![Ziggy and Leeanna Spencer were not interested in an ethical-lite option, they wanted the real deal.](/web/20170227062434im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/k/g/1/y/image.related.wideLandscape.940x529.guifq0.12uqus.png/1487907549531.jpg)
Money features
![If you're trying to be "smarter than average", like Yogi Bear, it won't be a smooth ride.](/web/20170227062434im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/m/7/0/o/image.related.landscape.120x80.gum6ya.png/1488167586412.jpg)
Motley Fool: The joy of being average
The average has a lot to offer – and to teach us – especially if we're investors.
![Credit cards have higher annual fees than in the past.](/web/20170227062434im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/b/f/v/a/image.related.landscape.120x80.guio23.png/1487806816520.jpg)
5 credit card clawbacks that hit people who clear their balance in full
It's possible you clear your credit card balance every month – and think you're pretty clever.
![Lithium Power is the best performing of the tipsters' stocks.](/web/20170227062434im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/9/f/x/o/image.related.landscape.120x80.gukbqc.png/1487898147946.jpg)
Tipsters struggle early into the one-year Shares Race
Welcome to the year-long Shares Race, where 12 tipsters have selected 10 stocks each and their progress will be updated each month.
![Not all concession cards are created equal.](/web/20170227062434im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/c/n/p/f/image.related.landscape.120x80.gukhxm.png/1487913516953.jpg)
How governments are misleading new health care card owners
Financial expert George Cochrane answers readers' questions.
![If signing a power of attorney, be careful of using a standard form.](/web/20170227062434im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/1/m/m/8/d/j/image.related.landscape.120x80.gujd5v.png/1487817959629.jpg)
Pre-empt the legal limits to powers of attorney
Enduring powers of attorney are common but widely misunderstood.
![We all need a house, but buying one is not so cheap.](/web/20170227062434im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/q/i/g/g/g/image.related.landscape.120x80.guigi4.png/1487744288634.jpg)
The case for letting first home buyers use super
What Australians can learn from the Kiwis about helping first home buyers into the housing market.
![<P>](/web/20170227062434im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/g/e/3/l/image.related.landscape.120x80.guge31.png/1487536625989.jpg)
Will we lose our health care card?
Financial expert Noel Whittaker answers readers' questions.
![The sharemarket doesn't exist to let you invest, but so companies can raise capital.](/web/20170227062434im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/k/o/e/u/image.related.landscape.120x80.gugdhs.png/1487537221163.jpg)
The problem with broker research
I get regular emails pointing out how bad broker recommendations have been in hindsight.
![DIY versus large super funds - industry funds hit back.](/web/20170227062434im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/p/5/2/t/9/image.related.landscape.120x80.gufafa.png/1487664214661.jpg)
DIY funds with less than $2 million not viable, say industry funds
An economist in the superannuation industry says DIY super funds with less than $2 million "are not viable retirement savings vehicles".
![The rental market is competitive in the capital cities.](/web/20170227062434im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/h/b/3/7/image.related.landscape.120x80.gugyts.png/1487744284976.jpg)
Why Generation Rent also needs to be heard in housing affordability debate
For too long, renters have been left out of the national conversation about housing affordability. It's time to speak up.
![Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon, at Parliament House, is helping lead the charge to make Australians ''money smart''.](/web/20170227062434im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/h/b/5/c/image.related.landscape.120x80.guhb4r.png/1487648870377.jpg)
The one thing pollies agree on is money – that is, ours
When Canberra concurs, perhaps we should start paying attention. The fabulous and free tools to help you get money smart.
![An offset account gives you more flexibility than a no frills home loan.](/web/20170227062434im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/m/y/i/c/1/image.related.landscape.120x80.guggp3.png/1487553433894.jpg)
Why a cheap home loan might not be good value
The debate about housing affordability, and speculation about the direction of interest rates, have brought housing loans back into the spotlight.
![Pockets of Melbourne have an apartment glut.](/web/20170227062434im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/p/f/i/m/image.related.landscape.120x80.guf6us.png/1487408098252.jpg)
Nicole helps… keep an apartment buyer safe
Financial expert Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon discusses strategy for a couple who want to buy their first home in Melbourne.
![Scott Tangey and his mother Kim. Tangey is using a consultant to explore work options.](/web/20170227062434im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/d/a/3/1/image.related.landscape.120x80.gue1f4.png/1487319246006.jpg)
Staying at home for longer leaves parents counting the costs
More young adults are living at home for longer, not able or willing to leave the nest.
![People who play musical instruments on the weekend for fun are proof that intrinsic motivation beats financial rewards.](/web/20170227062434im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/f/u/1/1/image.related.landscape.120x80.gufro2.png/1487663161379.jpg)
Does employee ownership make companies more successful?
Does it make sense to invest in companies with a high level of employee ownership?
![Comedian Sarah Silverman understands that scarcity sells.](/web/20170227062434im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/e/9/6/w/image.related.landscape.120x80.gue8rh.png/1487430065670.jpg)
Sarah Silverman's take on fart jokes applies to money
The comedian can teach us something in terms of restraint.
![Focus on maximising your after-tax income rather than tax minimisation.](/web/20170227062434im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/g/w/1/r/g/image.related.landscape.120x80.gufabs.png/1487300621889.jpg)
The beauty of fully franked dividends
Far too many Australians let the tax "tail" wag the investing dog.
![Gold shines for shares race winner.](/web/20170227062434im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/1/m/o/p/k/8/image.related.landscape.120x80.guf31h.png/1487293522587.jpg)
Gold medal goes to the yellow metal's biggest backer
Chartist Richard Pritchard takes line honours at the close the four-week Shares Race as his decision to back gold pays off.
![Young Australians often struggle to buy a home without financial help from their parents.](/web/20170227062434im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/1/3/b/f/a/8/image.related.landscape.120x80.guee1r.png/1487663417296.jpg)
How to help adult children buy a home
There are several avenues, but which is best?
![Centrelink is updating its "antiquated" telephone systems.](/web/20170227062434im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/h/1/q/w/image.related.landscape.120x80.guckjw.png/1487118850340.jpg)
The wait continues at Centrelink and tips to navigate it
Centrelink's phone lines are about to get better… no really, they're meant to, but you just have to wait a little longer for it to happen.
![GPs will have to use their "godly discretions" to determine when to bulk bill.](/web/20170227062434im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/3/f/g/9/image.related.landscape.120x80.gudenm.png/1487128824669.jpg)
Are healthcare-card concessions clear cut?
Financial expert George Cochrane answers readers' questions.
![''You've only got to look at the arithmetic,'' said former Reserve Bank governor Bernie Fraser.](/web/20170227062434im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/b/c/u/m/image.related.landscape.120x80.gue6ho.png/1487540944489.jpg)
Fraser review rejects 'independence' quotas for industry super funds
A long-awaited review into the governance of industry super funds by former Reserve Bank governor Bernie Fraser has found no grounds for legislation that would force boards to have a minimum number of "independent" directors.
![</p>](/web/20170227062434im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/z/l/7/s/image.related.landscape.120x80.guddnu.png/1487205465274.jpg)
'It's a stock-picker's market' and other cliches
Watch for loose words designed to part you from your money.