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 …
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 …
Money Worries and your mental health
Worrying about your finances can take a real toll on your mental health. With many people experiencing financial stress, we look at what you can do to improve your financial (and mental) wellbeing. According to …
Having the money talk with your partner
While you may have been putting off the money talk with your partner, matters of the bank account are very important. In fact, discussing your finances with a long or short-term partner, can save you …
Consumers warned about Fake Investment Opportunities as losses top $20m
Losses to imposter bond investment scams have nearly tripled in the first half of this year with consumers losing over $20 million to these sophisticated scams. Imposter bond scams usually impersonate real financial companies or …
7 tips to improve your financial wellness
People who have been financially stressed in the past are often able to recover through changes to their behaviour and mindset. Here are some suggestions of things you could do which may help you to …
Shares sliding again – what’s driving it and is there any light at the end of the tunnel?
Key points Share markets remain under pressure from high inflation, rising rates and bond yields and the rising risk of recession and the threat that poses to company profits. With the rising risk of global …
Wondering what responsible investing is all about?
You may have heard about socially responsible investing – or possibly sustainable investing. Whatever the name, here’s what it means in practice. We spend a large part of our lifetime saving for retirement, with around …
What does climate change mean for your super balance?
It’s impossible to ignore the issue of climate change in 2022. And certainly, if you’re invested in the markets, you wouldn’t want to. One reason to pay close attention could be that you hope to …
Scams robbed Australians of more than $2 billion last year
Australians lost a record amount of more than $2 billion to scams in 2021, despite government, law enforcement, and the private sector disrupting more scam activity than ever before, the ACCC’s latest Targeting Scams report …
Reviewing your personal insurance policy: when, why and how
Insurance works best when you have the right level of protection for your situation and as your life changes, so might your insurance needs. You should consider reviewing your cover whenever your situation changes, like: taking on …
Is it time to spring clean your finances?
Springtime is a time of renewal, a chance to enjoy the sunshine and the opportunity to rejuvenate the garden. The same also applies to our finances. It’s a good idea to regularly review where your …
How interest rate rises could affect you
With interest rates increasing for the first time in many years, its effects will be felt by all Australians, not just those paying off their homes. In this article we address how interest rate increases …
Your biggest investing problem may be you
The human brain is an incredibly powerful processing unit. Every day we make numerous judgements and decisions – hundreds if not thousands if you conclude everything we do is an individual ‘decision’. As the human …
Tips for Managing Money in Retirement
Aussies are living longer than ever before, with men expected to live until age 80 and women until age 85. However, an increased life expectancy also means Australians may spend longer in retirement than previous …
Investment fundamentals to consider in volatile times
Sharp share market falls are stressful for investors as no one likes to see their investments fall in value. But at times like these, there are number of key things for investors to bear in …
Five Questions to ask before Plunging into an ETF
Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) have been available on the ASX for over 2 decades, but in recent years, this category’s variety and representation within Australian portfolios have grown rapidly. By offering exposure to different global …
Economic and market overview
Equity and bond markets bounced back hard from disappointing returns in June, amid suggestions that rising interest rates in key regions will help bring inflation under control. Australian shares registered gains of more than 5%. …
Did you know gifting can impact your Age Pension?
Gifting, or financially assisting family or friends by giving away some of your assets or accumulated retirement savings, can be a great way to help out younger family members or friends. But before you gift …
Australians are losing more money to investment scams
Australians are being urged to be extra diligent when it comes to investment opportunities that look too good to be true. According to Scamwatch, Australians lost over $205 million to scams between 1 January and …
Active versus Passive Investing – What’s the difference and what’s the best?
Investing in shares is a popular way of helping people to achieve their long-term financial goals. These investments can generate favourable returns over time as companies grow and improve their profitability. Dividends paid by listed …
How to identify (and beat) your spending triggers
We often talk about money in terms of dollars and cents, but the subject can sometimes run deeper than just numbers. Frivolous spending as a result of your emotional state is more common than you …
Will you be able to afford to retire?
FORO – the fear of running out – is a very real issue in Australia. AMP’s Financial Wellness research indicates that almost 50% of Australians are worrying that they don’t have enough money for retirement. …
What are some of the common mistakes that young people make with super?
People in their 20s and 30s tend to not do much with their super, and that can be a mistake in itself. It could leave them with a large gap between what they’re capable of …
Tips to reduce your debts before you retire
While many Aussies will carry some debt into retirement, the good news is, there are a number of things you could do now while you’ve still got time on your side and earning an income. …
Tax deductible donations: Get the most out of giving back
Donating to a charity or cause you care about is a win-win for both you and the charity. Charities rely on the generosity of donors to help them do their work, while you get the …
Building an investment portfolio with pocket change
The concept of investing in shares or other investment products can put a lot of people off. It can be difficult to understand, the share market is intimidating, and investment brokers generally only deal with …