![Home loans are bigger than in September 2013 and so is the differential between the best and worst mortgage rates.](/web/20170322064418im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/v/1/0/i/a/image.related.wideLandscape.940x529.gv2rhs.12uqus.png/1490154027877.jpg)
Money features
![Before the Brexit vote, investors assumed Britain would not vote to leave the EU.](/web/20170322064418im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/t/x/0/v/image.related.landscape.120x80.gv1wok.png/1490074579348.jpg)
Why our assumptions, and current share prices, might be wrong
Assumptions are the root of all major losses. What assumptions are we making today?
![Illustration: Simon Letch](/web/20170322064418im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/v/1/u/9/x/image.related.landscape.120x80.gv1tpg.png/1490079951886.jpg)
How Airbnb hosts can avoid a land tax bill
Financial expert Noel Whittaker answers readers' questions.
![Mining is Australia's highest paid sector, and heavily dominated by men.](/web/20170322064418im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/9/d/o/t/image.related.landscape.120x80.gv1ymi.png/1490061326487.jpg)
The truth about measuring the gender pay gap
Australia seems to lack consistency when it comes to reporting the difference between what men and women are paid.
![Three of the tipsters are doing well from the fresh fruit and vegetables supplier Costa Group.](/web/20170322064418im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/n/t/0/6/2/image.related.landscape.120x80.gv06j6.png/1489712419468.jpg)
Chowdhary looks unbeatable as battle heats up
The gap between the Shares Race leader, Kalkine's Hina Chowdhary, and the racer in second has closed this week.
![Digital native Elizabeth Barry can't remember the last time she logged on for internet banking.](/web/20170322064418im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/x/u/u/s/image.related.landscape.120x80.guz794.png/1489971521809.jpg)
Smartphones set to dominate digital payments
Tapping a debit card, credit card or a smartphone is becoming the preferred way to pay among consumers.
![You'll enjoy the holiday more if you pre-pay and it feels "free".](/web/20170322064418im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/c/y/x/x/image.related.landscape.120x80.guyj3t.png/1489714358685.jpg)
Pay now and consume later for happier spending
Spending money can be as painful as stubbing your big toe.
![A new Reserve Bank report finds that one-fifth of Australians carried no cash whatsoever on the day they were surveyed.](/web/20170322064418im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/1/3/s/5/8/x/image.related.landscape.120x80.gv0oak.png/1489868401293.jpg)
If your wallet is empty, you're part of the new majority
We're using credit cards more than cash.
![Tim Harcourt, author of The Airport Economist, says tipping was considered patronising in 1950s Australia. It has slowly ...](/web/20170322064418im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/v/0/w/k/g/image.related.landscape.120x80.gv0wh6.png/1489973069487.jpg)
To tip, or not to tip
Getting the tipping right can be tricky, especially outside your home country.
![Smoking is still bad for you, but taking cannabis in oil form can have medicinal value.](/web/20170322064418im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/6/e/e/c/image.related.landscape.120x80.gv0eub.png/1489722768963.jpg)
Cannabis stocks are all the rage, but it's a bubble
The ASX has gone to pot. Medical cannabis is the only game in town and it's going to end badly.
![There can be good buys in bad locations, and bad buys in good locations. Illustration: Michael Mucci](/web/20170322064418im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/y/i/b/3/image.related.landscape.120x80.guyi19.png/1490080161015.jpg)
Take charge to outsmart the property spruikers
Control the process and select your investment property after due research, not just because some slick salesperson talked you into it.
![Only ever buy shares as part of a well-diversified portfolio and seek professional advice if needed.](/web/20170322064418im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/i/4/6/v/y/image.related.landscape.120x80.guzaep.png/1489639632969.jpg)
Should I bring my UK savings to Australia?
Financial expert George Cochrane answers readers' questions.
![The government has a few options to help first-home buyers.](/web/20170322064418im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/w/t/b/m/image.related.landscape.120x80.guzavv.png/1489626812403.jpg)
Adopt US model of tax deductions for homeowners, not investors
The US tax system is heavily biased in favour of owners of modest properties with mortgage commitments and limits the subsidy available to geared investors.
![Savers are bearing the brunt of sharp cuts in deposit interest rates.](/web/20170322064418im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/1/m/a/o/y/u/image.related.landscape.120x80.guzmrl.png/1490080057528.jpg)
Nicole helps… find the best savings rate
Financial expert Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon answers readers' questions.
![Saman Shad and family are going overseas and spending tens of thousands of dollars in savings that they could have used ...](/web/20170322064418im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/u/6/n/l/image.related.landscape.120x80.guz1c4.png/1489652760309.jpg)
'We're spending our life savings on a family trip of a lifetime'
In less than a week's time our family of five is setting off on a big adventure.
![The interest in exchange traded funds comes as record-low interest rates are prompting pensioners to consider ...](/web/20170322064418im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/l/i/u/n/image.related.landscape.120x80.guy81d.png/1489537315874.jpg)
Australia's $2.2 trillion super pot drives record ETF demand
The interest in exchange traded funds comes as record-low interest rates are prompting pensioners to consider alternative products.
![Dividends yields can be high for bad reasons.](/web/20170322064418im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/1/m/m/9/q/h/image.related.landscape.120x80.guv9st.png/1489363093147.jpg)
Beware of dividend traps and capital killers
Investors love the shares of big dividend-paying companies, but they could be leaving themselves exposed to what's sometimes known as the "dividend trap".
![Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon and her bridegroom on their wedding day.](/web/20170322064418im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/y/0/h/u/image.related.landscape.120x80.guwxe1.png/1489610999988.jpg)
Nearly one in two couples ask for cash on their wedding day
Is it bad etiquette or just common sense?
![<P>](/web/20170322064418im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/s/l/k/w/image.related.landscape.120x80.guwnvr.png/1489496932354.jpg)
How would rising interest rates affect property prices?
Financial expert Noel Whittaker answers readers' questions.
!["We have, at times, let down our customers and we are not proud of this," ANZ bank CEO Shayne Elliott says.](/web/20170322064418im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/s/d/x/m/image.related.landscape.120x80.guu3ir.png/1489544846178.jpg)
Credit cards under scrutiny but personal loan rates also too high
Banks are maintaining high rates on personal loans with little scrutiny.
![Naval officer Scott Palmer and his wife Monica invested in a DHA property after first living in one. Anyone can invest ...](/web/20170322064418im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/x/u/f/x/image.related.landscape.120x80.guxrjp.png/1489730967623.jpg)
What does an army home really look like?
If you are worried about nasty surprises, it's worth considering an investment property from Defence Housing Australia.
![Shopping around for the best insurance is not easy.](/web/20170322064418im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/1/1/f/l/1/8/image.related.landscape.120x80.guwwii.png/1489533213674.jpg)
Comparison sites don't compare
You're using a comparison site to shop around? D'oh – odds are you've just been taken for a ride.
![If you keep the quality high, it's easier to have just a little.](/web/20170322064418im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/n/d/f/4/l/image.related.landscape.120x80.guwoey.png/1489365180117.jpg)
Work with your weaknesses, don't fight them
My name is Melissa Browne and I am a chocolate addict.
![The sooner home ownership is achieved, the greater the ability to build up super and other retirement savings.](/web/20170322064418im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/k/h/e/9/image.related.landscape.120x80.guvb7h.png/1489113738548.jpg)
Home ownership is essential for a comfortable retirement
The superannuation industry is trying to deter the government from even limited action to allow first home buyers to access their super.
![Cannabis company AusCann is doing well for Hina Chowdhary.](/web/20170322064418im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/r/4/b/y/image.related.landscape.120x80.guv08x.png/1489104158156.jpg)
Tipster rides high on cannabis-stock pick
Kalkine's Hina Chowdhary has shot to the lead in week two of the four-week shares race with her original $10,000 investment in medicinal cannabis stock, AusCann, now worth $21,719.
![Barbara Leonard with her husband David who had a stroke and has home care.](/web/20170322064418im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/v/8/c/j/image.related.landscape.120x80.guv45v.png/1489264557258.jpg)
More choice for elderly to receive aged care at home
People who receive aged care services in their home now how much more control over which provider they use.
![A home can give you a greater sense of security, providing the mortgage is not too high.](/web/20170322064418im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/j/q/k/n/image.related.landscape.120x80.guunyu.png/1489974403608.jpg)
Good try, Victoria, but your concession card info gets a 7/10
Financial expert George Cochrane answers readers' questions.
![Twin Falls in Kakadu, Northern Territory. The big trip is often an aim for retirement.](/web/20170322064418im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/v/k/m/v/image.related.landscape.120x80.guvjbk.png/1489264747666.jpg)
Readers ask when they should retire. This is my answer
The boring choice isn't always the best choice.