Susan has been a finance journalist for more than 30 years, beginning at the Australian Financial Review before moving to the Sydney Morning Herald. She edited a superannuation magazine, Superfunds, for the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia, and writes regularly on superannuation and managed funds. She's also author of the best-selling book Women and Money. Connect with Susan Hely on LinkedIn.
Super fund provides an active option
Mercer SmartPath members can be active investors with the super fund or leave the decisions to the experts.
Super balances growing despite GFC
Retirement savings are up but it's only enough for a modest lifestyle, writes Susan Hely.
How meat-free Monday can help you save
Improve your health and reduce your carbon footprint with meatless Monday.
How a greywater system can save you money
With the cost of water rising, why not consider a greywater system to recycle water from the shower, the laundry and the bathroom basin?
The real cost of owning a pet
Buying a pet is just the beginning. There are plenty of costs for food, vet bills, micro-chipping, de-sexing, pet insurance, grooming, toys and - if you go away - boarding fees. Once your pet ages, there could be medications, special food and regular vet visits.
Guaranteed super fund suits worried investors
If certainty about the earnings from your superannuation or pension fund is paramount, here is a superannuation fund with a capital-guaranteed return.
How long does it take for a solar power system to pay off?
It takes about six years for a solar power system to pay itself off for a standard household, but with electricity prices rising sharply, the payoff may be even faster.
Which ethical funds are high performers?
I like a say in where my money goes. I don't want my savings going to tobacco or gambling or big polluting companies. That's where ethical funds come in.
Putting kids on the property road
It's a good idea to talk to your kids about the advantages of buying bricks and mortar.
How to lower your electricity usage with LEDs
Every time a conventional lightbulb is replaced with a LED (light-emitting diode) version, half the electricity will be used and therefore greenhouse gases will be cut in half.
