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As the lockdowns extend in Australia stocks continue to ignore bonds
At some point you will retire. Many of us hope that is sooner, rather than later. We hope that we can retire with enough life left in us to enjoy all the things that took a backseat during our working years. We want enough money to be comfortable and safe in the knowledge we won’t run out of money and have to go back to work, unless of course we want to.
When it comes to building and maintaining wealth, super is widely considered to be one of the most tax-effective investment structures available. Click to read more...
If you are in, or nearing, the retirement phase of your lifestyle you might be considering whether you want to stay in your current accommodation, or look for something to suit your needs as they change over the coming years.
In a year that has seen so many unexpected events take place it is top of mind for most Australians now more than ever that life does not always go the way we plan, but having a plan in place if things do take an unexpected turn can mean that our health, lifestyle and family are better protected.
Global shares rose 4% and 3.2% in hedged and unhedged terms, respectively. The rotation to stocks benefitting from a strong economic recovery faltered in April. Strong profit results for major US tech companies such as Google saw growth
Aged care is a complex and emotive topic and many people don’t think about their aged care needs until the time to do something is upon them – at which point the options can be limiting.
Vaccination rollouts en masse - Global Shares and emerging Markets
Have you made a big financial mistake in the past? One that cost you a lot of time and money to fix?
Global shares rose 3.4% and fell 0.5% in hedged and unhedged terms, respectively.
With the increased activity online – be it due to working from home, home schooling, or simply because we have found a great availability of engaging and interesting content and streaming services, we are online a lot more and need to consider if we are adhering to safe cyber practices at home.
Global shares rose 7.7% and 12.2% in hedged and unhedged terms, respectively. Global equities were led on the upside by European equities with the German market up 15% and the French rising 20.1%...
Welcome to the last edition for 2020. It has been a challenging year with the bushfires, drought and COVID-19 pandemic.
Global shares fell -3.2% and -1.1% in hedged and unhedged terms, respectively. Global equities were led on the downside by both US and European equities with the German market down over -9.4%.
Having an appropriate financial plan in place covers more than just investments and insurance. The same goes for a financial adviser – there are some you will just click with, who
Global shares fell 2.9% and 0.3% in hedged and unhedged terms, respectively. Global equities were led on the downside by the US market with Tech stocks struggling as the techheavy Nasdaq Index fell by -5.2% in USD terms.
Federal Budget Summary, The 2020 Budget is all about jobs, jobs and spending to make more jobs.
The increasing cost of goods and services is a reality most Australians have to deal with. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that living expenses for employee households were up by 1.1% from March 2020, compared to March 20191. This may not seem like a lot, but if living expenses go up and wages stay stagnant, it makes an impact of your overall household income and expenses ratio.
Global shares rose 6.2% and 3.5% in hedged and unhedged terms, respectively. Global equities continue to be led by the US market with Tech stocks the leaders as the tech-heavy Nasdaq Index rose by 9.6% in USD terms.
Working in retirement can be enjoyable, If you are not ready to take your foot completely off the brake as your working career slows down, you may find a happy medium and foster a healthy routine by working in retirement.
Research shows that parents’ actions affect their children’s behaviour and the effects can last into adulthood.1 This puts the onus on parents to help their children develop the skills and behaviours to make smart financial decisions – from learning about the importance of saving to the power of compounding interest.
Global shares rose 3.3% and 0.6% in hedged and unhedged terms, respectively
If you are worried about the rising cost of living expenses and are not seeing any wage increases, then it’s time to get organised with your finances, set a realistic budget, work out what you can do without and where you can invest to save.
Global shares rose 2.3% and fell -1.1% in hedged and unhedged terms, respectively.
We hope that we can retire with enough life left in us to enjoy all the things that took a backseat during our working years. We want enough money to be comfortable and safe in the knowledge we won’t run out of money and have to go back to work, unless of course we want to.
Global shares rose 4.7% and 3.4% in hedged and unhedged terms, respectively.
Are you a new technology pioneer, or a proud ‘technophobe’? Wherever you sit on the digital spectrum, the transformative power of technology is undeniable. What’s important is how you harness it.
Over the last 20 years, since 1999, the percentage of Australians age 65 years or over increased from 12.3% to 15.9%.
Investment results tend to vary more widely when you just consider the returns over a period of one year.
Global shares fell -13.4% and -8.3% in hedged and unhedged terms, respectively
Making ‘catch-up’ contributions to your superannuation account can boost your savings for long term financial security.
According to a 2018 survey by research firm East & Partners for Scottish Pacific, nearly 80 per cent of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) said cash flow issues caused them the most sleepless nights, whilst a 2019 survey by the same group highlighted that the number of SMEs planning to borrow from their bank to fund business growth has halved in the past five years to 18.3 per cent.
Global shares fell -8.5% and -4.9% in hedged and unhedged terms, respectively
If you have a variable income that ebbs and flows in peaks and troughs it can be hard to stick to a budget and you may be caught out with unexpected expenses. How can you plan for that?
We cannot control or influence curve balls life throws at us such as sudden trauma or loss, but we can protect ourselves from the impacts by having a sound estate plan in place and appropriate insurance cover.
If you have retired and think the days of reviewing your financial plans are over, think again. Now is the time to review your entire plan in-line with your new lifestyle and pay particular attention to any insurance cover in place.
If you have retired and think the days of reviewing your financial plans are over, think again. Now is the time to review your entire plan in-line with your new lifestyle and pay particular attention to any insurance cover in place.
Holidays should be a well-deserved break from worry. Here’s how to minimise your stress and have a relaxing time away.
Income protection, trauma protection, total and permanent disability insurance, life insurance...here is a summary of what each of these covers are, when you should get them and what the chances are that you'll need them.
Staying on top of finances can help couples achieve their shared goals. Whether they’re saving for a house or a holiday or seeking to grow or preserve their family wealth, setting up and sticking to a budget can help couples attain their common goals. By handling money well, they can avoid disagreements that could put a strain on their relationship. So how can people in a relationship keep their finances healthy? Here are some practical tips.
For many women, starting again after being left widowed or divorced can be difficult and overwhelming. Consider how good financial advice can make a real difference.
Having an appropriate financial plan in place covers more than just investments and insurance. The same goes for a financial adviser – there are some you will just click with, who can help improve your financial future.
Supporting your dependants doesn’t have to come at the expense of building your retirement nest egg.
If you are in your 40s and feeling like your financial fitness could do with an overhaul, then make 2020 the year to do it!
A goals-based investment approach isn’t focused on ‘beating the market’. It’s about tailoring your investments to meet your personal goals.
If you are in your 40s and feeling like your financial fitness could do with an overhaul, then make 2020 the year to do it!
There are many reasons for taking a break from the workforce: to have a baby, look after family members, or recover from a redundancy or illness. Whatever the reason, returning to work can be challenging. Here are some tips that may help give you the confidence you’re after.
Here are some tips on how to teach teens and young adults about money.
An increasing number of Australians are choosing not to spend their retirement at home. Instead, they’re setting off for adventures in the great outdoors. Could this be your dream retirement?
Global shares were up 2.3% and were down -0.9% in hedged and unhedged terms, respectively.
Just relax – it could save your heart. A recent study definitively linked stress with heart disease, but there are simple ways to de-stress and stay healthy.
Bills need to be paid even if illness or injury keep you out of work for any length of time.
New Year’s resolutions help you focus on what you would like to achieve in the coming year. Financial resolutions can be particularly beneficial, especially if you’re serious about following them through. Here are some suggestions to get you started.
Book a holiday, prepare for a sea change – but don’t forget your finances. Here’s what to consider when planning for your retirement.
Australia’s philanthropists are giving more than ever. So what motivates an individual to donate to charity, and how has our nation’s culture evolved as a result?
Would you like to supersize your super and take full advantage of all those lovely tax benefits that only super can offer? Who wouldn’t? The good news is there are plenty of ways to do this. If you know about them.
Global shares were up 3.2% and 4.7% in hedged and unhedged terms, respectively.
Global shares were up 1.8% and 0.4% in hedged and unhedged terms, respectively.
Nominating your super beneficiary is something you have most likely been asked to do if you have a superannuation fund.
The key to managing finances after a divorce is getting organised early. This article provides some tips on taking control at the right time.
Market volatility can be a curse or a blessing. It all depends on how ready you are to deal with it.
Welcome to our quarterly magazine – in this edition: • Strategies for dealing with market volatility • Nominating your super beneficiary • Practical ways of taking control of your personal finances after divorce • Supersize your super • Sharing is caring
Being in your 40s often involves balancing different priorities. For example, you may need to care for your ageing parents, grow your career or business, and if you’re a parent, support your children. With all these responsibilities, it’s easy to neglect your own financial wellbeing, including building your longterm savings. But it’s not too late to try secure your future. Here are some tips to help you financially make the most of your 40s.
One of the world’s most admired investors, Warren Buffett, is famous for saying “Don't save what is left after spending; spend what is left after saving.” While this approach may not always be possible, investing even just a small amount regularly can make a big difference over the long term.
Protecting yourself from frivolous creditors and lawsuits is becoming an increasingly common concern. Here we outline some of the ways you can insulate your assets.
An illness or injury can keep you from working and earning. Are you doing enough to protect your income if you’re unable to work?
Take the time to create a budget just for Christmas, so you can enjoy yourself without spending a fortune.
The bank of Mum and Dad has become an important source of funding for young Australians. Research has found that mums and dads are even helping their children to finance business startups.
As theft of financial data becomes more common, securing online accounts and personal information has never been more important.
Too busy to read a book? Learning about the powerful benefits of reading might convince you to make time.
Protecting yourself from frivolous creditors and lawsuits is becoming an increasingly common concern. Here we outline some of the ways you can insulate your assets.
The rally from December resumed with most equity markets up for the month.
One of the world’s most admired investors, Warren Buffett, is famous for saying “Don't save what is left after spending; spend what is left after saving.”
The rally from December faltered slightly with most equity markets down for the month.
A goals-based investment approach isn’t focused on ‘beating the market’. It’s about tailoring your investments to meet your personal goals.
The rally from December has continued into July with most equity markets up for the month.
Having an appropriate financial plan in place covers more than just investments and insurance. The same goes for a financial adviser – there are some you will just click with, who can help improve your financial future.
Many Australians choose to work part time after retirement instead of hanging up their work clothes completely. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that 34 per cent of full-time workers aged 45 or over intended to switch to parttime work before retiring. Some people choose to lessen their workload to help ease themselves into retirement. Others want a higher income than what they would receive if they left the workforce altogether. Whatever the reason, working doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying retirement. After all, you have paid your dues, and deserve some flexibility and recreation. Here are some ways to help make your semi-retirement more enjoyable.
As you near retirement, you may be considering what to do with the family home and if there are ways you can boost your superannuation savings. Downsizer super contributions may present an opportunity for you to divert savings into your super fund.
Welcome to our quarterly magazine – in this edition: • An enjoyable retirement – are you on track? • A look at minimalism • Protect the lifeblood of your business • How reading books can do wonders for your wellbeing • Forty years behind us
Are you affected by the increase in the Age Pension’s qualifying age? Take steps now to avoid getting caught short on retirement income.
For many women, starting again after being left widowed or divorced can be difficult and overwhelming. Consider how good financial advice can make a real difference.
The rally from December lows faltered in May with most equity markets down for the month.
Welcome to our quarterly magazine – in this edition: • Take control of your retirement • Stay financially healthy even in sickness • How social media affects our spending • Rising cost of cyber crime • Protect your ability to earn income • Discover the benefits of mindful eating • Super: too important to ignore
The rally from December lows has flowed into April with most markets positive.
Teaching your kids healthy money habits. With a few simple changes, you could set a good example for your children.
The market rally that began in January continued more modestly in February and into March, with most markets positive.
After January’s bounce, February was a little quieter but still ended in positive territory, with global shares up by 3.4% and 5.6% in hedged and unhedged terms respectively.
If you’re organised with your finances, the high cost of living doesn’t have to mean diminished savings.
Welcome to our quarterly magazine – in this edition: • How to deal with irregular income • Cashflow: Keeping top tips top of mind • Downsizer super contributions could help you boost your super • Prepare for the rising Age Pension age • Smart ways to get ahead in your 40s • Enjoy luxuries without sacrificing your financial security • Six ways to get the most out of a windfall
January was a more positive month for investors after December’s volatility, with shares recovering most of their late 2018 losses. Global shares rose by 7.1% and 4.1% in hedged and unhedged terms respectively.
In your 40s and still not financially secure? Don’t fret. You can still catch up.
Welcome to our quarterly magazine – in this edition: • Weaning young adults off the bank of Mum and Dad • How to manage finances in a relationship • Catch up on your super contributions • The five key questions on aged care • How to make working in retirement more enjoyable • Six ways to get more out of a windfall
Windfalls such as salary bonuses and inheritances are more common than many people think. An Australian survey showed that 85% of seniors are likely to leave an inheritance for their children, with an estimated $3.3 trillion pledged1.
Whether they’re saving for a house or a holiday or seeking to grow or preserve their family wealth, setting up and sticking to a budget can help couples attain their common goals. By handling money well, they can avoid disagreements that could put a strain on their relationship.
Life insurance policies don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Here are tips for making them more affordable.
Welcome to our quarterly magazine – in this edition: • Five ways to protect your financial information • Protect your ability to earn income • What does a weaker Aussie dollar mean for your investments? • Retirees get more flexibility to boost their super • How to live a happy life
Sometimes you can’t avoid debt in a business. You may have to take out a loan, for example, to increase production or expand your business offerings. But piling up a lot of debt may leave your business in financial difficulty or, worse, bankrupt. So it’s vital to manage your debt before it gets out of hand. Here are some practical suggestions to consider.
On 8 May 2018, the Turnbull Government announced in the Federal Budget that there could be changes to personal income taxation commencing 1 July 2018. These proposed changes included: • introduction of a new temporary Low and Middle Income Tax Offset (LMITO) payable over four financial years • progressive changes to personal income tax thresholds. Since the announcement was made, the changes have now passed Parliament and await Royal Assent, which is usually just a formality. With this in mind, we take a look at what these changes may mean for you.
Preparing for retirement can be difficult for parents who have dependent children to support. They may find themselves torn between saving for retirement and setting aside money for their children’s education or other needs. Even adult children ask their parents for financial help; one survey found that more than half of Australians aged 18 to 35 borrow regularly from their parents, including to get help with big purchases or university fees.
First-home buyers can now use their super to save for a house deposit, thanks to the First Home Super Saver scheme. Exorbitant property prices have made entering the market a pipe dream for many first-home buyers. They need to find more than $175,000 for a 20 per cent deposit to buy a house in Sydney at the median value of $878,325, according to CoreLogic data
Welcome to the latest edition of inTouch magazine. This quarter we focus on topical articles that are relevant for many of our clients, no matter what stage of life they are in. Whether you are just starting out and getting your financial future on track early, or you are heading towards the golden days of retirement and beyond, our articles provide useful information that we are pleased to share with you.
You need to be savvy to build a sufficient nest egg for retirement. Planning is key, and so is getting professional advice. Most Australians are not saving enough for retirement and risk running out of money sooner than they expect. Data shows that in 2015–16, Australians had average superannuation balances of only $270,710 for men and $157,050 for women at the time of retirement.1 These sums are significantly lower than the $545,000 that the Association of Superannuation Funds (ASFA) estimates singles need for a comfortable lifestyle in later years.
When things go wrong, it’s nice to know you’re covered. But getting suitable insurance cover can be a matter of getting professional advice.
Welcome to our quarterly magazine – in this edition: Start your own business and thrive Professional advice and customised portfolio solutions • Managing your money through illness or injury What’s the Bitcoin buzz? Wedding budget bliss: how to afford your dream wedding Change your lifestyle, change your health
New Year’s resolutions help you focus on what you would like to achieve in the coming year. Financial resolutions can be particularly beneficial, especially if you’re serious about following them through. Here are some suggestions to get you started.
Take a break – without breaking the bank Holidays should be a well-deserved break from worry. Here’s how to minimise your stress and have a relaxing time away.
The US remains buoyant with business and consumer confidence elevated. The US share market (S&P 500) keeps powering along supported by solid earnings and accommodative policy.
Welcome to our quarterly magazine – in this edition:What’s new in superannuation? Simple ways to help keep Christmas affordable Why you should consider key-person insurance Five things to consider when giving to charities Plan behind Healthy tips for avoiding dementia
It’s an important skill but many people are still not as financially literate as they should be. Here are some ways that may help you improve.
The urge to donate is strong in Australia, and it’s easy to make it part of your financial plan. An estimated 14.9 million Australian adults (80.8 per cent of the population) gave $12.5 billion to charities and not-for-profit organisations in 2015–16.
Talk surrounding Donald Trump’s proposed tax reforms and solid economic data more than offset concerns about North Korea, the US Federal Reserve announcing that they will commence to trim their balance sheet and likely lift rates again this year.
As kids grow older, their financial needs – and their opportunities – grow more complex. If you have done the groundwork and taught your children the benefits of budgeting and saving, it will be much easier to talk to them about managing their finances in their teens and beyond. Teaching good money management early will help them make informed financial decisions over the long term.
Share markets in the US closed flat for August after a choppy month on the back of US political uncertainty, riots in Charlottesville and tensions in North Korea. The devastation of Hurricane Harvey also contributed to what has been the most volatile month in the S&P500 this year.
Welcome to our quarterly magazine – in this edition:What’s new in superannuation? Fixed income: friend or foe? Personal insurance in a nutshell First-home buyers get some help Relaxation: ...
How to deal with market volatility Market volatility can be a curse or a blessing… It all depends on how ready you are to deal with it...
Global share markets rose strongly during July as political risks and fears of a hard landing in China subsided. US growth in the second quarter lifted and we suspect a similar outcome in Q3...
First-home buyers get some help State and federal governments are creating new incentives to help first-home buyers get into the overheated housing market...
Global share markets paused in the month following rising volatility on the back of lower oil prices. The Fed raised interest rates by another 25bps following better economic conditions although the market ...
Budget offers an incentive to downsize The 2017 Federal Budget encourages some older people to downsize from homes that no longer meet their needs to free up housing stock for young families...
Global share markets rose during the month as a strong reporting season in the US and Europe lifted investor confidence. Australian shares underperformed global shares as concerns over economic growth ...
Welcome to our quarterly magazine – in this edition: SMSFs are on the rise Should we continue allocating alternatives in a diversified portfolio? Are you financially ready for retirement? Changes…
Welcome to our quarterly magazine – in this edition: Safeguarding your retirement plan Retirees and life insurance? Tax changes for seniors are now on the table Are your finances ready for ...
Market Highlights, Onwards and upwards Global growth indicators continued to firm through November as inflation expectations rose on the back of higher levels of industrial activity. Share markets, especially...