Rebooting for retirement
As retirement comes into view, it’s time to imagine a new you for the post-work age. You remember your first day at school, your first job, your first home. And now your final pay check …
What happens if you need to become a carer?
You’ve made plans, set a budget and financial goals; you’re ready for anything, right? But what happens if a loved one is in an accident or your ageing parent starts needing dedicated care? How do …
5 saving graces of giftmas
If it is indeed better to give than to receive, then Australians are a happy lot. According to the Financial Planning Association of Australia, 85% of us find more joy in giving gifts to others …
Do falling markets signal a good time to open an SMSF?
Do falling markets signal a good time to open an SMSF? Historically, self-managed super funds (SMSFs) have been seen as a direct way to take control of your retirement savings. By taking charge of your …
The search for dividend yield in a low-growth environ
Investors have faced a low-growth environment with low yield for some time now and this does not appear to be changing anytime soon. Global economic activity is slowing notably, reflecting a combination of factors affecting …
What assets can you have before losing your pension
There are many benefits to receiving a pension or even a part pension, but there are limits to what level of income or assets you can have to be eligible. Regarding assets, the key limits …
Tips for boosting retirement savings and investments in a lower-for-longer world
Retirees now face a bold truth: investing in traditional safe haven assets do not provide the returns they once did. So, where to from here? The first thing is to accept that today’s returns are …
Putting a value on your potential
What is your most financially valuable asset? The answer to this question could be quite different depending on your age. A younger person may say their car or a possession, such as a musical instrument, …
Six ways to stay well in retirement
A fulfilling retirement isn’t just about money, it’s about staying healthy, active and connected. So much of preparing for retirement is about the dollars and cents: Working out whether a transition to retirement strategy works …
November economic update and market overview
Market and Economic overview Australia Australian interest rates were lowered by 0.25% to 0.75% in October but left unchanged in November. Most observers expect borrowing costs to be lowered further in the next few months. …
My partner doesn’t have super, should I be worried?
Picture the scene. You’ve moved past the honeymoon period of a new relationship and you think this could finally be the one. You’re starting to think about the medium-term future and setting up your lives …
Getting your investment property rent-ready
When you’re looking at properties it’s hard not to pick features you love. A great view. Beautiful leafy garden and pool. Moments from the beach. But purchasing an investment property is very different from purchasing …
Ka-Ching! Talking money with kids
Parents and guardians want to send children out into the world armed with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. So we talk to them about the birds and the bees, we teach them …
Stay one step ahead of online scams
Just as the internet continues to surprise us every day, so do online scammers and fraudsters. It’s good to stay in the know with the cyber dark arts so you can quickly spot them. Keeping …
Opening up about money
Funny thing, money. On the one hand it can get us excited or give us a real sense of achievement (think reaching a savings goal). On the other hand, it’s something we tend to keep …
Good things come to those who wait
If you’ve only recently started earning for yourself, taken out a mortgage or started a family, you’ll know it’s a far cry from the teenage impulse to order up that amazing jacket right now. Of …
From bartering to smartphones—how our money habits have evolved
Ever since King Alyattes of Lydia minted the first coin in 600BC, humanity’s relationship with money has been constantly evolving. Fast forward to more recent developments and mobile banking was offered to European consumers as …
Where could responsible investing take you?
Estimates of the size of the sustainable investment market vary from around $23 trillion to almost $31 trillion, with responsible investment taking into account environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors in investment decisions, whereas ethical …
5 tips for planet-saving, money-saving lifestyle
A lot of us are looking for ways to use less plastic. But did you know that doing so could save more than the planet – it could also save you money? Here are five …
Pronup or prenup: what’s the difference?
Whether we like it or not, money can make or break a relationship. So it’s important for couples to be on the front foot when it comes to getting their finances in the best of …
How to retire early
Whether you choose or need early retirement, having a plan can give your money the best chance of lasting the distance. Here are some retirement planning tips to consider when thinking about retiring early in …
Country or city? Which is right for you?
Looking at where to buy a home and put down roots? Explore the pros and cons of choosing the city or country as the ideal location for your career, family and living happily ever after. …
Buy Swap Sell – How to make cash from your clear out
It’s official, a de-cluttering spree is sweeping the country, and Aussies are favouring a minimalist look over homes packed with possessions. This gives us an opportunity, to turn our culled items into cash. While the …
What happens to my super when I die?
You may not be aware that how and in what proportions your super is distributed can’t be covered in your will unless you’ve made the necessary arrangements with your super fund beforehand. Why can’t super …
5 ways to help your grown-up children manage their finances better
We all love our children. So it can be tough to admit they may not be great with money. But be honest, do any of these ring a bell? They keep running out of money …