When will interest rates fall? It’s the question everyone is asking right now, and while speculation swirls about future rate cuts, the latest moves in fixed rates suggest we may not have to wait too much longer for variable interest rates to head south.

While about 4-in-5 Australian households are currently on a variable-rate mortgage, fixed-rate home loans shouldn’t be overlooked. Locking into a fixed rate can offer several advantages, including certainty of repayments – which may make budgeting easier – as well as protection from possible rate hikes during the fixed term. Right now, the direction of fixed rates is attracting plenty of attention.

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As remote work becomes increasingly common, many Australians are seeking clarity on what work-from-home deductions they can claim on their tax returns. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has specific guidelines to help you maximise your deductions while ensuring compliance. Here’s a breakdown of the rules and what you need to know.

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September, usually a weak month for the ASX, has seen the ASX200 rise 1.85%, reaching a record high of 8,199.6 points. Real estate, driven by expectations of interest rate cuts, surged 6.52%, while miners, especially uranium and lithium, saw strong gains due to geopolitical tensions and increased demand from China's EV production. The RBA’s next meeting on September 24 is highly anticipated. The U.S. Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 50 basis points, boosting markets, with the S&P500, Nasdaq, and Dow rising. European markets also surged, while China continues to struggle with economic challenges despite Asia-wide optimism.

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Building long-term wealth requires balancing cash and investments. Cash serves key roles: as an emergency fund (3-6 months of expenses), for daily expenses, and for short-term goals (1-2 years). However, holding too much cash presents risks like inflation and missed investment opportunities. While cash ensures liquidity and stability, especially for short-term needs, long-term wealth growth is better achieved through investments. The S&P 500, for example, has historically recovered from downturns, often delivering double-digit returns. While cash protects against immediate risks, investing is crucial for harnessing market growth and accelerating wealth accumulation over time.

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Scared to apply for a home loan? You’re not alone. Fear of rejection has stopped one in five Aussies from applying for finance over the past year. No one enjoys rejection. But despite this, there are plenty of times in life when we put ourselves in a position where rejection is a possibility. From applying for a new job to asking the love of your life to marry you, the risk of a knock back isn’t too far away. Yet we give it a go because the rewards of success outweigh the disappointment of being turned down.

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In an increasingly complex financial world, the role of a Financial Adviser has never been more valuable. But what does value really mean in Financial Planning? Is it just about maximising returns, or is there more to it? This article delves into the multifaceted role of Financial Advisers, unpacking the tangible and intangible benefits they bring to your financial journey.

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September has been a challenging month for Australian markets, historically known for declines. The ASX dropped 1.88%, driven by weak Chinese and U.S. manufacturing data, causing selloffs in commodities like copper, oil, and iron ore, impacting material and energy stocks. Financial and real estate sectors gained from recession fears and lower interest rate speculation. Internationally, U.S. markets saw low trading volumes before the holiday, with the Nasdaq hit by NVIDIA's 10% drop due to AI bubble concerns. Europe’s FTSE 100 rebounded, but inflationary pressures persist. Investors focus on U.S. jobs data, influencing future Federal Reserve rate decisions.

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The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has a well-established framework for managing penalties and interest, designed to ensure that individuals and businesses comply with their tax obligations. In 2024, the ATO has taken a more stringent approach to penalties and interest, reflecting its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the tax system. Understanding these changes is crucial for taxpayers who want to avoid costly mistakes.

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Want to grow your investment portfolio but have most of your wealth tied up in your family home? You may be able to leverage recent gains in the property market as equity for an investment property. Let’s take a look: We all have a few financial goals, and right now investing in a rental property is one of the more popular investment goals among Australians. In fact, more than one-in-five Australians (21%) aspire to own investment properties to build their wealth, according to MLC’s Financial Freedom report. Interestingly, this percentage increases to 27% for Gen Zs and 23% for Gen Ys.

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