ask paul

My husband and I are nearly 50 and were recently stood down from our jobs. We have income from two rental properties ($3200 a month) and have $200,000 in savings. My super is about $100,000 and my husband's is about $50,000. Should we withdraw $20,000 ... More

I have owned a rental property since 1998. I bought land and built on it straight away. It has been rented mostly since, but I have lived in it at different times for short periods. I have lived in the property for the past 12 months and now thinking ... More

I am 91 and my wife is in her mid-80s. She is conservatively inclined in regard to her funds but has become progressively depressed as to how to retain the integrity of her capital. In the past few years she has taken some pride in playing one bank ... More

I am 59 years old and receive the disability support pension while working part time. My mother recently passed away and an expected inheritance of $210,000 is pending. I have about $20,000 in super (before the coronavirus) and no savings. My major ... More

Hi Paul, I have heard a rumour that if you ask your bank for the six-month break from your mortgage because of COVID-19, and then you need further assistance down the track, this will not be available as you will already be considered "in default". ... More

Hi Paul, My family and I bought and moved to our new Gold Coast home in April 2018. Our mortgage is $585,000 and we have a five-year fixed-interest rate of 4.45%. We decided to go with a fixed-rate loan, thinking on the safe side that if interest rates ... More

Paul, I am looking to start investing in the sharemarket for the first time. When buying bank shares, is it wise to buy into multiple banks or just one? It seems they all move together. - Scott I am not so sure about that, Scott. The dividends have ... More

Hi Paul. I borrowed $296,000 two years ago to buy my own home. After lots of extra repayments I have $111,000 remaining at an interest rate of 2.88% with $540 fortnightly repayments. Ignoring offset, this would effectively be repaid in nine years. I ... More

I am 30 years old working in a stable government job earning about $120,000 gross. I have about $125,000 in a self-managed share portfolio (ASX traded) that includes some broad international exchange traded funds, $25,000 in an international managed ... More

I'm single, 26, and living at home with my folks (bless them). I've been home for a year and a bit now, after travelling and having a good time. I have a full-time job earning roughly $70,000pa. I put $300 a week into my superannuation (with Sunsuper). ... More