If we want something, we can either reduce expenditure, or increase our income.

It can be a nerve-racking process when you begin negotiating a salary.

​Funding a comfortable retirement has always been a challenge for many Australians but now it's even more difficult.

Most school leavers are – sorry – spectacularly unprepared for the real world. Here are the vital survival secrets you need to hear now – before it’s too late.

My stock answer is: "That is no different from your asking me how to find a good doctor, accountant or motor mechanic. I really don't know."

Brisbane hospitality executives Jonathan and Sharon Cauldwell were hit hard after their home was inundated in the 2011 floods.

Self-funded retirees with assets will be struggling to obtain after-tax investment returns higher than the new age pension asset test taper rate of 7.8 per cent.

Travel money and travel insurance should be organised well in advance of the upcoming holiday season, experts warn.

You don't have to be pulled into full-scale financial planning, where the adviser starts with a $3000-plus statement and then has you on an annual retainer.

Once you know what your retirement looks like, you can figure out how much money you will need to fund it each year and then how soon you can actually do it.

Raj never thought he'd need a financial counsellor. Then he nearly lost it all through a run of bad luck.

Jason Lim wants to save enough for a deposit on an apartment but a traditional adviser is not for him.

There is a ludicrous situation caused by the government's inability to get Centrelink and the aged care authorities on the same page - but you may be able to force a different outcome.

We need to start thinking about our own financial emergency plans while everything is clear sailing.

The changes in the asset test for the pension come at the same time as official interest rates and conservative investment returns are at historic low levels.

A little knowledge can be more dangerous than blissful ignorance.

Maintaining separate finances does not protect your assets if your relationship breaks up, but a properly drawn-up binding financial agreement does.

A little pain now in terms of planning can mean you avoid a whole lot of pain later on.

Financial expert George Cochrane answers readers' questions.

Financial expert Noel Whittaker answers readers' questions.

Advice for people who lose their homes at the hands of their own government.

Cathy Filardo knows the value of a good education; she is, after all, a teacher.

In January the pension assets test will change in the biggest shake-up in 10 years. Preparation is crucial for retirees.

Financial expert Noel Whittaker answers readers' questions.

The idea that your home does not count when you are assessed for the pension is political fiction.

Anthony Bianco maximises the rewards points for his credit card but diligently pays off the balance every month.

The government plans to remove the tax-free status of all income received by transition to retirement funds from next July, but they still have some benefits.

Financial expert George Cochrane answers readers' questions.

There are powerful vested interests pushing the idea that Australians need to save more for retirement.