RI's Blogs
Keeping up to date is important, so here's the news.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Are you affected by the increase in the Age Pension’s qualifying age? Take steps now to avoid getting caught short on retirement income.