inflation running around target but has revised its growth forecasts down again. Its forecasts assume that the cash rate...[Read More]
Finding your investment comfort zone: Understanding your risk profile
13 August
Investing is often discussed in terms of returns, markets, interest rates and opportunities. But one of the most important questions comes well before choosing an investment:How much risk are you genuinely comfortable taking?Understanding your...[Read More]
10 things I would tell my younger self about retirement
13 August
When you are young, retirement can feel like a distant destination—something to think about after the mortgage is paid, the children have grown and your working life begins to slow down. Yet, looking back from the age of 70, 80 or beyond, it...[Read More]
Saver or Investor? Understanding when your money needs to work harder
13 August
Most of us begin our financial lives as savers.Our first money goals are usually simple: put something aside for a holiday, build a deposit for a car, create an emergency buffer or save towards a home. Saving provides something enormously valuable...[Read More]
Tax: The good, the bad and the ugly for small business owners
13 August
Tax is one of those unavoidable parts of running a business. When things are going well, paying tax can actually be a sign that your business is profitable. But without planning, tax can also create cash-flow pressure, unexpected bills and, in the...[Read More]
From business owner to entrepreneur: The habits that drive long-term success
13 August
Running a small business requires determination, resilience and a willingness to make decisions every day. But there is an important difference between owning a business and building an entrepreneurial enterprise.A good business owner can create a...[Read More]
Powers of attorney and advance care directives – Who will make decisions if you can’t?
13 August
Most of us spend our lives making our own decisions. We manage our finances, property, health, family matters and everyday affairs without giving much thought to what might happen if one day we were unable to do so.An accident, serious illness,...[Read More]
Chasing better weather: 7 tips for escaping the cold — or simply changing the climate
13 August
For many Australians, winter brings the familiar urge to escape. The mornings are darker, the heater seems permanently switched on and suddenly somewhere with sunshine, blue skies and an outdoor table looks very appealing.But “escaping the cold”...[Read More]
Renovating for value — or renovating for you?
13 August
Renovating a home can be exciting. A new kitchen, an outdoor entertaining area, an extra bedroom or a beautifully landscaped garden can completely change how a property looks and feels.But before choosing tiles, appliances or paint colours, there is...[Read More]
Regular exercise can improve your mental well-being
13 August
Health and fitness go beyond physical well-being; they also play a significant role in maintaining mental and emotional health.Among the various wellness strategies, regular exercise has been proven to have a profound impact on mental...[Read More]
10 strategies for deepening your bond with teenage and young adult children
13 August
Fostering meaningful relationships with teenage and young adult children before they embark on their independent lives is crucial for parents. This phase of life is marked by rapid developmental changes, making it a critical time for parents to...[Read More]
Oliver’s insights – Another hawkish RBA hold at 4.35% – expect one more hike later this year
13 August
Key points The RBA left the cash rate on hold at 4.35% for the second meeting in a row. Some softer than expected readings for underlying inflation, jobs and home prices allowed it to remain in wait and see mode as it “assesses” the impact of...[Read More]
‘Put people first’: landmark AI probe to set guardrails
13 August
A national-first royal commission will investigate the dangers and benefits of artificial intelligence in society as a premier pledges to get the balance right.South Australian leader Peter Malinauskas announced the inquiry on Monday after returning...[Read More]
Investment markets and key developments – Weekly market update – 07/08/2026
12 August
Global shares had another ripper week with major share markets reaching new all-time highs, before retracing slightly on Thursday as the Iran “deal” seems further away than previously thought. US shares rose 3.6% over the week, with...[Read More]
Oliver’s Insights – Poor Australian productivity – why all the fuss? And what to do about it?
31 July
Key pointsThe last decade has seen productivity stagnate in Australia. This has curtailed growth in living standards and real wages.Policies to boost productivity include: deregulation; more housing supply; a cap on public spending; and tax...[Read More]