Money

Expert tips to put time management back on your side

Expert insights on enhancing productivity through time management, automation, distraction avoidance, and achieving work-life balance.

Published

6 months ago

March 11, 2025

Nathan Langridge

Enhancing productivity through automation and distraction avoidance

In Short

In today’s fast-paced world, effective time management is crucial for productivity and success. By adopting the right strategies, you can take control of your schedule and make the most of your time. Here’s how:

Prioritise Tasks (The 80/20 Rule)
The Pareto Principle states that 20% of your tasks produce 80% of your results. Identify these high-impact activities and focus your energy on them. Use an urgent vs. important matrix to avoid spending time on low-value tasks that don’t contribute to your goals.

Plan Your Day Ahead
Starting your day with a plan sets the tone for efficiency. Use a to-do list or time-blocking techniques to schedule tasks effectively. Allocate time for high-priority work during peak productivity hours to maximize output.

Eliminate Distractions
Disruptions can drain productivity. Turn off notifications, set clear boundaries, and establish a distraction-free workspace. The Pomodoro Technique—working in focused 25-minute sprints with short breaks—can help improve concentration and efficiency.

Delegate & Automate
Not every task requires your attention. Delegate low-value tasks to others and leverage automation tools for repetitive activities like scheduling and email responses. This allows you to focus on strategic, high-impact work.

Set Realistic Goals & Deadlines
Break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Using the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) ensures clear objectives and accountability, keeping you on track to meet deadlines.

Take Breaks & Maintain Work-Life Balance
Avoid burnout by scheduling regular breaks and prioritizing self-care. Proper rest, exercise, and downtime enhance focus and long-term productivity.

Mastering time management is about making smarter choices, not working harder. By implementing these strategies, you can regain control of your time and enhance both efficiency and well-being.

Dr Steven Enticott is a finance professional, speaker, regular columnist, and author of The Man With A Plan.

For more information www.ciatax.com.au

Money

Fed cuts rates, signals more potentially ahead

Fed lowers rates amid job market concerns, signalling potential further cuts in upcoming meetings

Published

4 days ago

September 18, 2025

Ahron Young

Fed lowers rates amid job market concerns, signalling potential further cuts in upcoming meetings

In Short:
– The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter-point to address job market concerns.
– Officials expect at least two additional rate cuts by year-end amid ongoing economic uncertainties.

The Federal Reserve has reduced interest rates by a quarter-point, addressing concerns about a weakening job market overshadowing inflation worries.

A majority of officials anticipate at least two additional cuts by year-end during the remaining meetings in October and December.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell noted a significant shift in the labour market, highlighting “downside risk” in his statements.

The recent rate cut, supported by 11 of 12 Fed voters, aims to recalibrate an economy facing uncertainties from policy changes and market pressures.

Policy Dynamics

The decision comes amid intense political scrutiny, with President Trump openly criticising Powell’s reluctance to lower rates.

Despite the controversy, Powell asserts that political pressures do not influence Fed operations.

The current benchmark federal-funds rate now sits between 4% and 4.25%, the lowest since 2021, providing some reprieve to consumers and small businesses. Economic forecasts indicate ongoing complexities, including inflation trends and the impact of tariffs on labour dynamics, complicating future policy decisions.

Money

Fed faces unusual dissent amid leadership uncertainty

Fed’s Powell navigates contentious meeting amid Trump-appointed dissenters as rate cut looms and succession contest heats up

Published

5 days ago

September 17, 2025

Ahron Young

Fed’s Powell navigates contentious meeting amid Trump-appointed dissenters as rate cut looms and succession contest heats up

In Short:
– This week’s Federal Reserve meeting faces unusual dissent as Chair Powell approaches his term’s end.
– Analysts predict dissent over expected rate cuts due to political pressures from Trump-appointed officials.

This week’s Federal Reserve meeting is set to be particularly unusual, with Chair Jerome Powell facing significant disagreements over future policy as he approaches the end of his term in May.Tensions began before the meeting when Fed governor Lisa Cook won a court ruling allowing her to attend, despite opposition from President Trump, who is attempting to remove her.

The situation is further complicated by the recent swearing-in of Trump adviser Stephen Miran to the Fed’s board, following a Senate confirmation.

Analysts believe Powell may encounter dissent on an expected quarter-percentage-point rate cut from both Trump-appointed officials and regional Fed presidents concerned about inflation.

Potential Dissent

Trump has urged significant rate cuts and for the board to challenge Powell’s decisions.

Some analysts predict dissenting votes from Miran and other Trump appointees in favour of larger cuts. Federal Reserve veterans express concerns that political motivations may undermine the institution’s integrity, with indications that greater dissent could become commonplace.

Money

RBA plans to ban credit card surcharges in Australia

Reserve Bank of Australia plans to ban credit card surcharges despite banks warning of potential higher fees and weaker rewards

Published

6 days ago

September 16, 2025

ticker NEWS

Reserve Bank of Australia plans to ban credit card surcharges despite banks warning of potential higher fees and weaker rewards.

In Short:
– The RBA plans to ban surcharges on debit and credit card transactions, supported by consumer group Choice.
– Major banks oppose the ban, warning it could lead to higher card fees and reduced rewards for credit card users.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) intends to implement a ban on surcharges associated with debit and credit card transactions. Consumer advocacy group Choice endorses this initiative, arguing that it is unjust for users of low-cost debit cards to incur similar fees as credit card holders.

The major banks, however, are opposing this reform. They caution that the removal of surcharges could prompt customers to abandon credit cards due to diminished rewards.

A final decision by the RBA is anticipated by December 2025.