Ken is director of Metropole Wealth Advisory and gives strategic expert advice to property investors, professionals and business owners. He is in a unique position to blend his skills of accounting, wealth advisory, property investing, financial planning and small business. View his articles
Australia’s total credit card debt attracting interest charges has risen for the fifth month in a row, as households across the country struggle to get on top of their credit card debt. According to the latest RBA credit card statistics for the month of April, the total credit card bill attracting interest on personal credit…
Younger Australians in their mid-to-late twenties have significantly reduced their spending more than any other age group, according to the latest CommBank iQ Cost of Living Insights Report. In contrast, those over 65 continue to spend at rates above inflation. The report reveals that those aged 25-29 have cut their spending by 3.5% compared to…
Australia’s $48 billion education industry, our fourth-largest export sector, is about to take a significant hit, and it’s all tied to three main reasons: inflation, housing pressures, and the upcoming election. You see…despite 13 interest rate hikes, one of the key drivers keeping inflation high is the influx of people arriving in Australia—either as permanent…
In a world where a staggering 75% of will contests are successful, it’s clear that the final wishes enshrined in one’s will are not as final as they may seem. This rate of success tempts more family members to seek a greater slice of the inheritance pie. Legal actions for a share – or bigger…
The Reserve Bank sees no “quick fix” for the housing crisis and warns that an imbalance between Australia’s supply of new housing and growth in the nation’s demand for housing is pushing up rents and construction costs and also has implications for economic activity. In a speech on Housing Market Cycles and Fundamentals, RBA assistant…
Australians are still intending to retire, on average, between their 65th and 66th birthdays, according to the latest data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Bjorn Jarvis, ABS head of labour statistics said: “While the average age that people intend to retire has risen over time, it hasn’t changed much in the last…
If you own an investment property and rent it out, you can write off a number of costs on your annual tax return. This includes claiming a deduction for any borrowing expenses incurred and any cost incurred for arranging finance to purchase it. Tax time is a big bonus for many Aussies with rental properties,…
In the current property markets where capital growth will be subdued for some time, more sophisticated investors are considering getting involved in property development to enable them to “manufacture” capital growth. However, embarking on property development isn’t as simple as it might seem and unfortunately, too many investors begin their property development journey on the…
Receiving an inheritance can be a life-changing event, but also one filled with heightened emotions and uncertainty about the implications on your financial future. While receiving a lump sum of money can be a great opportunity to strengthen your finances, the sudden increase in your wealth also requires some careful consideration and planning. So, whether…
Despite their diverse origins, Australians born overseas often bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table, shaping a rich tapestry of cultural insights within the country. Here are 11 interesting facts about Australians born overseas that might surprise you, according to ABS’s latest data: Australia’s population included 8.2 million people who were born overseas as…
