![Families with children are hardest hit by expensive travel insurance – but they also have the most room for savings.](http://web.archive.org./web/20171124072919im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/z/o/r/3/2/image.related.wideLandscape.940x529.gzoqw6.12uqus.png/1511225207809.jpg)
Money features
![Christmas can be more magical when seen through a child's eyes.](http://web.archive.org./web/20171124072919im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/z/r/g/5/l/image.related.landscape.120x80.gzreqb.png/1511411882736.jpg)
All I want for Christmas … is to not buy things people don't need
I am reluctant to describe myself as a Grinch because there is plenty I adore about Christmas.
![The number of properties sold to first home buyers is rising.](http://web.archive.org./web/20171124072919im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/z/r/9/k/x/image.related.landscape.120x80.gzr8k5.png/1511405884277.jpg)
Opportunity to get on the property ladder
The latest data shows first home buyers are re-emerging in the property market, but don't lose heart if you're still struggling to get a foothold.
![Asking a young adult to pay their own phone bill is a gentle way to start teaching financial independence.](http://web.archive.org./web/20171124072919im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/z/q/q/b/r/image.related.landscape.120x80.gzqpu7.png/1511390861194.jpg)
Feel trapped with Telstra by poor reception? Not anymore
Nicole Helps… cut the (invisible) cord to Telstra.
![The challenge at Christmas is finding gifts that will provide lasting value.](http://web.archive.org./web/20171124072919im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/z/r/d/0/e/image.related.landscape.120x80.gzrc7v.png/1511407502408.jpg)
Noel Whittaker picks for best business books for Christmas
Christmas is fast approaching and with it, the usual challenge of finding a gift that will be of lasting value to the recipient.
![FILE - In this Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017, file photo, an Amazon employee gives her dog a biscuit as the pair head into a ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20171124072919im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/z/d/g/d/a/image.related.landscape.120x80.gzquaq.png/1511484177347.jpg)
How international share investors can save a fortune on fees
Those looking to invest in overseas shares such as Apple and Facebook should open a separate online brokerage account if they want to minimise fees.
![There is a considerable benefit to accumulating as much money in superannuation as possible before retirement.](http://web.archive.org./web/20171124072919im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/z/f/1/0/s/image.related.landscape.120x80.gzqnco.png/1511389852110.jpg)
The reforms that make super system stronger, simpler
Despite continuing concerns about the impact of the new super rules, developing and implementing superannuation savings strategies have been greatly simplified.
![The ASX recently hit 6000 points for the first time since the GFC.](http://web.archive.org./web/20171124072919im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/y/o/o/c/s/image.related.landscape.120x80.gzpji5.png/1511359776915.jpg)
You're ready to buy shares - here's how to get started
Congratulations. You've saved hard, read widely and maybe even noticed that the ASX has hit 6000 points for the first time since the GFC.
![Shakespearean actor Chris Huntly-Turner in costume as Henry V.](http://web.archive.org./web/20171124072919im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/z/o/q/a/7/image.related.landscape.120x80.gzoq5a.png/1511271072690.jpg)
'The most irresponsible financial decision of my life'
Long periods of unemployment or casual work requires a special approach to budgeting and finances.
![Kathryn Cameron with her daughter Rachael, is planning to give secondhand gifts this Christmas in Sydney. Rachael is ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20171124072919im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/z/n/r/p/c/image.related.landscape.120x80.gznwzs.png/1511359811241.jpg)
I'm dreaming of a secondhand Christmas
Most Australians say they would be happy to receive a secondhand present this Christmas but are shy about giving one.
![Angle Ellis holds the lead despite the value of her portfolio dropping.](http://web.archive.org./web/20171124072919im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/o/t/1/h/image.related.landscape.120x80.gzn4vv.png/1511005010522.jpg)
Tougher going for racers as market rally reverses
Angie Ellis of 80 20 Investments holds on to first spot in week three of the four-week Shares Race, despite her total portfolio value falling.
![Brett and Janette Rowcliff pose for a picture with their children, Grace, 12, Alexa, 8, and William, 5 at their home in ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20171124072919im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/z/k/y/c/c/image.related.landscape.120x80.gzmhk4.png/1511185154556.jpg)
Cash-back sites can help you to save this Christmas
American online retail giant Amazon will launch in Australia in a matter of days, just in time to make a splash in the retail spending frenzy in the lead-up to Christmas.
![Availability of childcare is a major issue in many areas, especially in Sydney and Melbourne.](http://web.archive.org./web/20171124072919im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/z/n/q/i/7/image.related.landscape.120x80.gznbib.png/1511185192953.jpg)
Eight steps to prepare financially for having a baby
If you've just found out you're having a baby (or babies), congratulations! Here's the financial advice I wish I'd known when I was in your shoes. Updated for 2017, of course.
![Europe and the US de-leveraged after 2008, but Australia has not. Illustration: Matt Davidson](http://web.archive.org./web/20171124072919im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/z/m/7/6/i/image.related.landscape.120x80.gzm6n5.png/1511004935962.jpg)
A billionaire's explanation of how the economic machine works
Australia has more household debt than the United States before the global financial crisis.
![From little things, big things grow.](http://web.archive.org./web/20171124072919im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/y/s/z/z/z/image.related.landscape.120x80.gzm7qr.png/1510926477164.jpg)
New Acorns investment product for kids
I started with a Commonwealth Bank money box when I was young and it served me well.
![The Reserve Bank considers that APRA's rule tightening has reduced the need for rate rises to slow down a buoyant ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20171124072919im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/y/c/l/q/6/image.related.landscape.120x80.gzlz38.png/1511005482769.jpg)
Why interest rates will be lower for longer
Continuing low inflation and a softening property market will ensure that even with likely rate increases overseas, Australian rates will remain low for longer.
![The regulator's actions to slow growth in lending to investors is seeing first timers coming into the market.](http://web.archive.org./web/20171124072919im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/i/i/u/n/7/image.related.landscape.120x80.gzhplz.png/1510699141107.jpg)
Property prices at a turning point - or the pause that refreshes
Property prices in Sydney appear to be at turning point with Melbourne not far behind.
![ASX reaching 6000 points is a cause for reflection rather than celebration.](http://web.archive.org./web/20171124072919im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/8/v/f/2/image.related.landscape.120x80.gzit5e.png/1510926946091.jpg)
Don't expect the ASX to recover its all-time high soon
Our market's done a lot of huffing and puffing, but the elusive 6000 points has been passed.
![Low wage growth and high indebtedness means it will take longer for borrowers to pay down loans than in the past.](http://web.archive.org./web/20171124072919im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/q/p/v/b/image.related.landscape.120x80.gzh80x.png/1510664813071.jpg)
Regulators worried about housing debt - but not for the reason you think
Mortgage debt is a big concern for financial regulators, but maybe not for the reason you think.
![Many of the incidents in Bondi Rescue happen because swimmers try to fight the riptide.](http://web.archive.org./web/20171124072919im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/z/k/2/1/l/image.related.landscape.120x80.gzk1vi.png/1510622972133.jpg)
Swim with the current to reach financial success
It's easier to set up systems that act as a channel for success than it is to swim against the rips of our daily lives.
![If there's a partner eligible for a surviving spouse pension, the attractions of the lifetime defined-benefit pension ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20171124072919im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/x/o/2/m/3/image.related.landscape.120x80.gzilpr.png/1510664832504.jpg)
Vested interests can push defined benefit members to take a lump sum
Given the generosity of most defined beneift pension funds, there are substantial benefits for employers when members cash out their entitlements.
![Gyms are notorious for making it hard to cancel membership.](http://web.archive.org./web/20171124072919im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/s/t/w/j/e/image.related.landscape.120x80.gzj6jg.png/1510664903436.jpg)
Banks are failing in their obligations to cancel direct debits
It seems everything is a subscription these days. If I scan through my bank statement, it's full of recurring payments.
![Jenny Rosalky in her sewing room filled with fabric and quilts, at her home in Stanmore, Sydney.](http://web.archive.org./web/20171124072919im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/z/i/k/o/2/image.related.landscape.120x80.gzhxe5.png/1510664927911.jpg)
Death of a hobbyist: treasure thrown out in post-death clean-up
Hobbyists and collectors often have well-founded fears their 'treasure' could end up in landfill or sent to Vinnies when they die.