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Want to get fit or buy a house? Consider the facts

The big decisions are a little more complicated.

The big decisions are a little more complicated.

The worst kind of decision is an uninformed one.

Whether you’re about to enter the property market, finally nail down a budget or just force yourself into your jogging gear, it’s best to approach changes with the cold, hard facts.

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Getting fit

Ah, the oft-broken promise of fitness.

The fitness promise is all too often broken.

The fitness promise is all too often discarded.

Broken resolutions and stretched waist bands are often all we’ve got to show for it.

But it’s important not to throw in the towel, especially as countless studies say exercise helps fight depression.

Thinking about a gym membership? According to this article, commercial gyms sign up 10 times more people than they can fit.

That means even your gym knows you’re not likely to go to the gym.

Try heading outside, and if jogging’s not for you, why not give cycling a go? It’s low impact and a great way to commute (read: better than sitting in traffic).

Taking control of your finances

Like getting fit, reeling in spending can be a well-meaning promise gone wrong.

Collectively, Australians are in about $50 billion of credit card debt.

An easy way to lose money is through credit card traps.

An easy way to lose money is through credit card traps.

The first step might be checking out what other credit cards have to offer (so you’re not paying too much in fees or interest).

Next, consider a budgeting app to help you record where your money is disappearing to, and which areas need to be clamped down.

Kids, marriage and houses

For some, having children is life’s main purpose. For others, it’s not on the cards.

According to The University of Canberra, the average middle-income Australian family spends a hair-raising $812,000 raising two children. Higher income earners spend a lazy million.

But the good news? Australian children are as happy as ever.

As for marriage, the number of Australians getting hitched has dropped, but so has divorce. Could it be because we marry who we want these days?

Those who don’t like the idea of marriage (or same-sex couples, who legally can’t marry yet in Australia) can enter into a de facto relationship, and enjoy similar legal benefits.

Thinking about entering the property market? It’s currently booming, with the average Australian house now costing $658,000. Great when you’re in it, but hard to crack for first-timers.

If you’re living in Sydney, expect to shell out $1 million for an average pad, compared with $383,000 down south in Hobart.

The big decisions are a little more complicated.

The big decisions are a little more complicated.

Want to know which suburb you can afford on your wage? Try this handy calculator.

Changing jobs

Australians are changing jobs now more than ever before.

In 1975, those aged over 45 stayed in their jobs for an average of 10 years.

Today, that number has dropped to six years, according to McCrindle research.

The reason? Happily, it’s a positive one.

According to SEEK data, the number one reason people change jobs is to advance their career.

If you do move jobs, your superannuation can come with you. In most cases, you can choose who your employer pays your super.

But for those who do stay in the same job for 10 years, three blissful months of long service is something to (really) look forward to.


This content was proudly sponsored by CBUS: an Industry Super Fund. All images via Shutterstock.

The information in this article is of a general nature only. It does not take your specific needs or circumstances into consideration. You should look at your own personal situation and requirements before making any financial decisions.

You should also refer to the relevant Cbus Product Disclosure Statement and Financial Services Guide before making any financial decisions. These are located in the Forms and publications area.

Cbus’ Trustee is United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 Cbus ABN 75 493 363 262. MySuper authorisation 75 493 363 262 473.photo (1)

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