BigPond Money - Personal Finance & Money Management

Features

Why the carbon tax is a bad idea: Risk and the Global Financial Crisis

Six reasons why the carbon tax is a bad idea. Number one, risk and the Global Financial Crisis. more

Go West

The mining boom in Western Australia continues to draw workers from across the country and from overseas. And the demand for labour is only growing. more

Should Australians be tipping at restaurants, and if so, how much?

To tip or not to tip? That is indeed the question. Sometimes it ends awkwardly for all concerned but great service, can be unforgettable. more

Finance news

Govt pulls funding from gay health group

Qld's only health organisation dedicated to the gay and lesbian community has had its funding withdrawn.

NSW premiers' entitlements stripped back

Retired NSW premiers are about to get less of the generous life entitlements they have previously enjoyed.

CSR expects organic growth

Building products supplier CSR Ltd expects growth to come from its existing businesses.

Europe's priority is grown and jobs- G8

President Obama says there's an 'emerging consensus' that more must be done to promote job growth in Europe.

Aust share market to open flat on Monday
Facebook stock jumps in public debut
NZ 'runaway millionairess' found guilty
Gillard talks up Australian economy

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Home and property

Rate cut will prompt property sales, not growth
The RBA's rate cut was a welcome surprise but if the retail banks don’t pass the full rate cut on, the benefit to the property market is significantly diluted.
Australia’s population hot spots
If you’re looking to invest, population growth can be a key indicator for the future of property prices. We look at some of Australia's growth hot spots.
Taking the property plunge
The time for talking is over. You’re ready to buy your first investment property. But where do you start? We cover off some of the basic questions.

Managing money

Planning for private school fees
Sending a child to a private school can be an serious finacial commitment. We look at some of the best ways to make sure you have the money when you need it.
Rate cut bonanza
Rate cut party in ... da ... house! Woo-hoo! There’s nothing like the smell of a rate cut. But not so fast, the rate cut drink is spiked!
Why generic medicines
We look at generic medicines. Are they really the same as the originals, why are they cheaper and can you really save that much money?

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Investing

Why has the Australian sharemarket been underperforming?
Key factors that continue to impact the performance of the local sharemarket, despite the relative strength of the local economy.
Islamic investments in Australia
While Islamic or Sharia financing has been available in Australia for some time, compliant investment opportunities have, until recently, been fairly limited.

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Market data, shares and investing

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Market data

USD / AUD

Key market stock indices

Key Stock Index	Last	Chng	% Chng
All Ordinaries Index	4098.84	-109.65	-2.68
S&P ASX 200 Index	4046.46	-110.95	-2.74
Dow Jones In. Avg.	12369.38	-73.11	-0.59
FTSE 100	5905.7	53.31	0.9
Nasdaq Comp.	2778.79	-34.9	-1.26
Hang Seng Index	18951.85	-249.08	-1.31
Nikkei 500 Index	748.46	-20.34	-2.72

As of 2012-05-20 18:34:00 (30min delay)

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Credit and loans

Home buyer caution deepens
A renewed trend towards caution is emerging amongst established Australian home buyers. A trend that had already been well established with first home buyers.
Understanding debt and how to beat it
Getting into debt can be stressful but managing debt well is possible if you put a few strategies in place.

Small business

Boss or friend? How to strike the balance
Successful management calls for a certain level of intimacy and an understanding of an employee’s strengths, weaknesses, motivations and goals.
Videoconference solutions for small business
Videoconferencing is now within the reach of every business, from the sole trader up. We look at some of the available services.

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Economy in focus

Goldilocks and the three shocks
The simultaneous occurrence of a mining boom, eurozone crisis and a digital shift is massively disruptive but with luck might balance each other out.

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