Money Magazine

EDITOR'S DESK FROM THE EDITOR In this issue, we show you how to invest for your future and in the future. From starting your own share portfolio using exchange traded funds (page 70) to getting a slice of the future through quantum computing stocks (page 76) and plant-based investing (page 78), we look at the latest investment trends. Technology, which is generally considered the most cutting-edge of all the industry categories on the ASX, is no longer the only source of fast-growth, fast-innovation businesses. But there's still plenty happening there. Investment expert Scott Phillips sifts through a basketful of goodies to find the best prospect (page 80). But there is nothing better than investing in the present. There are ways to boost your cashflow and income to mute the effects of…

It's tough trying to survive on the pension After a storm comes sunshine - that infamous adage keeps us afloat but for this ageing girl it's left me confused, wondering if one shouldn't just live for today and to heck with tomorrow. My retirement fund, interest from fixed deposits and dividends would help keep my head above water, right? Oh, and in the meantime, throw in a marriage split. Interest rates fell to below 1%, the bum dropped out of my retirement fund, no (or very little) dividends and now half the proceeds from a house sale, which might give me near $400,000 if luck is on my side. Change the habits of a lifetime and live for today, continue to live frugally and remain positive or ask one of…

Resident cartoonist I had an epiphany about a year ago and stopped partaking of the booze. This was difficult as I'd become extremely good at it over the previous 45 years. The eventual result was a lot more motivation, concentration, optimism, discernment, clarity, peace and productivity. And definitely a lot more money in my bank account than there used to be. Cheers! Contributing writer We refinanced our house a couple of years ago, something that saved us thousands. More recently, we've chosen a cheaper gas and electricity plan. This time around the need to cut back seems different, though, so it's refocused my inner saver. I'm more discerning with supermarket purchases and have cut back on alcohol ($15 bottles of wine look more appealing than ever!). Senior writer I haven't…

BACK TO BASICS Serina Bird We’ve all been there: you hear about someone having a new baby, being in hospital or losing a loved one, and you go online and buy flowers, balloons, chocolates or even a hamper. There is nothing wrong with flowers. I love flowers. Local florists need our support, and their work is an art form. It’s just that flowers are expensive and in recent years have become even more so due to increased costs of fertilisers and (especially for imported flowers) freight. Too much of a good thing When I’ve had hospital stays, I’ve often been surrounded by flowers. But as lovely as they are, they can be problematic. There is rarely enough shelving space to accommodate them and they can get in the way of…

$3bn and counting: more needs to be done to beat scammers We've all read the frightening stories about some poor soul who transferred their life savings to a bogus bank account - or a fake lover in another country. Many of us would have even received the “Hi mum" text messages that were circulating earlier this year, supposedly from a child who’d lost or broken their phone and urgently needed funds. But the news that Australians lost more than $3.1 billion in scams in 2022 - an 80% increase from 2021 - may come as quite a shock. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) released the findings of its Targeting Scams report last month, revealing $1.5 billion was lost to fake investment scams, including initial public offering scams and…

Young people are missing in action in the small business sector. CPA Australia's Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey shows small business owners in Australia are more likely to be over 60 than under 30. Australia faces a tipping point. As older business owners and managers retire, who will take their place? Who will run our hairdressers, cafes and local shops? How we answer these questions will have dramatic effects on our living standards. Without the diversity young people bring, we will fall behind. Without their technology skills and appetite to take risks and innovate, we will suffer long-lasting economic effects. We need next-gen business owners, start-up founders and entrepreneurs. CPA Australia members have told us that the uncertain global economy, higher interest rates, rising costs and expensive housing all play a…