The First Home Super Saver Scheme is a valuable initiative to help first time buyers overcome the challenges of entering the property market. Purchasing a home is a significant financial milestone, but the ever increasing …
Government Age Pension payments increased on 20 March, so if you’re one of the millions of eligible Australians, you’ll have a little more to spend. The increases are designed to help address inflation and cost …
Encouragingly the International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised its global growth forecast for 2024, following ‘surprisingly resilient’ economic conditions. IMF officials now expect global GDP growth of 3.2% this year. Despite this positive news, major share …
Cash has been one of the best performing defensive assets over the past three years. When compared with global bonds (a riskier asset class), a typical portfolio of term deposits would have returned a cumulative …
With the Australian dollar trading below long-term averages and expected to rise as the US dollar peaks, it’s time to think about protecting overseas investments with hedging. The following are the reasons why: Hedging can …
Risk is about tolerating the potential for losses. Understanding your risk appetite allows you to make well informed decisions about your money. For some people, risk means excitement and opportunity. For others, it invokes feelings …
Key points Seven key lasting impacts from the Coronavirus pandemic are: “bigger” government; tighter labour markets; reduced globalisation and increased geopolitical tensions; higher inflation; worse housing affordability; working from home; and a faster embrace of …
While living a long and healthy life is a goal for most of us, it does raise a valid question. Is there a chance that you could outlive your savings? Why does living longer matter …
In this article we look at some of the ways you can better manage the high cost of living by investing, increasing your income or reducing expenses. Key takeaways Investing a portion of your income …
Let’s run through some things to keep in mind to decide what level and type of cover you need. Finding your insurance sweet spot It can take days – and a whole lot of stress …
Love song dedications are out the window and you’re wondering how you’ll move forward, not to mention divide your money, possessions and debts. But what about what you’ve saved in super? Breaking up is hard …
We all think things will turn out better for ‘us’ than ‘them’. Such optimism can serve us well in life, but when it comes to money, balancing bias with facts is a much safer option. …
Maximising super contributions for your spouse is a smart financial move that can benefit both your partner and your family’s long-term financial security. By actively contributing to your spouse’s super account, you not only help …
Did you know, you could take advantage of potential tax benefits inside super to save for your first home? It’s been called the Australian Dream by many – owning a home. However, saving for a …
No matter your income level or financial goals, everyone can benefit from developing strong money management skills. Here are five rules of money management that can help build a solid foundation for financial wellbeing. Key …
Interest rate cycles can be different Students of economics are taught that monetary policy works with long and variable lags, up to 12-18 months. We had assumed that in the current cycle, the economy in …
The Government has passed legislation to amend the tax cuts which apply from 1 July this year. The changes are explained below, along with some things you may wish to think about to help maximise …
Key takeaways Strategies for fast tracking your retirement savings nest egg, such as debt elimination, additional super contributions and targeted investing. How part-time work and delaying receipt of the Age Pension can boost your retirement …
Although it can feel uncomfortable, talking about money is a good thing. Get some help from the experts to start positive conversations and keep things on track. Making money talk work for you When was …
If there’s one rule of thumb for investors to bear in mind, it’s that “if it looks too good to be true, it probably is”. Be aware The expression “a fool and his money are …
Making a decision about life insurance is an essential part of your self managed super fund’s investment strategy and can provide a valuable benefit for members. Do your members need life insurance? Trustees are required …
Many people continue, or even start, working once they’ve reached Age Pension age. This may be for social reasons, personal fulfilment or to maintain their standard of living. With the higher cost of living at …
In the 2016 Federal Budget, the Government introduced the transfer balance cap as part of a broader superannuation reform package. The transfer balance cap imposes a lifetime limit on the amount of superannuation that can …
It’s a dilemma many of us face – are we better off directing extra money to our mortgage or super? As with most financial decisions, it’s not a one size fits all approach and here …
Key points Inflation is in retreat thanks to improved supply and cooling demand. A further fall is likely this year. Australian inflation remains relatively high – but this mainly reflects lags rather than a more …
A rally in the second half of the month helped global share markets generate solid gains in January, extending the rally from November and December. The latest indicators suggest economic conditions are holding up quite …
Australian household wealth Is high Australian household wealth a source of support for consumers? Key points Australia ranked as having one of the lowest rates of disposable income growth per capita amongst OECD countries in …
As scams continue to evolve, it’s important to stay on top of the latest information. Here are some tips for staying protected against some of the most common scams impacting Australians today and red flags …
Setting up your SMSF is just the beginning. Make sure you’re aware of your obligations as an SMSF trustee and get the most out of your fund with this quick guide. While the list of …
Want to invest but don’t know where to start? Here are five basic steps for investing. Define your goals Taking the first step on your investment journey may feel daunting. However, setting clear goals with …