16 July 2025

Recently trending

Raising the GST to 15%7 examples of how the new super tax will be calculated The revolt against Baby Boomer wealth Meg on SMSFs: Withdrawing assets ahead of the $3m super tax Are franking credits hurting Australia’s economy?

Reader: "I can quickly sort the items that I am interested in, then research them more fully. It is also a regular reminder that I need to do this."

Reader: " Finding a truly independent and interesting read has been magical for me. Please keep it up and don't change!"

Reader: "Love it, just keep doing what you are doing. It is the right length too, any longer and it might become a bit overwhelming."

Andrew Buchan, Partner, HLB Mann Judd: "I have told you a thousand times it's the best newsletter."

David Goldschmidt, Chartered Accountant: "I find this a really excellent newsletter. The best I get. Keep up the good work!"

Scott Pape, author of The Barefoot Investor: "I'm an avid reader of Cuffelinks. Thanks for the wonderful resource you have here, it really is first class."

John Egan, Egan Associates: "My heartiest congratulations. Your panel of contributors is very impressive and keep your readers fully informed."

Steve: "The best that comes into our world each week. This is the only one that is never, ever canned before fully being reviewed by yours truly."

Reader: "The BEST in the game because of diversity and not aligned to financial products. Stands above all the noise."

Professor Robert Deutsch: "This has got to be the best set of articles on economic and financial matters. Always something worthwhile reading in Firstlinks. Thankyou"

Ian Silk, CEO, AustralianSuper: "It has become part of my required reading: quality thinking, and (mercifully) to the point."

Rob Henshaw: "When I open my computer each day it's the first link I click - a really great read."

Reader: "It's excellent so please don't pollute the content with boring mainstream financial 'waffle' and adverts for stuff we don't want!"

Reader: "Congratulations on a great focussed news source. Australia has a dearth of good quality unbiased financial and wealth management news."

Reader: "Great resource. Cuffelinks is STILL the one and only weekly newsletter I regularly read."

Jonathan Hoyle, CEO, Stanford Brown: "A fabulous publication. The only must-read weekly publication for the Australian wealth management industry."

Don Stammer, leading Australian economist: "Congratulations to all associated. It deserves the good following it has."

Reader: "I subscribe to two newsletters. This is my first read of the week. Thank you. Excellent and please keep up the good work!"

Ian Kelly, CFP, BTACS Financial Services: "Probably the best source of commentary and information I have seen over the past 20 years."

Australian Investors Association: "Australia's foremost independent financial newsletter for professionals and self-directed investors."

Reader: "Carry on as you are - well done. The average investor/SMSF trustee needs all the help they can get."

Reader: "Keep it up - the independence is refreshing and is demonstrated by the variety of well credentialed commentators."

Reader: "Is one of very few places an investor can go and not have product rammed down their throat. Love your work!"

Eleanor Dartnall, AFA Adviser of the Year, 2014: "Our clients love your newsletter. Your articles are avidly read by advisers and they learn a great deal."

Noel Whittaker, author and financial adviser: "A fabulous weekly newsletter that is packed full of independent financial advice."

John Pearce, Chief Investment Officer, Unisuper: "Out of the (many many) investmentrelated emails I get, Cuffelinks is one that I always open."

Reader: "Best innovation I have seen whilst an investor for 25 years. The writers are brilliant. A great publication which I look forward to."

Reader: "An island of professionalism in an ocean of shallow self-interest. Well done!"

Home / 178

Edition: 178

1-8 out of 8 results.

Edition 178

21 October 2016

Apartments, apartments, apartments everywhere, on the streets and in the news. There are particular warnings about the dangers in buying apartments off-the-plan, and Graham Hand experienced the pain and the pleasure watching a project evolve. For over two years with his daughter, they blogged on the construction of their apartment, receiving over 70,000 views.

Pleasure and pain: a personal journey buying off-the-plan

Graham Hand
20 October 2016
10

Buying off-the-plan introduces uncertainties on completion and quality, and owners endure the delights, delays and dilemmas of buying a promise ... and a dream. Follow the blog to see if it's worth the journey.

Is the housing market in bubble territory?

Phil Ruthven AO
20 October 2016
5

Everyone from the Reserve Bank Governor down is talking about apartment prices, and worrying about the consequences for the economy, and especially our banks. How does Australia's leading futurist interpret the data?

Improving ETF selection based on principles and data

Michael Turner
20 October 2016
4

The transparency of the index structures underlying ETFs allows a deeper analysis of the market exposures in what seem like similar funds, and surprising differences are revealed.

Five types of smart beta ETFs on the ASX

Leah Kelly
20 October 2016
1

The five main types of smart beta ETFs are all represented on the ASX, bridging the gap between active and passive funds at an attractive price point and grabbing market share.

Shrinking shorts not shrinking opportunities

Matthew Ward
20 October 2016
1

Although the amount of shorting on the ASX has fallen, there are many opportunities among the different types of shorts to enhance performance while managing the risks.

Deflation is good

Gary Judd
20 October 2016
10

Opinion piece on deflation and why trying to defeat it has serious drawbacks. Deflation benefits end consumers and is particularly beneficial to those on fixed incomes, including retirees and poorer people.

The need for a radical solution to low inflation

Miles Staude
20 October 2016
4

Opinion piece on why deflation or low inflation is dangerous and compromises central bank policies. Radical strategies may be necessary to steer better economic growth and certainty.

Firstlinks is sponsored by:

Most viewed in recent weeks

Raising the GST to 15%

Treasurer Jim Chalmers aims to tackle tax reform but faces challenges. Previous reviews struggled due to political sensitivities, highlighting the need for comprehensive and politically feasible change.

Noel Whittaker
9 July 2025

7 examples of how the new super tax will be calculated

You've no doubt heard about Division 296. These case studies show what people at various levels above the $3 million threshold might need to pay the ATO, with examples ranging from under $500 to more than $35,000.

ASFA
18 June 2025

The revolt against Baby Boomer wealth

The $3m super tax could be put down to the Government needing money and the wealthy being easy targets. It’s deeper than that though and this looks at the factors behind the policy and why more taxes on the wealthy are coming.

James Gruber
11 June 2025

Meg on SMSFs: Withdrawing assets ahead of the $3m super tax

The super tax has caused an almighty scuffle, but for SMSFs impacted by the proposed tax, a big question remains: what should they do now? Here are ideas for those wanting to withdraw money from their SMSF.

Meg Heffron
4 June 2025

Are franking credits hurting Australia’s economy?

Business investment and per capita GDP have languished over the past decade and the Labor Government is conducting inquiries to find out why. Franking credits should be part of the debate about our stalling economy.

James Gruber
18 June 2025

Here's what should replace the $3 million super tax

With Div. 296 looming, is there a smarter way to tax superannuation? This proposes a fairer, income-linked alternative that respects compounding, ensures predictability, and avoids taxing unrealised capital gains.

Tony Dillon
2 July 2025

Alliances

Site Map

About Firstlinks

Disclaimer
The data, research and opinions provided here are for information purposes; are not an offer to buy or sell a security; and are not warranted to be correct, complete or accurate. Morningstar, its affiliates, and third-party content providers are not responsible for any investment decisions, damages or losses resulting from, or related to, the data and analyses or their use. To the extent any content is general advice, it has been prepared for clients of Morningstar Australasia Pty Ltd (ABN: 95 090 665 544, AFSL: 240892), without reference to your financial objectives, situation or needs. For more information refer to our Financial Services Guide. You should consider the advice in light of these matters and if applicable, the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before making any decision to invest. Past performance does not necessarily indicate a financial product’s future performance. To obtain advice tailored to your situation, contact a professional financial adviser. Articles are current as at date of publication.
This website contains information and opinions provided by third parties. Inclusion of this information does not necessarily represent Morningstar’s positions, strategies or opinions and should not be considered an endorsement by Morningstar.