Do offset accounts really save you money and the secret politics of time

More than half of Australian households with a mortgage have an offset account attached. It's meant to make your extra savings work for you by reducing the interest you pay on your home loan. But not everyone appears to be reaping the benefits. Following an ASIC investigation earlier this year, a Senate inquiry will look into how banks are managing offset accounts, and what happens when things go wrong. So what can you do to protect your money? As daylight saving kicks off and the usual debate reignites, human geographer Thomas Sigler reveals just how political the "fixed" hours on our clocks really are, and what would happen if the world abolished timezones entirely. As the Radio National readers start tallying up the votes for the Top 100 Australian Books countdown, Andrew Daddo shares why The Magic Pudding is the ultimate classic kids' adventure worthy of a spot in the hall of fame. Whether it's buying a house amid rising interest rates, proposing to the one you love, or changing jobs, the anxiety that comes before a major life decision can become overwhelming. In some cases, analysis paralysis can stop you in your tracks. Psychologist Christine Bagley-Jones explores how to navigate change in a healthier way.