Do budgets really work?
Budgets without the boredom Say the word budget. Maybe it makes you want to blush about your credit card balance or gives you an overwhelming urge to yawn. Even when you know a budget is …
Partner Financial Group
Where is the recession
Key points A progress report on inflation: Inflation appears to have peaked, led by improvements in core goods prices and rate sensitive sectors like housing. The policy focus has shifted to labour market normalisation where …
Economic update May 2023 Investment markets were relatively calm in April, following a period of heightened volatility in March when banking failures in the US and Europe had shaken confidence. Most major share markets closed …
What to do when your fixed rate home loan term is ending
Many Australians were fortunate to lock in record low interest rates but this may be drawing to an end. A large portion of mortgages will be approaching the end of their fixed term, leaving many …
Credit risk in focus amid bank tumult
Key views Tightening financial conditions and a return of credit risk have reinforced our risk-off stance. The Credit Suisse deal highlights policymaker actions are negative for bank shareholders and some bondholders. We stay underweight most …
The opportunities in energy transition
After the wild ride experienced by investors in 2022, Perpetual’s Deputy Head of Equities, Anthony Aboud is seeing opportunities in high quality companies which have traditionally been classified as growth stocks. He also notes the …
Five charts on investing to keep in mind in rough times
Key points Successful investing can be really difficult in times like now with immense uncertainty around inflation, interest rates, issues in global banks and recession risks impacting the outlook for investment markets. This makes it …
Expanding SMSFs for the expanding family?
It has finally happened. Recommended by the Cooper Super System review in 2010, put forward in the Federal Budget four years ago by then Treasurer Scott Morrison and finally passed on 17 June 2021, the …
What causes market movements?
When the news is filled with headlines about market movements, it’s normal to feel a bit anxious. Here are three things to keep in mind the next time share markets aren’t behaving the way you’d …
The 2023-24 Budget
Return to surplus with fastest improvement since end of WW2, cost of living help but structural deficits remain (albeit smaller). Key points The budget this year is expected to return to a surplus of $4b …
How to spend without getting into debt
Is it really possible to live within your means and still enjoy life? The answer is yes and with just a few important changes you can start spending less and lose the debt. From less …
What’s the best way to get insurance organised?
Making sure you’re getting the best deal on insurance without missing out on the cover you need can feel like a minefield. Get to know where and how to buy. The low down on buying …
Understanding different investment styles
When it comes to investing, there’s no one size fits all strategy that can assure success but there are some different investment styles that could help investors achieve their goals. Growth investing, value investing, momentum …
Say goodbye to tax troubles
Do you find yourself drowning in random receipts when EOFY comes around? Learn to lodge your tax return the easy way with these last minute and longer term tax hacks. Tax paperwork is something few …
Where does all my money go? Save money on your three biggest expenses
The three biggest drains on our money are paying for housing, food and transport; and there’s no getting away from the fact that it is unlikely we can live without any of the ‘big three’. …
What to consider when choosing an investment option?
Choose investments that are right for you. When it comes to choosing an investment option when you join a super fund, there are several key questions you should ask yourself: Do I understand how asset …
Getting smart about savings
Saving money doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Some people are wired to save – for others it takes a bit more discipline; but developing good savings habits can do so much for both your financial …
Avoid the superannuation death tax
While there has not officially been any death duties in Australia for decades, they definitely still exist, albeit under another name – superannuation death benefit taxes. As superannuation assets and individual balances continue to grow, …
US banks, inflation, interest rates and recession risk – what it means for investors
Key points US regional bank failures have added to uncertainty about the investment outlook flowing from inflation and rate hikes. Specific issues with the failed banks and action to protect depositors may limit broader problems …
How do share markets work?
There are many asset classes you can invest in and shares are just one type that you might find in an investment portfolio. But what are shares and how do they work? What are shares? …
Building an emergency savings fund
With the number of unpredictable events that have happened in the past few years, from COVID to inflation, being financially prepared for a crisis has never been more important. If an emergency were to happen, …
What’s super and how does it work?
A helpful guide to understanding the basics of super. Superannuation, commonly known as ‘super’, is money set aside while you’re working so you’ll have money for retirement. Your money is put into a fund, where …
What are some ways to invest $10k
Save it. Invest it. Pay down debt. When it comes to deciding how to invest $10k, there are plenty of options to consider. Whether you’ve won the lottery or received an inheritance, $10,000 is a …
What are asset portfolios?
Building your wealth for the long term starts with a sound investment strategy; but with so many options outside your superannuation fund, from bonds to managed funds, where should you begin? Understand your risk profile …
Buying an investment property
Is an investment property the right choice for you in retirement? What you need to know about buying an investment property Buying a rental property is a very popular investment in Australia. For many investors, …
Why investing for retirement is different
When you’re still employed and earning a salary, there’s money coming in you can rely on. In retirement, in the absence of a regular salary you’ll need to find a new way to secure enough …
Ways to expand SMSF investment horizons
The mix of investments that is right for an SMSF will depend on very personal factors, including SMSF members’ age, lifestyle, attitude to risk and personal goals. And it’s not a case of set and …
Investing in investment bonds
Investment bonds are long term investments that may offer tax efficiency to investors on a high marginal tax rate and those investing for children or grandchildren. Unlike traditional investment products, such as managed funds, bonds …
Five long term global trends and implications for markets
This article looks at some longer term structural trends in the economy and their impact on economic growth and investments. A decline in routine based jobs Fear of technology replacing jobs has been around for …
Economic update February 2023
Risk assets performed strongly in January, following further indications that inflation may have peaked in key regions. Global economic growth forecasts were lowered by both the World Bank and the IMF, but investors appeared to …