Things that are always clear in hindsight are never clear at the time. But 2016 has really outdone itself.

There is as much hot air in HotCopper's share price as there is in its forums.

Look no further than the hordes of rich but miserable celebrities and Lotto winners.

The reality of buying a house without family money seems increasingly far-fetched, but these three young men beat the odds.

The hardest part of investing is not the balance sheet analysis or ratio calculations. It's the way we use that information.

• COMMENT

Favourable demand forecasts aren't enough to make money in aged care. Focus on supply.

• SHARES RACE

Galaxy Resources, a mining company focused on lithium, has emerged as one of the strongest performers in the final Shares Race for 2016.

There is little doubt that fostering financial literacy in young people leads to more confident decision making in adulthood which in turn leads to lower stress and better outcomes.

Despite historic low interest rates, super funds and investors generally have fared well in 2016.

Complacent investors may feel the pain.

There are a few things that you won't read in the text books about investment that you probably need to know.

Money editor Caitlin Fitzsimmons has widened her lead in the three-week Shares Race, with her top pick now worth $16,829.

Investors are excited about President Trump. But is the market getting ahead of itself?

• SHARES RACE

What a difference a week can make. After battling the head winds of market turbulance our tipsters have hit an early purple patch.

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?