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Beware of ‘tax hacks’ to maximise your return this year. The tax office is taking a close look at incorrect claims

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ann-kayis-kumar-466422">Ann Kayis-Kumar</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a></em></p> <p>For many people a tax refund is a much-anticipated lump sum of money.</p> <p>So, it is understandable Australians will be looking for ways to maximise their returns – particularly we are in a cost-of-living crisis.</p> <p>But, whether you do your own return or use a tax agent, taking risks is not advised.</p> <h2>Be wary of tax hacks</h2> <p>But be wary of “tax hacks” you might hear about from online sources (I’m looking at you, <a href="https://www.afr.com/companies/professional-services/tiktok-gst-fraud-hit-on-tax-office-blows-out-to-4-6b-20230813-p5dw2y">TikTok</a>). Two truisms spring to mind:</p> <p><strong>1. Don’t let the tax tail wag the dog</strong></p> <p>Many tax hacks suggest you spend considerable money on purchases up front to claim tax deductions. But a tax deduction isn’t actually worth the value amount of your spend.</p> <p>For example: let’s say you’re on a taxable income of A$60,000 per year, which puts you roughly in the <a href="https://www.afr.com/politics/how-wealthy-are-you-compared-to-everyone-else-in-eight-charts-20221214-p5c6a8">50th percentile</a> of income earners and means your <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/tax-rates-and-codes/tax-rates-australian-residents#ato-Australianresidenttaxrates2020to2025">marginal tax rate is 32.5 cents</a>.</p> <p>You might spend $1,000 on a purchase in the hope of getting a sweet $1,000 tax deduction. However, you’re going to be $675 out of pocket. This is because that $1,000 deduction is only worth $325 (because tax is calculated on your taxable income, which is assessable income less allowable deductions).</p> <p>It will be worth even less next year because of the introduction of the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-27/stage-three-tax-cut-changes-pass-senate/103519338">revised Stage 3 tax cuts</a> and that’s a good thing because you’ll be paying less tax overall.</p> <p><strong>2. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is</strong></p> <p>Even if you use a registered tax agent (and it’s important to check they are registered by checking <a href="https://www.tpb.gov.au/public-register">the Tax Practitioners’ Board</a>), it’s a common pitfall to think any aggressive deductions they might suggest are their responsibility if the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) comes knocking. That’s not the case.</p> <p>Taxpayers are responsible for errors in returns made by their tax agents, so the ATO will hold you responsible.</p> <p>Indeed, the <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/media-centre/ato-flags-3-key-focus-areas-for-this-tax-time">ATO has announced</a> it will be taking a close look at three common errors being made by taxpayers:</p> <ul> <li> <p>incorrectly claiming work-related expenses</p> </li> <li> <p>inflating claims for rental properties</p> </li> <li> <p>failing to include all income when lodging.</p> </li> </ul> <p>It might be tempting to think you’ve got away with over claiming deductions or under reporting income but the ATO has sophisticated systems to <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/About-ATO/Commitments-and-reporting/Information-and-privacy/How-we-use-data-and-analytics">analyse your data</a>) and track your claims.</p> <p>You’ll need to substantiate your claims, so keep records. If the tax office finds mistakes, you could face <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/paying-the-ato/interest-and-penalties/penalties/penalties-for-making-false-or-misleading-statements">financial penalties</a>, even jail time.</p> <p>Two months ago, a woman was sentenced to two years and six months jail and ordered to repay $39,600 after she lodged three fraudulent Business Activity Statements and received a GST refund to which she wasn’t entitled. While under investigation, she then sent eight false statements to the ATO and tried to claim more money.</p> <p>This is one on many individuals named on the <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/about-ato/tax-avoidance/the-fight-against-tax-crime/our-focus/refund-fraud/gst-refund-fraud-attempts/operation-protego">ATO’s website</a> highlighting the results of regular crackdowns.</p> <h2>So, should I use a tax agent?</h2> <p>There are nearly 20.5 million active tax file numbers registered to individuals in Australia and last tax year the ATO received 13.7 million individual tax return lodgements. This was a 3% increase on the previous year. Of these lodgements more than 5.6 million were lodged by self-preparers and more than 8 million were lodged by tax agents.</p> <p>It <a href="https://theconversation.com/does-paying-for-tax-advice-save-money-only-if-youre-wealthy-184641">makes sense</a> most Australians use agents to prepare and lodge their tax returns. It’s easier, less stressful, gives you confidence the job is being done right and saves time.</p> <p>Having said that, it does come at a price (see above on the value of deductions), and previous research which finds that <a href="https://theconversation.com/does-paying-for-tax-advice-save-money-only-if-youre-wealthy-184641">every extra dollar spent on a tax agent</a> only yields an estimated tax savings of 20 cents), and if you have simple tax affairs then it’s relatively easy and quick to do it yourself.</p> <h2>How do I prepare my tax return?</h2> <p>Generally, everyone should be lodging an income tax return each year (or, if you don’t need to lodge a tax return, lodging a non-lodgement advice). The ATO has a “Do I need to lodge a tax return?” tool <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/your-tax-return/before-you-prepare-your-tax-return/work-out-if-you-need-to-lodge-a-tax-return">if you’re unsure</a>.</p> <p>It also has a useful <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/your-tax-return/how-to-lodge-your-tax-return/lodge-your-tax-return-online-with-mytax">two minute video</a> which steps you through the process for lodging with their online system myTax.</p> <p>For those of us with simple tax affairs, you just need to follow these steps:</p> <ol> <li> <p>gather and prepare all your information regarding income from work, interest, dividends and any other income such as capital gains from crypto assets or sale of shares</p> </li> <li> <p>then gather and prepare all your information on deductions and work expenses to be claimed making sure you have the evidence to back up your claims. This can be in the form receipts, invoices, log books and diary entries</p> </li> <li> <p>if you are a self-preparer you can log onto your myGov or the ATO’s app to prepare and lodge your return. If you wait until late-July you’ll have the benefit of the ATO’s pre-filled data, too. This gives you plenty of time to make the October 31 deadline.</p> </li> </ol> <p>There’s also the option to use the ATO’s free, volunteer-run TaxHelp program (provided you meet the <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/your-tax-return/help-and-support-to-lodge-your-tax-return/tax-help-program">eligibility criteria</a>), your local Tax Clinic (<a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/financial-difficulties-and-disasters/support-to-lodge-and-pay/national-tax-clinic-program">details here</a>), or by seeking help from a registered tax agent. Just make sure you engage them before the October 31 deadline.</p> <h2>Where it might get tricky</h2> <p>But for others, for example if you have an ABN, it gets a bit more complicated. If you operate your business as a sole trader, you must lodge a tax return, even if your income is below the tax-free threshold.</p> <p>And if you have registered for GST – which you must do when your business or enterprise has a GST turnover of $75,000 or more, or if you are a taxi driver or Uber driver – then you will also need to submit quarterly BAS.</p> <p>It gets even more complicated for partnerships, trusts and companies, so it is best to seek the guidance and professional expertise of a registered tax agent, if you aren’t already.</p> <h2>What if I can’t afford a tax agent?</h2> <p>This year, many Australians are doing it tough. Indeed, research by the ASIC’s Moneysmart program estimates <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-04/asic-survey-millions-of-australians-facing-financial-difficulty/103926704">more than five million Australians</a> are in financial strife.</p> <p>Many people will find it hard to prioritise paying a registered tax agent when they cannot afford basic necessities like food.</p> <p>If you’re in this situation, you might find it useful to get in touch with a free financial counsellor via the <a href="https://ndh.org.au/">National Debt Helpline</a> or the <a href="https://sbdh.org.au/">Small Business Debt Helpline</a>.</p> <h2>Don’t procrastinate</h2> <p>Don’t put off doing your tax. If you’re behind, it might seem daunting to get back on track, especially if you think you’ll have to pay extra tax this year instead of getting a refund. But not lodging your returns will backfire. Like avoiding a trip to the doctor to get a skin check, the longer you wait, the more the problem will grow.</p> <p>Reaching out to the ATO is the key because they have tools to support you, including payment plans. It also shows the ATO that you are willing to comply. Ultimately, being up to date will save you fines, interest and penalties.</p> <p>If you are one of the <a href="https://theconversation.com/worried-youll-lodge-a-late-tax-return-at-least-80-000-australians-cant-afford-tax-advice-211267">80,000 Australians in serious hardship</a> who need but can’t afford professional help to complete and lodge overdue returns, the government-funded <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/General/Gen/National-Tax-Clinic-program/">National Tax Clinics Program</a> can help with free tax advice.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/231693/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ann-kayis-kumar-466422">Ann Kayis-Kumar</a>, Associate Professor Ann Kayis-Kumar is the Founding Director of UNSW Tax and Business Advisory Clinic, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/beware-of-tax-hacks-to-maximise-your-return-this-year-the-tax-office-is-taking-a-close-look-at-incorrect-claims-231693">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Money & Banking

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It’s normal for your mind to wander. Here’s how to maximise the benefits

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/dr-anchal-garg-1491247">Dr Anchal Garg</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/bond-university-863">Bond University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/bruce-watt-1486350">Bruce Watt</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/bond-university-863">Bond University</a></em></p> <p>Have you ever found yourself thinking about loved ones during a boring meeting? Or going over the plot of a movie you recently watched during a drive to the supermarket?</p> <p>This is the cognitive phenomenon known as “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2011.01.002">mind wandering</a>”. Research suggests it can account for <a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0044423">up to 50%</a> of our waking cognition (our mental processes when awake) in both <a href="https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1192439">western and non-western societies</a>.</p> <p>So what can help make this time productive and beneficial?</p> <h2>Mind wandering is not daydreaming</h2> <p>Mind wandering is often used interchangeably with daydreaming. They are both considered types of inattention but are not the same thing.</p> <p>Mind wandering is related to a primary task, such as reading a book, listening to a lecture, or attending a meeting. The mind <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00560/full">withdraws</a> from that task and focuses on internally generated, unrelated thoughts.</p> <p>On the other hand, daydreaming does not involve a primary, active task. For example, daydreaming would be thinking about an ex-partner while travelling on a bus and gazing out the window. Or lying in bed and thinking about what it might be like to go on a holiday overseas.</p> <p>If you were driving the bus or making the bed and your thoughts diverted from the primary task, this would be classed as mind wandering.</p> <h2>The benefits of mind wandering</h2> <p>Mind wandering is believed to play an important role in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797612446024">generating new ideas</a>, conclusions or insights (also known as “aha! moments”). This is because it can give your mind a break and free it up to think more creatively.</p> <p>This type of creativity does not always have to be related to creative pursuits (such as writing a song or making an artwork). It could include a new way to approach a university or school assignment or a project at work.<br />Another benefit of mind wandering is relief from boredom, providing the opportunity to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1037/a0031569">mentally retreat</a> from a monotonous task.</p> <p>For example, someone who does not enjoy washing dishes could think about their upcoming weekend plans while doing the chore. In this instance, mind wandering assists in “passing the time” during an uninteresting task.</p> <p>Mind wandering also tends to be future-oriented. This can provide an opportunity to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.concog.2011.08.007">reflect upon and plan</a> future goals, big or small. For example, what steps do I need to take to get a job after graduation? Or, what am I going to make for dinner tomorrow?</p> <h2>What are the risks?</h2> <p>Mind wandering is not always beneficial, however. It can mean you miss out on crucial information. For example, there could be disruptions in learning if a student engages in mind wandering during a lesson that covers exam details. Or an important building block for learning.</p> <p>Some tasks also require a lot of concentration in order to be safe. If you’re thinking about a recent argument with a partner while driving, you run the risk of having an accident.</p> <p>That being said, it can be more difficult for some people to control their mind wandering. For example, mind wandering is <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2020.112901">more prevalent</a> in people with ADHD.</p> <h2>What can you do to maximise the benefits?</h2> <p>There are several things you can do to maximise the benefits of mind wandering.</p> <ul> <li><strong>be aware</strong>: awareness of mind wandering allows you to take note of and make use of any productive thoughts. Alternatively, if it is not a good time to mind wander it can help bring your attention back to the task at hand</li> </ul> <ul> <li> <p><strong>context matters</strong>: try to keep mind wandering to non-demanding tasks rather than demanding tasks. Otherwise, mind wandering <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00441">could be unproductive</a> or unsafe. For example, try think about that big presentation during a car wash rather than when driving to and from the car wash</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>content matters</strong>: if possible, try to keep the content positive. Research <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00900">has found</a>, keeping your thoughts more positive, specific and concrete (and less about “you”), is associated with better wellbeing. For example, thinking about tasks to meet upcoming work deadlines could be more productive than ruminating about how you felt stressed or failed to meet past deadlines.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/219490/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> </li> </ul> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/dr-anchal-garg-1491247"><em>Dr Anchal Garg</em></a><em>, Psychology researcher, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/bond-university-863">Bond University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/bruce-watt-1486350">Bruce Watt</a>, Associate Professor in Psychology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/bond-university-863">Bond University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty </em><em>Images </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/its-normal-for-your-mind-to-wander-heres-how-to-maximise-the-benefits-219490">original article</a>.</em></p>

Mind

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Avoid these three things to maximise your retirement income

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Everyone wants to start their retirement with enough funds to live as comfortably as possible.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One of the biggest sources of many Australians’ retirement incomes will be their super funds.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But, the banking royal commission found that super funds have some problems and don’t always serve our best interests as customers.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here are three traps to avoid that could potentially save you tens of thousands of dollars.</span></p> <p><strong>Falling for bigger returns</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Switching from an industry super fund to a retail fund might sound appealing, but the large returns these retail funds offer also come with high and potentially costly risks.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Appearing on 7.30, Michelle Bradley-Smith detailed how a cold-call from a smooth talking financial advisor put her retirement at risk.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“They were very persuasive,” she told the program.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With just $120,000 in her industry super account and rapidly approaching retirement, Ms Bradley-Smith was convinced to move her super from the industry fund into a higher-risk AMP account.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“He said that his company could make me another $24,000 as opposed to what the company I was with at the time could make me,” she said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“And it sounded like $24,000 extra when I only had seven years of work left. It sounded good.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After the 2018 banking royal commission started repeatedly calling out AMP’s conduct, Ms Bradley-Smith realised she made a grievous error.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She paid more than $4,000 upfront to transfer her super and had committed thousands more in annual fees.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Over the next six months, she watched as super balance began to shrink.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“After them telling me that they were there to make money, I lost … $7,000 and that’s not what I was there for,” she said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I thought, ‘I’m going to be losing money. By the time I’m 67 I might not even have $100,00’.”</span></p> <p><strong>Having multiple accounts</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Approximately a third of Australian super accounts are known as “unintended multiples”, totalling about 10 million accounts.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Despite campaigns aimed at reducing the problem, nearly 40 percent of Australians have more than one super account.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Not consolidating existing funds can mean you pay more in fees across all of your accounts, ultimately reducing the amount of money available when you retire.</span></p> <p><strong>Unnecessary insurance</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Most super accounts come with multiple forms of insurance such as life insurance, and total and permanent disability insurance.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When combined with multiple accounts, each coming with their own insurance, this can become a problem.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“One in four Australians are not aware whether or not they have life insurance through their superannuation,” the Productivity Commission chairman Michael Brennan told 7.30.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“And one in six have duplicate accounts, which means they’re paying premiums on more than one account.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Though this might not seem like much of a problem, it comes with some unintended consequences.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“They can’t claim on both [accounts],” Mr Brennan said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This means that you might be paying for multiple forms of insurance and only gain some of the benefits when it comes to claiming them.</span></p>

Retirement Income

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Behind the new Samsung Fold: how the quest to maximise screen size is driving major innovation

<p>To enlarge a phone, or not to enlarge a phone? That is the question. In the world of flagship smartphones, there seems to be one clear trend: bigger is better.</p> <p>Manufacturers are trying to strip away anything that might stand in the way of the largest possible slab of screen. There is also growing demand for thinner phones with diminishing <a href="https://www.lifewire.com/bezel-4155199">bezels</a> (the area surrounding a screen).</p> <p>This trend has now culminated in the latest innovation in smartphone design, the <a href="https://www.t3.com/au/news/best-folding-phones">foldable screen phone</a>. These devices sport thin <a href="https://www.techradar.com/au/news/what-is-oled">OLED</a> self illuminating screens that can be folded in half.</p> <p>The newest release is the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/21427462/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-2-review">Samsung Galaxy Z fold 2</a> – a device that is almost three-quarters screen and has extravagant overtones rivalled only by a hefty <a href="https://www.samsung.com/au/smartphones/galaxy-z-fold2/buy/">A$2,999 price tag</a>.</p> <p><strong>Hear from them</strong></p> <p>But to prevent the phones themselves from growing to unwieldy size, manufacturers are having to find ways to balance size with usability and durability. This presents some interesting engineering challenges, as well as some innovative solutions.</p> <p><strong>Internal design complexities of folding phones</strong></p> <p>Modern phones still typically use a thin LCD or plastic OLED display covered by an outer glass panel.</p> <p>Folding displays are a new category that exploit the flexibility of OLED display panels. Instead of simply fixing these panels to a rigid glass panel, they carefully engineer the panel so that it bends – but never quite tightly enough to snap or crack.</p> <p>Internal structural support is needed to make sure the panel doesn’t crease, or isn’t stressed to the point of creating damage, discolouration or visible surface ripples.</p> <p>Since this is a mechanical, moving system, reliability issues need to be considered. For instance, how long will the hinge last? How many times can it be <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2019/10/4/20898484/samsung-galaxy-fold-folding-test-failure-durability">folded and unfolded</a> before it malfunctions? Will dirt or dust make its way into the assembly during daily use and affect the screen?</p> <p>Such devices need an added layer of reliability over traditional slab-like phones, which have no moving parts.</p> <p><strong>Large screen, thin phone: a recipe for disaster?</strong></p> <p>Each generation of smartphones becomes thinner and with smaller bezels, which improves the viewing experience but can make the phone harder to handle.</p> <p>In such designs, the area of the device you can grip without touching the display screen is small. This leads to a higher chance of <a href="https://www.cnet.com/news/study-19-percent-of-people-drop-phones-down-toilet/">dropping the device</a> – a blunder even the best of us have made.</p> <p>There’s an ongoing tussle between consumers and manufacturers. Consumers want a large, viewable surface as well as an easily portable and rugged device. But from an engineering point of view, these are usually competing requirements.</p> <p>You’ll often see people in smartphone ads holding the device with two hands. In real life, however, most people use their phone with <a href="https://www.smartinsights.com/mobile-marketing/mobile-design/research-on-mobile-interaction-behaviour-and-design/">one</a> <a href="https://alistapart.com/article/how-we-hold-our-gadgets/">hand</a>.</p> <p>Thus, the shift towards larger, thinner phones has also given rise to a boom in demand for assistive tools attached to the back, such as <a href="https://www.androidcentral.com/best-popsockets">pop-out grips and phone rings</a>.</p> <p>In trying to maximise screen size, smartphone developers also have to account for interruptions in the display, such as the placement of cameras, laser scanners (for face or object identification), proximity sensors and speakers. All are placed to minimise visual intrusion.</p> <p><strong>Now you see it, now you don’t</strong></p> <p>In the engineering world, to measure the physical world you need either cameras or sensors, such as in a fingerprint scanner.</p> <p>With the race to increase the real estate space on screens, typically these cameras and scanners are placed somewhere around the screen. But they take up valuable space.</p> <p>This is why we’ve recently seen tricks to carve out more space for them, such as <a href="https://www.techradar.com/au/news/this-is-the-worlds-first-smartphone-where-half-the-screen-is-a-fingerprint-scanner">pop up</a> cameras and <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=phone+screen+hole+for+camera&amp;source=lmns&amp;bih=598&amp;biw=1280&amp;rlz=1C5CHFA_enAU871AU871&amp;safe=active&amp;hl=en&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjXvcyoveDrAhUwhUsFHXvqBYMQ_AUoAHoECAEQAA">punch-hole</a> cameras, in which the camera sits in a cutout hole allowing the display to extend to the corners.</p> <p>But another fantastic place for sensors is right in front of us: the screen. Or more specifically, under the screen.</p> <p>Samsung is one company that has suggested placing selfie-cameras and fingerprint readers behind the screen. But how do you capture a photo or a face image through a layer of screen?</p> <p>Up until recently, this has been put in the “too hard basket”. But that is changing: Xiaomi, Huawei and <a href="https://www.extremetech.com/mobile/262497-samsung-patent-shows-phone-camera-inside-display">Samsung</a> all have patents for <a href="https://www.phonearena.com/news/samsung-galaxy-s21-s30-under-display-camera_id125174">under-display cameras</a>.</p> <p>There are a range of ways to do this, from allowing a camera to see through the screen, to using <a href="https://www.rp-photonics.com/microlenses.html">microlenses</a> and camera pixels distributed throughout the display itself – similar to an insect’s <a href="https://www.britannica.com/animal/insect/Nervous-system#ref250944">compound eye</a>.</p> <p>In either case, the general engineering challenge is to implement the feature in a way that doesn’t impact screen image quality, nor majorly affect camera resolution or colour accuracy.</p> <p><strong>Laptops in our pockets</strong></p> <p>With up to 3.8 billion smartphone users <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/330695/number-of-smartphone-users-worldwide/">expected by 2021</a>, mobile computing is a primary consumer technology area seeing significant growth and investment.</p> <p>One driver for this is the professional market, where larger mobile devices allow more efficient on-the-go business transactions. The second market is individuals who who <a href="https://www.statista.com/topics/779/mobile-internet/"><em>only</em> have a mobile device</a> and no laptop or desktop computer.</p> <p>It’s all about choice, but also functionality. Whatever you choose has to get the job done, support a positive user experience, but also survive the rigours of the real world.</p> <p><em>Written by Andrew Maxwell. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/behind-the-new-samsung-fold-how-the-quest-to-maximise-screen-size-is-driving-major-innovation-145700">The Conversation.</a></em></p>

Art

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10 clever storage solutions to maximise space in a small bathroom

<p>If your bathroom isn’t quite as large as you’d like it to be, there are ways to make it work harder for you. There are lots of sneaky ways to maximise the space that you do have so that you can fit everything you need in there (as well as yourself).</p> <p><strong>1. Try skinny cupboards</strong></p> <p>If you can find them, a tall skinny cupboard or shelves work well as a place to keep towels, toiletries and hair dryers.</p> <p><strong>2. Use the walls</strong></p> <p>Save space in your mirror above the sink by using the walls as a place to store your toothbrushes. You can buy inexpensive suction toothbrush caddies that will fit almost anywhere.</p> <p><strong>3. Add shelves to the shower</strong></p> <p>In the same way you can add more suction shelving within your shower to store your shampoo and soap.</p> <p><strong>4. Use hooks rather than rails</strong></p> <p>Towel rails take up a lot of valuable wall space, so try using hooks instead to store the towels and hand towels that you’re currently using.</p> <p><strong>5. Shelves shelves everywhere</strong></p> <p>Above the toilet for storing extra toilet rolls, soap or scented candles. Between your sink and mirror too (if there’s space) for your toothbrushes or razor. Above the door to keep toilet paper or shower caps.</p> <p><strong>6. Ensure your mirror has a cupboard</strong></p> <p>Don’t waste valuable wall space with a nice looking mirror unless it has shelves inside to store your toiletries. Renovating a new bathroom with limited space? You can even create recess cavities in the walls for your mirror shelves to sit in.</p> <p><strong>7. Fit drawers under the sink</strong></p> <p>If you have a free standing sink, you may be able to fit some small drawers, baskets or shelves underneath it.</p> <p><strong>8. Keep bath items in a mesh bag</strong></p> <p>If you’ve got grandkids, finding a place for their bath toys can be tricky. Try keeping them in a mesh bag and hang it from the taps when not in use.</p> <p><strong>9. Organise your items in small boxes</strong></p> <p>Keep cosmetics in one box, medicines and first aid in another, hair care supplies in one box and so on. This will make the cupboards you do have feel less cluttered.</p> <p><strong>10. Add hooks inside cupboards</strong></p> <p>Keep large items like hairdryers and curling irons off valuable shelf space by placing a hook for them on the inside of your cupboard.</p> <p>How have you overcome the trickiness of a small bathroom? We would love to hear from you in the comments below. </p>

Home & Garden

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What foods to eat over 60 to maximise nutritional intake

<p><em><strong><img width="126" height="125" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7264761/1_126x125.jpg" alt="1 (48)" style="float: left;"/>Dr Vincent is a world-renowned clinical nutritionist, food scientist and expert on antioxidants.</strong></em></p> <p>Diet is perhaps the most crucial contributing factor to the health of people over 60.</p> <p>As with most physiological functions, our digestive function and efficiency inevitably slow down as our age advances. This makes it even more important to make sure that the food we eat nourishes our ageing body, maintains and strengthens our bones, keeps our heart healthy, ensures our mobility and maintains our cognitive function.</p> <p>Life over 60 in this day and age is very different to what it used to be. There are plenty more activities, more accessible public spaces and more time for over-60s to enjoy their lives without having to stick to a schedule. But the only way you’re going to enjoy all this free time is by maintaining your health.</p> <p>Here are my five tips when it comes to eating healthy for people over 60.</p> <p><strong>1. Watch your calorie intake and indulge in moderation</strong></p> <p>As our age advances and as our physical activity decreases, our body needs less calorie intake than when we were younger. We need to make sure that we do not over-eat, as these excess calories will be deposited as fat and ultimately this causes weight issues.</p> <p>Snack smartly and wisely. Instead of going for a pack of biscuits, a brownie or a pastry, it would be better to reach for a handful of almonds, pistachios or some slices of apple.</p> <p>This is not to say that we should stop enjoying life, however. Let’s face it – cake, ice cream, biscuits, pastries and chocolate make us happy, and as long as we don’t have any health issues that prevent us from having them, we are allowed to indulge once in a while – the key is moderation. Remember that foods such as rich, creamy pasta dishes, potato bakes and bacon and eggs are high in calories and fat, so try to eat lean meats and avoid dishes laden with butter and cheese.</p> <p><strong>2. Fats and oils can be good, embrace them</strong></p> <p>As we know, recent studies have shown that fats and oils are not the bad guys they have been portrayed all this time. Healthy amounts of good fats and oils may help to maintain our skin health, cardiovascular health as well as brain functions. Foods like avocado, olive and olive oil, nuts, coconut oil and fish are good sources of healthy fats and oils.</p> <p><strong>3. Limit your sugar intake</strong></p> <p>As we age, our insulin response becomes less effective and if we don’t watch our sugar intake, it may cause a spike in our blood sugar level.</p> <p>In a Mayo Clinic study of 940 seniors aged 70 and older, it was observed that seniors with a diet high in carbohydrates and low in fat and protein were nearly four times as likely to develop mild cognitive impairment. High sugar intake was also associated with a greater risk of mild cognitive impairment.</p> <p>High sugar intake also negatively impacts our digestive health and in turn decreases the efficiency of our body to absorb nutrients.</p> <p><strong>4. Fruit and vegetables do wonders for your gut</strong></p> <p>Fresh fruit and vegetables are important not only for their fibre and vitamin C content but also for their antioxidants.</p> <p>Vegetables such as spinach and bok choy are also good sources of minerals such as iron and calcium.</p> <p>As we age, our digestive system slows, and we become more prone to constipation. Increasing your intake of fruit and vegetables will help keep you regular, not to mention providing important nutritional benefits.</p> <p><strong>5. Protein is truly one of life’s building blocks</strong></p> <p>Protein is extremely important for our aging body because it helps to maintain lean body mass.</p> <p>Lean meat such as chicken, turkey and pork are excellent sources of protein. While I like to recommend fish, we need to be careful about the presence of nasties such as lead and mercury – which is an increasing problem.</p> <p>What do you eat to stay healthy? Share your tips with us in the comments below.</p> <p> </p>

Body

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8 tricks to maximise space in fridge

<p>If your fridge is a crowded mess, it can be hard to find what you need. These clever tips will help you make the most of the space you have.</p> <p><strong>1. Use deep tubs to store small items</strong></p> <p>Instead of having things tucked away in the far corners of the fridge, and then having to pull everything else out to reach them, try this. Place things like jam, mustard, and sauce into a tub that you can easily pull out when you need something.</p> <p><strong>2. Use just one brand of plastic tubs</strong></p> <p>Tubs and boxes will stack easily if they are all the same brand. Get rid of random tubs you don’t need and stock up on the one brand.</p> <p><strong>3. Use tape to label everything</strong></p> <p>If you know what’s in there, you’re more likely to use it before it goes bad. Use masking tape on the top or sides of tubs and write the contents on them. </p> <p><strong>4. Add a sneaky shelf</strong></p> <p>Lay large items like wine or juice on their side so that you can add another shelf above them for smaller items.</p> <p><strong>5. Use bulldog clips to avoid slips</strong></p> <p>If you are stacking things like cans or bottles, it only takes one small slip to see the lot rolling everywhere. Instead, use a bulldog clip on a wire shelf to keep the cans and bottles in their place.</p> <p><strong>6. Use plastic mats to keep shelves clean</strong></p> <p>It’s much easier to keep your fridge clean if you can just pull out a mat to clean when there’s a spill. It can also help to keep things visually organised.</p> <p><strong>7. Keep a list of contents on the outside</strong></p> <p>Ensure that you know what’s in the fridge and what needs to be eaten soon by keeping a list on the outside of the fridge. Write down what you’ve got and add to it each time something new goes in. Keep the pen handy to cross things out as you use them. A small whiteboard is great for this.</p> <p><strong>8. Hang small bags from a shelf</strong></p> <p>You’ll need more bulldog clips for this – just hang light bags such as grated cheese or salad leaves from a clip from the wire on your shelves.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/02/diy-upside-down-tomato-planter/">DIY upside down tomato planter</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/02/how-to-create-a-hanging-basket/">A hanging basket step-by-step guide</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/01/natural-fertilisers/">5 natural fertilisers that can be found in your house</a></strong></em></span></p>

Home & Garden

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8 tricks to maximise space in fridge

<p>If your fridge is a crowded mess, it can be hard to find what you need. These clever tips will help you make the most of the space you have.</p> <p><strong>1. Use deep tubs to store small items</strong></p> <p>Instead of having things tucked away in the far corners of the fridge, and then having to pull everything else out to reach them, try this. Place things like jam, mustard, and sauce into a tub that you can easily pull out when you need something.</p> <p><strong>2. Use just one brand of plastic tubs</strong></p> <p>Tubs and boxes will stack easily if they are all the same brand. Get rid of random tubs you don’t need and stock up on the one brand.</p> <p><strong>3. Use tape to label everything</strong></p> <p>If you know what’s in there, you’re more likely to use it before it goes bad. Use masking tape on the top or sides of tubs and write the contents on them. </p> <p><strong>4. Add a sneaky shelf</strong></p> <p>Lay large items like wine or juice on their side so that you can add another shelf above them for smaller items.</p> <p><strong>5. Use bulldog clips to avoid slips</strong></p> <p>If you are stacking things like cans or bottles, it only takes one small slip to see the lot rolling everywhere. Instead, use a bulldog clip on a wire shelf to keep the cans and bottles in their place.</p> <p><strong>6. Use plastic mats to keep shelves clean</strong></p> <p>It’s much easier to keep your fridge clean if you can just pull out a mat to clean when there’s a spill. It can also help to keep things visually organised.</p> <p><strong>7. Keep a list of contents on the outside</strong></p> <p>Ensure that you know what’s in the fridge and what needs to be eaten soon by keeping a list on the outside of the fridge. Write down what you’ve got and add to it each time something new goes in. Keep the pen handy to cross things out as you use them. A small whiteboard is great for this.</p> <p><strong>8. Hang small bags from a shelf</strong></p> <p>You’ll need more bulldog clips for this – just hang light bags such as grated cheese or salad leaves from a clip from the wire on your shelves.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/02/diy-upside-down-tomato-planter/">DIY upside down tomato planter</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/02/how-to-create-a-hanging-basket/">A hanging basket step-by-step guide</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/01/natural-fertilisers/">5 natural fertilisers that can be found in your house</a></strong></em></span></p>

Home & Garden

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Simple ways you can maximise your super

<p>Superannuation is a complicated topic, but it’s one that’s worth getting your head around. By understanding a few different facets of superannuation you can make a big difference to the size of the figure you have to draw from when you retire.</p> <p>Events like <strong><a href="http://www.equipsuper.com.au/startmeup/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Equip’s Retirement Expo</span></a></strong> (Melbourne – March 22; Sydney – May 17) are valuable sources of information in regards to understanding superannuation and the different things you can do to optimise your return. In addition to that, we’ve provided a series of handy tips to help you understand how you can maximise your super.</p> <p><strong>Consolidate your super –</strong> many Australians who’ve changed jobs over the years have multiple superannuation accounts that they’re paying fees for without being aware of it. If you’ve changed jobs over the years but forgot to roll-over your super accumulated this could be happening to you too. Many funds provide useful super-finding tools, like <strong><a href="http://www.equipsuper.com.au/supermatch" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Equip’s SuperMatch service</span></a></strong> that can find lost super with just a Tax File Number.</p> <p><strong>Consider making voluntary contributions –</strong> if you’re still working, and in a position to comfortably do so, it might be time to consider putting a little bit of extra money into your super fund. Small, regular contributions can make a significant difference in the long term and there are a number of ways you can elect to undertake this process. If you’re a low income owner you may also be eligible for a <strong><a href="http://www.equipsuper.com.au/page/super-government-co-contribution" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">government co-contribution</span></a></strong>.</p> <p><strong>Review your investment options –</strong> most superannuation funds offer a degree of flexibility in terms of the risk your money is exposed to. Electing to take more risk could potentially generate a higher rate of return and deliver a bigger pot of savings when it comes time to retire. That being said, not everybody is in an ideal positon to take on more risk so it is recommended that you consult a financial advice professional and set out your individual financial goals before reviewing your investment options.</p> <p><strong>Attend a seminar and understand your options –</strong> as we mentioned earlier, superannuation is a complicated topic. Any chance to receive advice from professionals who are experts in the field is invaluable and can really help you get your head around your options at your disposal. Equip for example, is <strong><a href="http://www.equipsuper.com.au/startmeup/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">running a retirement expo</span></a></strong> in Melbourne (March 22) and Sydney (May 17).</p> <p>The Equip Retirement Expo gives you the opportunity to speak to industry representatives at pop-up booths, discover new tools and products for a happier, healthier retirement and better calculate and compare your super options.</p> <p>To register for Equip’s Retirement Expo, simply <strong><a href="http://www.equipsuper.com.au/startmeup/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">click here</span></a></strong>.</p> <p><em><strong><a href="http://www.equipsuper.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Equip</span></a> </strong>manages $7 billion of investments for members working across a wide range of Australian industry sectors. This <strong><a href="http://www.equipsuper.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">superannuation fund</span></a></strong> has been providing strong investment performance and has been a reliable provider of retirement benefits for over 80 years.</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/finance/retirement-income/2016/01/a-third-of-women-are-retiring-in-poverty/">A third of Aussie women are retiring in poverty</a></span></strong></em></p> <p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/finance/retirement-income/2016/01/10-exciting-retirement-adventures/">10 exciting retirement adventure ideas</a></span></strong></em></p> <p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/finance/retirement-income/2016/01/should-you-withdraw-all-of-your-super-at-once/">Is it a bad idea to withdraw all of your super at once?</a></span></strong></em></p>

Retirement Income

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Survey finds third of Baby Boomers aren’t maximising savings potential

<p>Calls for Australians to refine their savings habits are intensifying, amid revelations that almost a third of Australians are creating a $2.3 billion pile of lost income by not saving effectively.</p> <p>The calls are being backed up by data from RaboDirect’s Financial Health Barometer for 2015. Gathered form a survey of around 2,500 Australians, the Financial Health Barometer found that a third of Baby Boomers were not making the most of opportunities to maximise their savings.</p> <p>The $2.3 billion figure is based on the fact that 40 per cent of Australians are doing the lion’s share of their saving in transaction account, with significantly lower interest rates, as well as how frequently people think about their finances and check their bank accounts.</p> <p>Interestingly, it’s the younger generations that are saving more effectively. RaboDirect’s figures suggest that only 14 per cent of Generation Y are not taking the opportunity to maximise their individual savings, compared with nearly one third (27 per cent) of Baby Boomers.</p> <p>Glenn Wealands, Head of Research &amp; Analytics, Rabobank Australia and New Zealand Group, elaborated: “Our research indicates it’s the younger generations that are actively seeking saving methods that allow them to stay in control and feel financially stable. However, we would encourage Baby Boomers to maximise their savings by taking steps such as opening an account earning a high interest rate and checking their accounts on a regular basis to help achieve their financial goals."</p> <p>Yellow Brick Road executive chairman Mark Bouris said many savers were too worried about security to look beyond the big banks, despite other products being a relatively safe investment for their money, “They’re scared and banks run campaigns to scare people. These are the people most vulnerable because they’re easily scared and get poor returns. The banks make lots of money on this lazy cash. It’s about making sure your money lasts longer. We are all living longer, and what the financial services sector is not doing is making sure we live longer and live with quality.”</p> <p>Other interesting findings from the Financial Health Barometer for 2015 include:</p> <ul> <li>Pets are regarded as essential to the health and wellbeing of pet owners, with Australians more likely to minimise power usage or switch to cheaper products before cutting spending on their furry friends</li> <li>The average Australian could only live on their savings for four months</li> <li>The more money Australians spend on healthy lifestyle choices, such as exercise and organic food, the happier they are</li> <li>Almost one in three Australians are saving for a holiday, whilst beer lovers spend more than $1,000 per year on beer</li> </ul> <p><strong>Related links:                                      </strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/finance/money-banking/2015/12/20-aussie-suburbs-with-odd-names/">20 oddly-named Aussie suburbs</a></span></strong></em></p> <p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/finance/money-banking/2015/12/managing-debt-in-retirement/">7 tips for managing debt in retirement</a></span></strong></em></p> <p><em><strong><a href="/finance/money-banking/2015/11/using-frequent-flyer-miles/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">5 ways to get more out of your frequent flyer miles</span></a></strong></em></p>

Money & Banking

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5 ways to maximise your solar energy system

<p>You’ve done the research and made the big decision to get a solar energy system, but to ensure you get the most out of your system, here are five more things you should do.</p> <p><strong>1. Get professional installation</strong></p> <p>Installing your own panels can save you a lot of money but you should only do it yourself if you know what you’re doing! Installing solar panels incorrectly can cause a lack of energy absorption, meaning a costly venture in the long run if your panels are not working to their full potential.</p> <p><strong>2. Find the right place</strong></p> <p>Solar panels need to placed were they will receive the most sun exposure and tipped at an angle towards the sun. A professional installer will be able to help you decide on the best placement but be warned, sometimes the best position might not be the most aesthetically pleasing for the home.</p> <p><strong>3. Calculate your wattage</strong></p> <p>Before you decide on the number and size of panels needed, you need to calculate the amount of wattage you need. It’s best to do so in the times with the highest energy demands like in winter. This way you’ll be prepared and have sufficient energy year long.</p> <p><strong>4. Maintain your panels</strong></p> <p>To ensure your panels are in good shape year in year out, check them every year to ensure they are clean and secure. If your rooftop is prone to debris, check your panels more often and make sure to clear debris off panels as they need a direct exposure to the sun for maximum efficiency. Growing trees in your garden might need trimming to ensure there is sun access to the panels as well.</p> <p><strong>5. Reduce energy consumption</strong></p> <p>To get the best value from your solar energy system, as well as being environmentally friendly, your top priority should be reducing your power usage. There are many little actions you can take that collectively can make a big impact on your power bill. </p>

Home & Garden

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4 ways to maximise a small bathroom

<p>Don’t let a small bathroom hold you back from creating a comfortable space with enough room to store all of your essentials. With a few creative tricks you can make the most of your smaller space. And remember, a smaller bathroom takes less time to clean.</p> <p><strong>Focus on your walls</strong></p> <p>Take the attention off the small floor space by filling your walls with eye-catching detail. It could be bright or patterned wallpaper, a piece of art, a wall decal or even a stretched canvas.</p> <p><strong>Everything in its place</strong></p> <p>Rather than just having everything out in the open, consider a bit of carefully designed organisation. It might be a bright shower curtain with the wow factor so that you can’t see straight into the cubicle. You might consider a set of glass jars for holding and displaying your essentials if you don’t have much cupboard space.</p> <p><strong>Remember the sink</strong></p> <p>This is an often under utilised space. Make the most of the area by storing items in baskets or trays under the sink if there is a cupboard. No storage? Add a small chest of drawers or shelves under the sink instead to store toilet paper or towels.</p> <p><strong>Keep it together</strong></p> <p>By using different materials in your bathroom you can make the small space feel even smaller. Consider using one material throughout in order to open up the space. It might be a tile that goes from the floor up the wall. Or a colour scheme that flows throughout the whole space. Even ensuring that your towels match the walls can help the room seem bigger. </p> <p><em>Image source: Pinterest </em></p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/at-home/2015/08/home-cleaning-tricks/">12 cleaning tricks for hard-to-clean areas around the home</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/at-home/2015/08/homemade-laundry-powder-recipe/">Homemade laundry powder and fabric softener recipes</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/at-home/2015/08/homemade-cleaning-wipes/">How to make your own cleaning wipes</a></strong></em></span></p>

Home & Garden

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