Posts by Katrina Haskew
Superannuation Withdrawals Demystified: How and When to Access Your Retirement Savings
Understanding when and how you can access your superannuation is one of the most important steps in preparing for retirement. Clarity around the legal conditions of release, tax implications, and strategic planning can help turn a lifetime of savings into a sustainable income stream. This article explains in plain language how Australians can legally and…
Read MoreA PRACTICAL GUIDE TO NAVIGATING RETIREMENT CONCESSIONS AND ENTITLEMENTS
The Challenge for RetireesEvery year, thousands of Australians nearing or in retirement confront the same frustrating bureaucracy: a complex and often confusing patchwork of federal and state concession schemes designed to ease the cost of living—but difficult to find, claim, or renew. As noted in Firstlinks’ A National Guide to Concession Entitlements (2025), even well-educated…
Read MoreNavigating the Home Guarantee Scheme – Opportunity or Illusion for New Buyers?
From 1 October 2025, the Home Guarantee Scheme is set for one of its most significant transformations yet. With unlimited places for first-home buyers, the removal of income caps, and higher property price thresholds across major cities, the program aims to make home ownership more achievable for Australians who have long struggled to break into…
Read MoreFROM SHAKESPEARE TO SUPER – MASTERING TIME VALUE AND BEHAVIOURAL BIASES FOR LASTING WEALTH
From Shakespeare’s impulsive cry to modern super decisions, this article explores how time perception and behavioural biases shape financial outcomes. Discover how understanding your money psychology, automating smart habits, and leveraging compound growth can help you build lasting wealth
Read MoreStable Money in an Unstable World
As money goes digital, stablecoins promise faster, cheaper transactions—but also spark debate on privacy and financial control. This article explores the opportunities and risks of stablecoins in Australia, helping readers navigate the new era of digital payments with confidence and caution.
Read MoreNavigating Resilient Retirement
Introduction: The Legacy and Limits of the 4% Rule When Bill Bengen first delved into the mathematics of spending in retirement, his aim was to answer a deceptively simple question: how much can you safely draw from your investments each year and never run out of money? After studying a range of portfolios and market…
Read MoreCompounding Interest
Compounding interest is the quiet powerhouse behind long-term wealth. Learn how Australians can grow their money faster by investing smartly, reinvesting returns, and choosing the best compound interest investments across shares, property, and superannuation.
Read MoreWHY YOUR FUTURE SELF WILL THANK YOU
UNDERSTANDING THE TIME VALUE OF MONEY IN EVERYDAY AUSTRALIAN LIFE Introduction: The Invisible Power of Time in Personal Finance Imagine being faced with a simple choice: you can have $100 today or $120 if you’re willing to wait a year. The rational response may seem obvious wait for the higher pay out. Yet, most people…
Read MoreGIVING WISELY
HOW TAX-SMART PHILANTHROPY BUILDS WEALTH AND COMMUNITY IN AUSTRALIA Introduction: A New Era for everyday Australian Giving Philanthropy in Australia is changing. It’s no longer just for the wealthy or for big corporations everyday Australians are discovering how giving can be both deeply rewarding and financially smart. With new government incentives and easier ways to…
Read MoreI’ve paid off most of my HECS debt, should I just repay the rest now?
Whether to repay your HECS-HELP debt early depends on a few key factors. Unlike most other debts, HECS doesn’t attract interest. Instead, it’s indexed each year based on the lower of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or the Wage Price Index (WPI). That said, because repayments are automat- ically made through your tax return once…
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