Factor Investing explained
Global markets are made up of dozens of asset classes and millions of individual securities, making it challenging to understand what really matters for your portfolio. But there are a few important drivers that can …
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Economic update
October was another difficult month for financial markets, partly reflecting an acceptance among investors that interest rates are likely to remain high for longer than was previously anticipated. Geopolitical risk ramped up too, following conflict …
5 ways to do more with less money in your relationship
We all want to live a good life with our partner, but does that have to include fine dining every night and travelling to exotic destinations? Here are five tips for enjoying the best in …
Boosting confidence in retirement
Every retirement is unique. Maybe dining out isn’t your thing, but you couldn’t bear to give up your weekly exercise classes. Figuring out how much you can spend in retirement requires planning. And knowing what …
Stressed but surviving – Aussie women and their finances
Taking control of your finances starts with your super. As we battle rising interest rates, cost of living pressures and a general COVID-related economic hangover, it’s fair to say that financial stress is affecting most …
What is gazumping and how to prevent it happening to you
Picture the scene. You’ve found your dream home—a short stroll to the local schools, close to a leafy park to walk the dog and on a quiet residential street with the best coffee in town …
Term deposit vs savings account: what’s the difference?
Term deposits offer certainty and savings accounts offer flexibility. Here are some other common features and benefits of each. Putting your money into a savings account, or in the alternative, a term deposit, are two …
How to invest responsibly and ethically
If you’d like your money to make a difference to the world as well as your future, responsible investing may be for you. Almost 9 in 10 (89%) Australians feel it’s important their financial institution …
Help your retirement funds last the distance
Retirement is a time that many Australians eagerly anticipate, providing plenty of time to pursue hobbies, do more travelling, or simply kick back and enjoy the fruits of your labour. We will outline key strategies …
Getting married – managing your money as a couple
Making a commitment to share your life with another person is a significant milestone and there is a lot you can do to manage your money as a couple. The earlier you start having conversations …
Elder financial abuse
Elder financial abuse can happen to anyone at any time. Learn how to recognise the signs and equip yourself with the knowledge to minimise the risk of it happening to you. What is elder financial …
When you need a will and who can help
Wills aren’t just for later in life and you should really have one when you start earning. And as money and family matters can be complex, it makes sense to get help. Who needs a …
How to upsize your super with a tax-free downsizer contribution
Did you know from age 55, you may be eligible to make a super contribution of up to $300,000 using the proceeds from the sale of your home? Downsizing your home in retirement could have …
How to budget as interest rates rise
Having a solid budget is crucial to building financial resilience and as rising rates continue to put pressure on household finances, it could help to look at ways to save more and spend less. With …
Five facts everyone needs to know about life expectancy
With the life expectancy of Australians increasing over the years, most of us can assume we’re going to live longer than previous generations. But are our expectations on the money, or way off the mark? …
Your guide to gearing
There are a number of considerations when it comes to gearing, the investment assets you may choose to gear and the way you structure your debt. A gearing strategy can be set at three levels: …
Understanding your investment options
Investing is full of jargon and technical terms that can make getting started or managing your investments seem intimidating. Here are some of the key terms to help you better understand the different options available …
Some recent questions on Australian inflation Key points The Australian inflation rate peaked in the December quarter but has been slower to decline than some global peers. While interest rate rises are helping to reduce …
How to monitor carried forward concessional contributions
You may be eligible to make concessional contributions that are greater than the annual cap if you haven’t fully used your concessional cap in an earlier year. This could help you to save even more …
How to help grow your money through compound interest
Earning interest on interest: learn how the power of compounding can send your savings rocketing. Key takeaways Compound interest enables you to earn interest on interest which is accumulated over time. The effect of compound …
Granny flat arrangements within the context of the gifting rules
There are special rules for granny flat arrangements that may prevent the deprivation rules from applying. However they must satisfy a range of requirements. Retirees wanting to downsize their home may consider the option of …
Economic update
July was a relatively uneventful month in financial markets and volatility remained low. Generally speaking, risk assets continued to perform well despite a sharp increase in the oil price. In fact July was the best …
Are you getting the Age Pension you’re entitled to?
If you receive the Age Pension, recent changes to means testing for retirees could put more money in your pocket. These changes impact the assessment of certain lifetime income streams that began on or after …
Why do you need superannuation?
When you’re just starting out in the workforce, it’s easy to see superannuation as money that’s not quite yours. After all, if you’re focused on funding your lifestyle and saving for short term goals, retirement …
More super for eligible employees from 1 July 2023
Compulsory super contributions paid by employers went up in July. Here are 8 things you should know, including what it could mean for your take home pay. Super contributions employers are required to make increased …
How to get more from your 2023 tax return with super contributions
We all want to make the most of our tax return each year. Did you know, other than claiming the usual work related expenses, certain super contributions may also be tax deductible? If you’re looking …
15 common sense tips to help manage your finances
Shop around We often shop around to get the best deal when it comes to consumer items but the same should always apply to services we get. It’s a highly competitive world out there and …
2022-23 saw investment returns rebound – but is it sustainable?
Key points – After the rough ride of 2021-22, 2022-23 turned out to be a good one for investors as shares rebounded thanks to falling inflation and hopes rates are near the top. – Shares …
What is the retirement age in Australia?
When will you be ready to retire? There are two important ages you need to consider when thinking about retirement – preservation age when you are eligible to start drawing on your super and Age …
What are the steps to investing?
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 …