Christmas is an important part of global culture, both as a secular holiday and a defining element of the Christian religion. However, even though this special time of year is celebrated by millions of people around the world, not all Christmas traditions are the same. From pagan celebrations based on pre-Christian holidays through to strange European and Asian customs, Christmas […]
Despite consistent worriers and “good old days” nostalgia, Australia is in good financial shape heading into 2014. The latest insight into the state of the nation comes from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), who have just released the Measure of Australia’s Progress (MAP) report. Economic data from the report was largely positive, with consumer sentiment also rising according to […]
Australian home loan approvals are on the rise, with recent September results growing faster than expected. Approvals have been rising steadily for most of the year despite a fall in August, with the property market strengthening throughout most of 2013. It’s not all clear sailing for the housing sector, however, with warnings of risky lending by the RBA and the […]
Detox diets and programs have become very popular lately, thanks to growing health awareness in the community and ongoing celebrity endorsement. While controversy surrounds some of the benefits attributed to commercial detox products, most people can benefit from diet restrictions and improved nutrition. Even if you don’t have the desire or will to commit to a lengthy and strict detox […]
Renovations are back on the agenda, with a growing number of young Aussies choosing to renovate rather than relocate. According to results from a recent study by St George Bank, the urge to revamp existing homes is stronger with the younger generation. Generation Y are increasingly prioritising their savings to pay for renovation projects, with new appliances and furniture on […]
The Australian economy is going through a significant transition that will become more acute over the next decade. As the mining boom of recent years comes to an end, the move toward broader based growth is slow and unclear. Where will the investment and jobs come from after the mining boom, and does the government really have a clear picture […]