Last updated: December 25, 2013

Weather: Sydney 19°C - 24°C . Rain developing.

$3.4 billion lottery spreads cheer

Spain lottery

THE annual "Fat One" Christmas lottery in Spain has spread $3.4 billion in prizes around the country, where one in four is out of work.

Tricks to cut your mobiles bills

Mobiles: a gift that keeps billing

MOBILE phones are expected to be one of the most popular gifts for teenagers under Christmas trees this week, but parents are warned to make sure it doesn't become a financial nightmare.

$US318m winner: Thank you Jesus!

Ira Curry Mega Millions Atlanta winner

A MUM who bought just one ticket and used family birthdays for her numbers is one of two winners of the $714 million Mega Millions jackpot.

Double-digit growth for super funds

Double-digit growth for super funds

SUPER funds members have enjoyed double-digit growth in 2013 despite this month's returns on track to be the worst of the year.

This US magnate made $37M a day

This US magnate made $37M a day

WARREN Buffett made $37 million a day, or $1.5 million an hour, to make him America's most profitable billionaire in 2013.

Rinehart son's shocking sister insults

Rinehart son's shocking sister ...

IN BRUTAL emails, Gina's son calls his sister useless and stupid in a very colourful way. It gets vicious.

We're shopping until we drop

EXPECT a lot of presents and lots of food over Christmas as we've spent a staggering $29.6 billion, with another $13.1 billion to go on the sales.

Medicare overhaul aims to cut costs

LABOR'S Medicare Locals could be scrapped with a review into the $1.8bn health program charged with identifying whether they are a wasteful bureaucracy.

Living cost shock to family budgets

Living cost shock to family budgets

SOARING utilities, childcare, health and education costs are bleeding budgets. Find out how much prices have risen

Our power rises more than NSW, SA

Our power rises more than NSW, SA

VICTORIA faces higher electricity price rises than NSW and South Australia, despite the state being touted as the world's most competitive retail market.

Finance Deals

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Best investment lessons from 2013

WHAT was hot and what flopped in 2013? David and Libby Koch share what money lessons we can learn from the last year.

Where do financial planners put their money?

ADVISERS put their mouths where their money is to reveal their top investments.

5 shares to hold onto forever

Shares

THERE'S no need to sell shares if you buy the right ones

The perfect time to start a family

leave

SO you've conjured up the wedding, white-picket fence, 2.5 kids and making partner at work. But it's time to stop dreaming and start planning.

Miracles exist. Here's the proof

A HOMELESS couple living in a car with their two daughters were not looking forward to Christmas until something amazing happened.

Tricks to cut your mobiles bills

Mobiles: a gift that keeps billing

MOBILE phones are expected to be one of the most popular gifts for teenagers under Christmas trees this week, but parents are warned to make sure it doesn't become a financial nightmare.

The shopping tip that can save you thousands

The shopping tip that can save you thousands

IT'S that time of year when our wallets look emptier than usual. Find out how savvy Aussies are cashing in on big savings this festive season.

What Lotto winners really spend their money on

What Lotto winners really spend their money on

WHAT would you spend your Powerball millions on? The reality is much more specific than a fast car and round-the-world trip. Here's what actually happens.

'The best money trick I ever learned'

'The best money trick I ever ...

THESE finance experts are at the top of their game. They are some of the most skilled in the country, and here they share the best money tips they know.

tax

Consumers lose out over internet tax

Online shopping-themed keyboard

THE cost of a $20 parcel would rise to over $35 with an online GST, in addition to delays consumers will face for collection, an investigation by CHOICE has revealed.

Time to tick off tax returns

Many Australians will start to prepare their tax returns in the coming weeks.

MILLIONS of Aussie taxpayers have already filed their returns. The rest of you better get a move on or face being penalised.

How to avoid that sickening tax feeling

Doctor

DON'T get caught out at tax time. Health insurance rebate tiers have changed, but many Aussies don't know how this affects them.

Hockey will show us the money

Hockey will show us the money

ALWAYS wanted to know exactly where the tax man is spending your hard-earned? Well, the government is going to send you a receipt.

Abbott casts eye to far future

Abbott casts eye to far future

TONY Abbott wants voters to think decades into the future to appreciate how much better off they will be without a carbon tax.

Cash in at tax time

Cash in at tax time

TAX time doesn't have to be uncomfortable. In fact, many property investors will find it to be their favourite time of the year.