What’s in store for 2026 and beyond?
Prepare for any changes that may be occurring in 2026 and beyond. Looking ahead: What’s changing in 2026? At this time of year, many of us start thinking about what’s next – new goals, fresh …
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‘More subdued’: What property prices will do in 2026
If 2025 was the year that Australia’s property market roared back to life, 2026 looms as the year it taps the brakes. Price growth is expected to slow, there’s a risk of interest rate hikes …
Property and SMSFs: Using your super to invest in property
Thinking about using your super to invest in property? You’re not alone. Australians are increasingly seeking alternatives to traditional investments such as shares and managed funds to build their retirement wealth. Find out if buying …
How to invest in shares
Shares or stocks are a popular investment for many investors but can be intimidating when you are starting out. Here’s a short guide to help start your journey into investing. What are shares? Shares, also …
Protect yourself from ransomware
Ransomware is a common and dangerous type of malware. It works by locking up or encrypting your files so that you can no longer access them. A ransom, usually in the form of cryptocurrency, is …
Handling market highs and lows
What goes up, must come down. Market highs and lows are a normal part of the investment world but they can be hard to handle when it’s your money at stake. Market volatility Investment markets …
Economic update February 2026
Market developments during January 2026 included: Key Points The domestic equity market took the lead from European and US markets, finishing higher in January, while Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) moved lower. US equity markets …
Can your super be a lifeline during times of mortgage stress?
Even with interest rates easing, the cost of living remains tough. In some cases, super can offer relief – especially under compassionate grounds or severe financial hardship. Mortgage stress is hitting many Australians hard – …
Your obligations as an SMSF trustee
The following outlines your obligations as a trustee or director of a corporate trustee of a Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF) and what happens when they are not met. Understand your obligations All trustees of …
Value your business
Working out how much your business is worth can be an important part of getting finance, attracting investors or selling your business. Here are some suggested steps to help you through the process. Prepare your …
What happens to your super when you retire?
Superannuation is one of the important pillars of savings in retirement for most Australians. After years of working and contributing to your super fund, retirement is when you are finally able to access it. Whether …
Investing an inheritance from $10,000 to $100,000 whatever your life stage
Receiving an inheritance may be a once in a lifetime financial opportunity that also coincides with a very difficult, emotional time in your life. Whether you inherit $10,000 or $100,000, your age, life stage, risk …
Protecting your money – Cybersecurity and scam awareness
Your super and investment savings represent years of hard work for a secure future. Unfortunately, they can be a prime target for scammers, causing significant financial loss and emotional distress. Financial scams are on the rise …
Higher deeming incomes, Age Pension asset test limits and payments from 20 September
Deeming rates changed for the first time in five years in September, which will affect the income the government estimates retirees earn from their investments. At the same time, Age Pension payments and part Age …
Economic update November 2025
Global Trade tensions re-escalated in October, with the US responding to increased rare earth export controls from China with an additional 100% tariff alongside export controls on critical software. This led to the S&P500 experiencing …
Secure your email
In today’s world, we manage a significant part of our lives through emails. We use them to communicate with friends, family and colleagues. We also use email to sign up for online accounts and services. …
Reserve Bank cuts interest rates by 0.25 percentage points in August in unanimous decision
In short: The Reserve Bank cut interest rates by 0.25 percentage points in August to 3.6 per cent, after July’s shock ‘on hold’ decision. The average owner-occupier with a $750,000 mortgage as of February will …
Protecting retirement income from inflation
Protecting retirement income from inflation The fall in inflation from multi decade highs is good news for the Australian economy. Many retirees are struggling to manage their cost of living because of the cumulative impact …
How much super do I need to retire in Australia?
The amount of super you need to support your retirement will depend on what kind of lifestyle you’re hoping to enjoy and how much income you’ll be earning in addition to your super savings. Income …
Australian housing market update
Australian housing values rose another 0.6% in June, marking a fifth straight month of growth since conditions flattened out through the end of last year. Demonstrating the broad based nature of the upswing, monthly gains …
Economic update August 2025
Global Financial markets rallied in July after the US struck trade deals with Japan and the EU, which involved a reduction in the tariff rate in exchange for over $1 trillion in combined investment and …
Carry forward concessional contributions
If you’re looking for ways to potentially increase your retirement savings while reducing tax, carry forward concessional contributions could be a good option. Carry forward concessional contributions If you’ve had time out of work raising …
2025 financial year in review
A strong year for share returns Global shares delivered very strong returns in the past financial year. Optimism on the promise of ‘Artificial Intelligence’ (AI) as well as progress towards lower global inflation and interest …
Estate Planning and SMSFs
One of the main reasons an individual would use an SMSF is for estate planning as it can offer greater flexibility to beneficiaries than what is available via a public offer fund. Where a member …
Federal Election 2025
During the Federal Election campaign, the Government made a number of election promises, which may impact your finances. There were also a number of support measures proposed in the recent Federal Budget. What could this …
Navigating market volatility
Financial markets have been erratic lately, understandably causing some concern for those of us with super and investments. While dips and major market events are a common feature of investing, markets generally trend upwards over …
Protect yourself: Multi-factor authentication
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is when you use two or more different types of actions to verify your identity and you may already be using MFA. For example, when you receive an authentication code by SMS …
Spouse super contributions – what are the benefits?
If your partner is earning a low income, working part-time, or currently unemployed, boosting their super could be a smart financial move for both of you. When your partner isn’t earning much, or is out …
The absurdity and calamity of US tariff policies
US tariffs are poorly designed, badly implemented and are already damaging both the US and global economies. The economic damage will only get worse as uncertainty further undermines business and consumer confidence and results in …
Economic update May 2025
Global Global markets whipsawed following the “Liberation Day” tariff announcements on April 2, and subsequent developments throughout the month. Volatility was rife and trading volumes were robust. The Volatility Index (VIX) spiked to a 5-year …