Money Matters

How to be tax smart with kids' banking

THE Australian Tax Office is on to people who set up bank accounts for children to avoid paying tax on the interest earned.

Australia's wealth gap widens

THE biggest economic bubble in our history created a wide divide between families getting richer and those falling backwards.

End of the tax return near - Treasury

TAX-FREE dividends could be scrapped along with individual tax returns under proposal to simplify the tax system.

Aussies going broke in record numbers

AUSTRALIANS are going broke at a record rate with about 3000 hitting the skids each month as they are swamped by growing debt.

Christmas ham off the menu as prices fly

A PIG shortage is pushing up pork prices - taking Christmas ham off the menu for many struggling families.

• Wine: Cask under threat

Do you have unclaimed money lying around?

AT a time when many are crying poor and tightening their belts, almost $500 million is lying about unclaimed by its rightful owners.

Shop smart to cut costs

IF YOU intend to survive this financial storm, you have to shop smarter - like timing your shopping to take advantage of regular discounts.

Gen X - 'the bitter generation'

The work-life-balance can get out of whack in your 30s as life becomes a juggle - and your finances are no different, as Alex Tilbury finds out