December 5

Do electric vehicles really deliver the range they promise?

EVs always outperform petrol cars in range tests.

Only luxury EVs meet their range claims, budget models don’t.

Yes – every EV tested matched or exceeded its sticker range.

Not quite – AAA tests found all nine EVs fell short of their claimed range.

Which surprising suburb saw house prices soar by more than 40% in 2025?

Vaucluse in NSW, home to harbour views.

Kalbarri in WA, a coastal town north of Perth.

Cranbrook in Queensland, famous for apartment growth.

Toorak in Victoria, Melbourne’s luxury hotspot.

How are many Australians planning to fund their festive spending this year?

Entirely with cash and savings, avoiding debt completely.

Through spending rebates.

By using gift cards and store loyalty points only.

Mostly with credit cards, loans, and Buy Now Pay Later services.

What’s the latest news on the $20,000 instant asset write-off for small businesses?

It’s increased to $150,000 like during the COVID era.

It now applies only to businesses earning over $10 million annually.

It’s been scrapped completely starting next financial year.

It’s been extended until June 30, 2026 for businesses under $10 million turnover.

What’s happening to HECS-HELP balances in Australia right now?

They’re frozen until 2030 to help graduates save.

They’re being converted into personal loans with interest.

They’re increasing due to higher indexation rates.

They’re being cut by 20%, wiping out about $16 billion in student debt.

What trend has emerged among younger Australians when it comes to workforce participation?

A surge in overseas relocations for better job opportunities.

A boom in gig economy jobs replacing traditional careers.

A growing preference for part-time work over full-time roles.

A sharp rise in TPD insurance claims due to mental health conditions.

What milestone did the latest Financy Women’s Index reveal about gender equality in Australia?

The gender pay gap jumped back to pre-reform levels.

The index hit a record high, with the gender pay gap at a historic low of 11.5%.

Women’s workforce participation fell to its lowest level in a decade.

The superannuation gap widened, pushing equality out to 25 years.

Why might paying down your home loan beat parking money in a term deposit right now?

Banks now guarantee equal rates for loans and deposits.

Term deposits offer better liquidity and higher returns than home loans.

The RBA has capped home loan rates at 3% for all borrowers.

Home loan rates are higher than TD rates, so repayments save more interest.

What’s one reason EV ETFs are tipped as a hot investment?

EVs already outnumber petrol cars on Australian roads.

Petrol car sales are banned from 2026, forcing everyone into EVs.

EV companies guarantee double-digit returns for investors.

EV sales in Australia hit 100,000 last year, with growth expected to accelerate.

Who’s giving $9.5 billion to US kids, and what’s the reason behind it?

Jeff Bezos, to launch a space-themed education fund.

Michael Dell, to give children a financial head start through Invest America.

Elon Musk, to create a global tech scholarship program.

Warren Buffett, to fund college tuition for every child under 18.