The big change coming to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program
By Nicola Field
Qantas shakes up Frequent Flyer points, Catch.com.au to close in April, and young investors play it smart, buying when values are low. Here are five things you may have missed this week.
Qantas frequent flyer - more points needed for freebies
This week saw Qantas shake up its frequent flyer program, impacting the one in three Australians who are members of the airline's loyalty scheme.
Members will be able to earn up to 25% more points on Qantas domestic flights.
But they're likely to need them.
Upgrades on domestic and international flights will require up to 20% more points.
Jetstar reward flights will require fewer points for starter fares in some cities.
Finder's Angus Kidman, says, "These changes from Qantas mean that you will need more points for most rewards."
That said, he still believes frequent flyer points are a great way to score free flights.
Even after the changes, Kidman says Qantas points offer better value than most other loyalty schemes, noting, "With a clear points strategy, you can still get free or deeply discounted travel from your points."
As a hot tip, Kidman says the value of points is typically highest when redeemed for reward flights or upgrades.
Catch.com.au to close
Sad news for Aussie bargain hunters.
Online discount retailer Catch.com.au will cease trading on April 30, 2025.
Catch, which is part of the Wesfarmers Group, has been racking up big losses in the face of stiff competition (think Temu and Shein).
In the six months to December 2024, Catch is expected to report losses of between $38 million and $40 million.
The closure may disappoint bargain-hungry consumers, but investors loved it, with Wesfarmers shares rising 1.3%.
It didn't hurt competitor Kogan either, which saw its share price jump 5.9% on the news that one of its key rivals is exiting the market.
Younger investors trade smart, buying when values are down
New nabtrade data shows Gen Z and Millennial investors are adopting a 'buy the dip' strategy using exchange traded funds (ETFs).
On the days when the market fell by more than 1%, nabtrade found a 56% jump in ETF trades by Millennials, and 44% among Gen Z investors.
The number of investors doing the buying also jumped - by 45% for Millennials and 49% for Gen Z.
NAB director of SMSF and investor behaviour, Gemma Dale, says this trend shows a sophisticated approach to investing.
"ETFs are generally viewed as a 'set and forget' investment option, offering consistent returns compared to individual stock picking," explains Dale.
"However, by deliberately buying the dip on a regular basis, these young investors can significantly boost their returns, especially in a low volatility environment like we've seen for much of 2024."
She adds that older investors typically manage existing direct share portfolios and adjust at the margins.
"For instance, they might trim their holdings in banks, which are currently viewed as expensive, and buy into BHP," notes Dale.
How much do you really need in super?
Maybe we don't need millions of dollars tucked in super to lead a decent retirement.
Super Consumers Australia has crunched the numbers finding that it's possible to get away with as little as $75,000 in super - and still have a fortnightly income in retirement of around $1200.
This assumes you're eligible for the Age Pension, which does a lot of the heavy lifting in terms of fortnightly income - currently worth a maximum of $1144 per fortnight for singles ($1725 couple combined).
For a more comfortable lifestyle, singles need around $310,000 in super, or $420,000 for couples.
That sort of money, plus the Pension, would leave a single retiree with around $1650 to live on each fortnight, or $2380 for a couple.
Is there a catch?
Yes.
The figures assume you own your home - meaning retirement can be a lot tougher for renters with low super balances.
Champagne loses its pop as consumers have little to celebrate
Nothing says 'celebration' like the pop of a champagne cork.
Trouble is, in 2025 it seems we're finding fewer reasons to say 'cheers'.
Champagne shipments from France dropped almost 10% last year, and trade association Comité Champagne says it's a reflection of the glum mood of consumers.
Maxime Toubart, co-president of Comité Champagne, describes champagne as "a true barometer of consumer mood".
He says, "This is no time for celebration, with inflation, conflicts around the world, economic uncertainty and a political wait-and-see attitude in some of champagne's biggest markets, such as France and the USA."
The drop in sales of bubbly is likely about more than mood.
According to Wine Australia, wine consumption globally has declined, and is expected to keep tracking lower, driven not just by cost-cutting consumers but also by an overall trend to lower alcohol consumption and competition from other drinks.
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