One of the cruel ironies of financial scams is that we like to think only suckers get stung, and we'd never fall for the trickery, especially with a few extra years of experience. Sadly, think again - there's research from the US which suggests over 65s, even with no cognitive decline, can suffer from what's called age-related financial vulnerability. "We are learning that there are chang... read more>

To some, it is known as the aisle of shame, to others merely the “middle aisle”. But to most, it is the mecca of impulse buying and surprises in an otherwise highly predictable supermarket. I suspect many FiftyUp Club members may keep more than a fleeting eye on the unlikely bargains which pop up ever so fleetingly at Aldi stores every Wednesday and Saturday from 8.30 am. Sometimes there’... read more>

When looking back on life, a common refrain is the illusion of the ‘good old days’ and, in certain ways, it all seems somehow better. It’s a fruitless if fun argument to have a younger generation along the lines of music and LPs versus MP3, although the truth as ever lies nearer in the middle. (i.e. they both are different) This Easter, I’ve been reminded of the paper-thin aerogrammes tha... read more>

With much hullabaloo, after two years a cruise ship has returned to Sydney Harbour as the industry gears up to relive its glory days after the Covid shutdown. P&O cruises’ flagship, the Pacific Explorer, was given a mighty maritime welcome. The line says bookings for Australian cruises are approaching the pre-pandemic levels, and they expect a nearly normal season for next summer. Mor... read more>

It was said by a female rear admiral no less that “One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions.” As well as rising to the top of the US Navy Grace Hopper was also a professor of mathematics, and she knew a thing or two about figures. So what she might make of the alleged wonkiness of our most studied statistics - on which many political, economic and social decisions are ... read more>