Oliver’s insights The art of happiness – economics and the “hedonic treadmill”
2 May
Key points – Despite a big rise in GDP per person, surveyed measures of happiness have been flat to falling in the US and Australia. – Younger people in the US, Canada, Australia and NZ are the least happy age group. This is a major change from...[Read More]
More cost of living relief on cards in federal budget
24 April
Cost of living help in addition to well-signposted tax relief remains on the cards if the federal government can find room for it in the upcoming budget. Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the tax relief, due to kick in midway through this year, will be...[Read More]
Inflation moderating but not as quickly as hoped
2 May
Australian inflation has come in hotter than expected, with price increases hitting a broad array of categories including rents, education and medical bills. Annual inflation is still tracking in the right direction, falling to 3.6 per cent in the...[Read More]
Top 10 Strategies to Boost Brain Power and Enhance Mental Agility
2 May
Keeping your mind sharp and agile is crucial for managing the demands of daily life and work, enhancing problem-solving skills, and ensuring long-term mental health. Here are the top ten tips for sharpening your mind: Exercise Regularly:...[Read More]
Oliver’s insights – Israel/Iran fears and rate cut uncertainty – shares are vulnerable to a bout of volatility but here’s five reasons why the trend will likely remain up
18 April
Key points – After strong gains, shares are vulnerable to a pull back or more volatile/constrained returns than seen so far this year. – The key threats at present are Iran’s attack on Israel which risks escalating the war in the Middle East,...[Read More]
Senators want property tax reforms back on the agenda
25 April
Tweaking property investor taxes could save the federal budget billions and boost home ownership, even with exemptions for those operating under the old rules, analysis commissioned by two senators suggests. Independent senators David Pocock and...[Read More]
Choosing a New Home: Top 10 Considerations for Selecting the Right Retirement Community
2 May
Finding the right retirement home is a significant decision that marks a new chapter in life. While it might evoke mixed emotions, recognising the need for more tailored care and support can also be a positive step towards enjoying a fulfilling and...[Read More]
Progress on scams but social media urged to do more
2 May
Australia is finally making inroads on scam losses yet the battleground is shifting, with social media grifts an increasingly frequent and costly problem. While the nation recorded its first annual fall in losses to fraudsters in seven years, based...[Read More]
Discovery brings universal flu vaccine one step closer
1 May
A vaccine that can fight off all forms of influenza is one step closer to becoming a reality thanks to a discovery in Melbourne. Scientists at the Doherty Institute have identified nine new similarities between different types of the influenza B...[Read More]
Ensuring Harmony and Legality: The Critical Role of Legal Advice in Family Estate Planning
25 April
Estate planning is a crucial but often challenging aspect of managing familial wealth and assets, particularly as parents age. The process involves making decisions about how to allocate assets such as businesses and property among siblings, which...[Read More]
Property Investing: Residential vs. Commercial Real Estate
2 May
In the realm of property investment, prospective investors often grapple with comparing residential vs commercial real estate. Both offer viable investment opportunities, but they also come with their own unique advantages and drawbacks. Hence, the...[Read More]
Jobseeker cash rise quashed but other help on the cards
2 May
Calls to boost Jobseeker and youth allowance payments have been hosed down by Treasurer Jim Chalmers, who says he will look at other ways to help struggling Australians as he prepares his third budget. A dozen top economists have joined a growing...[Read More]
Australians distrust use of AI in news content
2 May
Australians distrust news articles that have been written by generative artificial intelligence even as media companies increasingly turn to the emerging technology. Generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology first burst into the Australian...[Read More]
Investors on the hook for artificial intelligence abuse
2 May
Discrimination, loss of privacy and distorted data linked to artificial intelligence is putting companies and their backers at risk, an investor group warns. A network with more than 500 members representing US$29 trillion in assets released advice...[Read More]
Strategies for conflict resolution and motivation in the workplace and beyond
2 May
In today’s fast-paced digital world, the art of communication often gets diluted in a sea of emails, text messages, and online postings. While these methods provide convenience and efficiency, they can sometimes lack the personal touch and...[Read More]