Side hustle ideas
The rising cost of living is causing a strain on household budgets for many Australians. As a result, more are turning to side hustles and passive income opportunities to supplement their income. In this article, …
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Misconceptions about super and taxes
Many people have a good idea of what super is and how much of their money goes into it. But there are some gaps when it comes to the basics, such as when you can …
Keeping your physical and mental wellbeing in retirement
Preparing yourself for retirement Retirement can cause a range of emotions so it’s important to prepare yourself emotionally as well as financially. Here’s some tips to improve health and wellbeing in retirement: Give yourself time: …
Investing for property profit
When property prices are rising, renovating for a quick return is a popular investment strategy. But when markets are sluggish, improving a property before ‘flipping’ it, can also generate profits for savvy investors. Buying to …
How to get your will sorted
Making a will is an important way to help ensure that your wishes are respected and your loved ones are taken care of if you pass away. A will is a legal document that sets …
The impact of lifestyle on life insurance premiums
Life insurance premiums are calculated based on a number of factors, such as your age, gender, health at the time of application, smoking status, occupation, lifestyle and hobbies. Your health can play one of the …
Pulse checking your finances
Your financial health is key to the health of your wellbeing, relationships, work and home life. It’s important to have a regular checkup of your financial position to ensure you’re on track and to confirm …
Grow your retirement income
In retirement, every dollar counts and it is worth exploring different strategies to grow your retirement income. Here’s how do it… Use your super wisely If you’re about to retire or are in retirement, it …
Pros and cons of Self Managed Super Funds (SMSFs)
While self managed super funds are not for everyone, they do offer significant benefits. Running an SMSF successfully requires investment, legal, super and admin skills – or the ability to get help from people who …
Nine bad habits of ineffective investors: common mistakes investors make
Introduction In the confusing and often seemingly illogical world of investing, investors often make various mistakes that keep them from reaching their financial goals. This note takes a look at the nine most common mistakes. …
AI and bank shares push super balances higher in 2024
Superannuation funds have recorded another impressive year of returns for members with international technology and Australian banking shares driving above average returns over 2024. Concerns over inflation caused a slow start to the year, with …
What is a distribution?
A managed fund generates income from its investments – for example, through share dividends, interest on cash or fixed interest investments in the fund, or any gains made when fund investments (like shares) are sold. …
How do hedge funds work in a volatile market?
While an exposure to hedge funds can provide a lift to a portfolio’s performance, they also offer the potential to generate high returns… at a risk. What’s a hedge fund and how do they work? …
Ever thought of investing in essential services?
Investing in infrastructure is about investing in the companies that provide essential services to society and earning predictable, reliable returns in the process. More than 350 infrastructure and utility companies are listed on global stock …
Economic and market overview November 2024
Investors maintained a healthy risk appetite for much of October, which enabled major share markets to make further progress. Movements in the US set the tone, with the S&P 500 Index rising to fresh all-time …
As value outperforms again, is your portfolio ready?
As value returns to market favour it’s time to check in on your portfolio – but not all value exposure is created equal. A notable comeback in value stocks over the past six months is …
Five signs you may need a financial adviser
You don’t have time When you’re juggling your job with your personal and family life, it can be challenging to carve out time in your schedule to really sit down with your finances. As a …
Caring for ageing parents
Some of us may help provide assistance to our ageing parents or other relatives in the future. That time may bring a range of emotional and physical challenges. Planning ahead may help relieve stress down …
Navigating the transition to a successful retirement
Just as it is vital to invest in the financial planning, retirement planning must also focus on that other precious commodity – time. We live in an era of increasing longevity, and we have the …
How fixed interest got its groove back
Looking for higher returns than cash in the bank with less volatility than shares and property? With interest rates generally considered to be at or near their peak, fixed interest investments, such as bonds and …
Financial literacy for kids
Books can spark our imaginations, transport us to new worlds, and let us explore other times and other minds. They’re also an invaluable tool for learning. Here are some ideas to help kids of all …
A guide to aged care
Moving into residential aged care can be an uncertain and overwhelming experience for everyone involved. On top of the personal and emotional challenges, there are a number of important decisions to make including which facility …
8 tips to get a harder working home loan
It’s lucky Aussie homeowners are a pretty resilient bunch. All the interest rate rises over the past couple of years have delivered a serious reality check, leaving variable rate home loans higher than they’ve been …
Residential aged care changes – what could they mean for me?
The Government has proposed a number of changes to the support available for ageing Australians at home, as well as in residential aged care services. The changes will apply from 1 July 2025. Why are …
Making the most of your retirement finances
You’ve waited a long time to reach retirement, so how do you make sure your hard earned savings go the distance with you? There are a range of steps you can take before and after …
How old is too old for insurance?
Protecting your income during your working years makes sense. But once you – or your parents – grow older, is life insurance still important? We take a look. Life insurance for later in life As …
How do Aussie women’s finances stack up?
Planning for retirement is a daunting task and many Australian women lack confidence in financial decision making. Fortunately, there are some small steps women can take today to make a positive difference to their future. …
Get 2024/25 off to a great start
The beginning of the financial year is a great opportunity to review your financial situation, to make sure you’re on track and on top of changes happening across tax and superannuation. Here are five areas …
Contributions, when are they made?
Thanks to the evolving rules and additional tests, the world of superannuation contributions continues to be a source of confusion, resulting in misunderstandings and genuine errors. Whether it’s the work test, work test exemption, downsizer …
There remain five reasons to expect the $A to rise
Back in November we saw five reasons to expect a higher $A. These largely remain valid and the $A seems to be perking up again. Source: AMP Firstly, from a long-term perspective the $A remains …