It's easy to be seduced by slick marketing but there are some things you need to know before you sign on the dotted line.

How would you feel if you had set yourself a huge goal and not only achieved it, but smashed it, doing twice as well as you had planned?

US official rates could soon rise, so now's the time to review the merits of bond and other fixed interest fund investments.

Don't let the sales hype and glossy marketing blind you to the financial reality of buying into a retirement village.

Rent may be dead money, but it beats being a slave to the mortgage.

Interest rates are rising globally and it's time for retirees to think about their investment strategy.

While bonds generally guarantee return of capital, you can still take a capital loss if inflation rises.

The US presidential race that saw Hillary Clinton ahead in the polls and Donald Trump's surprise victory created havoc on markets.

Don't rush a decision or change a plan just because there's a new US president.

House hunters seeking to avoid nasty surprises should know that not all building inspections are equal.

The victory of the billionaire maverick Donald Trump to become 45th President of the United States may well lead to a period of political uncertainty.

They're decent reasons, but don't let them stop you.

• SHARES RACE

The Australian sharemarket seesawed this week in response to the US presidential election, before leaving our tipsters generally better off as investors viewed a Trump presidency favourably.

Australian investors and super fund members should prepare for volatility.

• QUIRKY INVESTMENTS

Can you still find anything in op shops that is worth more than what you paid for them?

The human cost was high, what does it mean for investors?

As the US presidential election draws closer, the worry that Donald Trump could win has been the main factor in sending our sharemarket from about 5300 points to 5200 points during the week. 

The catalyst for the global financial crisis was US President Bill Clinton's idea that housing should be available to everybody.

• QUIRKY INVESTMENTS

Oddities are now much in demand for the individual touch they bring to contemporary spaces.

There are no shortage of gamblers. But growth is hard to come by.

• SHARES RACE

It has been a tough week for our tipsters given that the sharemarket went backwards.

Australians love a punt but there are better ways to make money.

The greatest wealth divide is between those just starting out, and their 35-plus, established selves. Beyond that, the growth in your bottom line is slow and steady.

Watching The Big Short is a sobering experience. Here's what it can teach us.

If you read some of the books on trading, the suggestion is that 60-90 per cent of traders lose money.

• SHARES RACE

Richard Hemming continues to build his lead in week two of the six-week Shares Race.

This personal collection, currently for sale, is one that has amazed even veteran jewellery experts.

Owning a house might be the great Australian dream. But investors should think twice.

Smoking may be unfashionable these days, but there was a time when a stylish cigarette lighter was a social necessity.