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 …
Understanding reverse mortgages
Reverse mortgages are home mortgages that work in the opposite way to a normal home mortgage. Instead of interest and capital being repaid over a fixed term, there are no repayments. Rather interest is capitalised …
How to deal with rising inflation
Between March 2021-22, inflation in Australia rose by 5.1%. Meanwhile, wages only rose by 2.4%1. With the bare essentials becoming – well, expensive, it’s not surprising that many people are looking for new ways to …
Are you on track with your finances?
When it comes to life stages, we’re all different. Some of us are all set up with a mortgage, a steady career and possibly even kids in our mid-20s, while others are footloose and fancy-free …
Review of 2022, outlook for 2023
Key points 2022 was dominated by high inflation, rising interest rates, war in Ukraine and recession fears. This hit bonds and shares hard, driving losses for balanced growth super funds. 2023 is likely to remain …
How does the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS) work?
If you’re a first home buyer, you may be eligible to withdraw voluntary super contributions you’ve made (plus earnings) to put towards a home deposit. Through the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS), first-home buyers …
Don’t let overspending be your undoing
Do you struggle to control your spending around your friends and family? If the urge to ‘keep up’ with a certain lifestyle is stretching your finances, it could be time to take action. From splitting …
Christmas gifts that won’t blow your budget
Christmas is a wonderful time of year in Australia, filled with summer foods, decorations and of course, gift giving. Here are a few ideas to help you stretch your Christmas gift budget further, so you …
9 ways to teach kids the value of money at Christmas
What’s the meaning of Christmas in your household? While it can sometimes feel like spending a small fortune on gifts and food is non-negotiable, it’s not the only option. And, if you have kids, the …
3 golden rules that make saving for retirement easier
If you’ve thought about how much money you need to save so you can retire comfortably, it might feel a little daunting. Maybe so much so, you’d rather not think about it at all. But, according …
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. Hedge funds play a very important role in …
How old is too old for insurance?
As you age and your health starts to deteriorate, having a financial safety net and protecting your nearest and dearest may become even more important. So, how old is too old for insurance, and do …
Impacts from Falling Home Prices: The Wealth Effect
The impacts of interest rate hikes on consumers are well known; higher interest means that mortgage debt servicing costs will go up which is negative for consumer spending. Rate hikes are also bad news for …
Alternative Thinking: Diversifying Beyond Traditional Asset Classes
Once a staple investment allocation, the traditional balanced portfolio of shares and bonds has had some challenges in delivering positive returns in today’s market environment. Institutional investors, such as superannuation funds and endowments have been …
Why staying invested matters when markets fall
It’s natural to feel nervous when markets fall. News about inflation and rising interest rates may prompt you to make an emotional investment decision. But history tells us that markets trend upwards in the long …
Booms, busts and investor psychology: Why investors need to be aware of the psychology of investing
Up until the 1980s the dominant theory was that financial markets were efficient. In other words, all relevant information was reflected in asset prices in a rational manner. While some think it was the Global …
Economic and market overview
Pleasingly, global share markets fared well in October and recovered most of their lost ground from September. Locally, the S&P/ASX 200 Index re- turned 6.0%. The sharp reversal in sentiment was typical of this year; …
3 things to consider if your Super balance falls
From time to time, market movements may cause your super balance to fall. While this can be alarming, you’ll find that it usually recovers in due course. However, if you feel like you need to …
What you should know about creating your will and estate plan
If you want to protect your family and assets, it’s worth documenting what you’d like to happen if you can’t make your own decisions later in life or if you pass away. If you’ve got …
What are some investment options outside of super
When it comes to investing, you have two options – inside or outside of super. Super, being a longer-term investment designed to fund your retirement, comes with a number of advantages such as being lightly-taxed …
Relationship break-up entitlements when you’re in a de facto
If you’ve recently split from your partner or are simply wondering what might happen if you do, you’ll need to keep your financial wits about you. A division of assets and debts, whether they’re held …
Is money the key to happiness?
Is money the key to happiness? Numerous research reports and studies agree having more money can lead to improved wellbeing, but only up to a point. It seems that once your personal income cruises past …
How to save for retirement in your 40s
By the time you’re in your 40s you’ll potentially be earning more money than you may have previously – but you may also have unexpected or unwelcome expenses, like divorce. At this age you might …
How to refinance your home loan
If you’re thinking about refinancing your home loan, this step-by-step guide shows you what to expect and how to navigate the process. Refinancing can mean talking to your current provider to renegotiate your arrangement with them …
Federal Budget Oct 2022 Summary
This year’s Federal Budget focuses on providing relief for those with children, homebuyers and social security recipients whilst maintaining pre-election commitments. Note: These changes are proposals only and may or may not be made law. …
Why paying off your mortgage faster might not always make sense
For the most part, paying off your mortgage quicker makes sound financial sense. But there are times where it may be wise to put extra money towards a different goal: Paying off ‘bad’ debt first …