How can Labor say changes to property taxes are a win for young people, when they also lock in boomers’ ability to negatively gear their investment properties? Why is the NDIS receiving such severe cuts? Guardian Australia’s business reporter Luca Ittimani answers these questions about the 2026 federal budget and more This bold budget has grasped the nettle of tax and housing – but it may not be enough to move the needle for younger AustraliansBudget 2026 Australia: Jim Chalmers goes for broke in federal budget facing twin threats of housing pain and Iran war disasterExplore all of our 2026 Australia federal budget coverage Continue reading...

13 May 2026 06:53 ✍️ RSS THE GUARDIAN

We had booked a cruise for him and his carers, but we had a string of problems when we tried to change namesIn November 2024, I booked a cruise for my wife, myself and our severely disabled son for this July. I’d booked well in advance to ensure an accessible cabin for my son. At home, he needs round-the-clock care from a rota of eight carers, so we made extra bookings for three to accompany him.Because the care team has other commitments, I couldn’t confirm their names at the time of booking and was told to do so by this April, when the balance had to be paid. Continue reading...

12 May 2026 06:00 ✍️ RSS THE GUARDIAN

Criminals exploit confusion or anxiety over new IHT rules by offering a ‘safe haven’ for savings potsThe caller pitches a great deal. Shift the moneysaved in your pension and reinvest it in a scheme overseas where you can avoid it being caught under next year’s changes to the UK’s inheritance tax (IHT) system.From April next year, any money left in a defined contribution pension after your death, which is most workplace and all private pensions, will be pulled into the IHT net. Continue reading...

11 May 2026 09:17 ✍️ RSS THE GUARDIAN

Haringey council’s penalty seems extortionate – especially when other authorities charge lower amountsI read your story about a man fined £500 for dropping a cigarette butt on the pavement.I have been issued with a £500 fixed-penalty notice (FPN) by Haringey council for putting a butt in a refuse sack awaiting collection on the street. Continue reading...

11 May 2026 06:00 ✍️ RSS THE GUARDIAN

If you are looking for a new account, there are some good rates around, but also pitfalls to watch out forEarning as much as 7% on your savings sounds great – but what’s the catch? The top-paying accounts often come with strings attached, which could mean your money is not working as hard as you thought.That’s important because there is a lot of cash sitting in fixed-rate savings accounts that are about to reach the end of their term. The total amount in accounts maturing between April and June is £90bn, according to the savings app Spring – and that money will need to find a new home. Continue reading...

11 May 2026 06:00 ✍️ RSS THE GUARDIAN