![There are simple way to get our personal finances back on track](http://web.archive.org./web/20171201212924im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/1/4/4/0/1/s/image.related.wideLandscape.940x529.gztbk8.12uqus.png/1511921758669.jpg)
Money features
![There are tax considerations when using investment bonds as a way to invest in the sharemarket.](http://web.archive.org./web/20171201212924im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/z/v/w/h/3/image.related.landscape.120x80.gzvw07.png/1512011958651.jpg)
Insurance bonds are in vogue, but there's a drawback
​How attractive are friendly society and life insurance bond investments for investors unable or not wanting to add to their super balances?
![Galaxy Resources mines lithium, a metal used in devices such as smartphones.](http://web.archive.org./web/20171201212924im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/z/r/d/f/5/image.related.landscape.120x80.gzwpv3.png/1512095198508.jpg)
Chowdhary beats Ellis in surprise finish to year-long Shares Race
Hina Chowdhary's best performing share was lithium miner Galaxy Resources.
![Time is short. We only have a limited amount of it and sometimes it feels that there is none to spare.](http://web.archive.org./web/20171201212924im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/z/v/t/z/3/image.related.landscape.120x80.gzvtbc.png/1512137143760.jpg)
It pays to think about your time as money
Many of us are thinking about how we will spend our limited resources over Christmas.
![Joseph Stiglitz says Donald Trump has persuaded low-income Americans he cares about them 'even as he picks their pockets'.](http://web.archive.org./web/20171201212924im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/y/h/o/2/0/image.related.landscape.120x80.gzs4hp.png/1512052178091.jpg)
Political forces, technology worsening inequality
Despite global efforts to cut inequality, the gap between rich and poor has widened.
![Gina Rinehart, Hancock, Anthony Pratt, Visy, and Paul Keating at last week's superfunds roundtable which pushed the idea ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20171201212924im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/z/r/q/p/o/image.related.landscape.120x80.gzt2zf.png/1511672581382.jpg)
Should super funds lend directly to businesses?
When you get Anthony Pratt, Gina Rinehart, Lindsay Fox and Paul Keating backing an idea, the star power alone is enough to make people sit up and listen.
![Investor Angie Ellis takes out line honours once again in the shares race](http://web.archive.org./web/20171201212924im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/o/t/1/h/image.related.landscape.120x80.gzrynm.png/1511483870867.jpg)
Shares race ends with Ellis just ahead of Pritchard
Angie Ellis of 80 20 Investments has just edged out Richard Pritchard, who plays as the Chartist, to take line honours at the conclusion of the four-week Shares Race.
![Never agree to split the bill equally until after everyone has ordered.](http://web.archive.org./web/20171201212924im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/z/s/j/c/8/image.related.landscape.120x80.gzsi83.png/1511875788648.jpg)
How to ensure money doesn't ruin friendships
British author Claudia Hammond shares her insight into the psychology of money to help navigate financial matters and friendship.
![Derek Lightbody has saved a packet on car insurance for his three cars by shopping around.](http://web.archive.org./web/20171201212924im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/z/q/l/1/o/image.related.landscape.120x80.gzqjw9.png/1511791304028.jpg)
Victorian and NSW drivers could be paying much less for car insurance
Drivers from Victoria pay the highest comprehensive motor vehicle insurance premiums in Australia, an average of $1,345, while Tasmanians pay the least - only $811
![Christmas can be more magical when seen through a child's eyes.](http://web.archive.org./web/20171201212924im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/z/r/g/5/l/image.related.landscape.120x80.gzreqb.png/1511918350559.jpg)
All I want for Christmas … is to not buy things people don't need
I'm reluctant to call myself a Grinch because there's lots I love about Christmas.
![The number of properties sold to first home buyers is rising.](http://web.archive.org./web/20171201212924im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/z/r/9/k/x/image.related.landscape.120x80.gzr8k5.png/1512052236119.jpg)
Opportunity to get on the property ladder
The latest data shows first home buyers are re-emerging in the property market.
![The challenge at Christmas is finding gifts that will provide lasting value.](http://web.archive.org./web/20171201212924im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/z/r/d/0/e/image.related.landscape.120x80.gzrc7v.png/1511875821827.jpg)
Noel Whittaker picks for best business books for Christmas
It's 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/20171201212924im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/z/d/g/d/a/image.related.landscape.120x80.gzquaq.png/1511791329221.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/20171201212924im_/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.
![Families with children are hardest hit by expensive travel insurance – but they also have the most room for savings.](http://web.archive.org./web/20171201212924im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/z/o/r/3/2/image.related.landscape.120x80.gzoqw6.png/1511225207809.jpg)
Families hit by Christmas travel insurance mark-ups
Where not to buy Christmas travel insurance… unless you want to pay triple.
![Cochlear is a great company but its price-to-earnings ratio is very high.](http://web.archive.org./web/20171201212924im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/w/r/u/7/e/image.related.landscape.120x80.gzpcq6.png/1511209037780.jpg)
Quality companies don't always make great stock picks
What Cochlear teaches us about the difference between companies and stocks.
![The ASX recently hit 6000 points for the first time since the GFC.](http://web.archive.org./web/20171201212924im_/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/20171201212924im_/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.
![Social impact bonds allow investors to help fund government programs that meet pressing social needs.](http://web.archive.org./web/20171201212924im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/y/i/3/4/q/image.related.landscape.120x80.gzmql0.png/1511271130248.jpg)
Hand-up to the less well-off that pays off for investors
Social benefit or impact bonds are only just coming onto the radar but early indications are that they can produce very good returns for investors who want to put their money into something that's doing social good.
![Kathryn Cameron with her daughter Rachael, is planning to give secondhand gifts this Christmas in Sydney. Rachael is ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20171201212924im_/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/20171201212924im_/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/20171201212924im_/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.