How to negotiate better work perks
Negotiating a pay rise or salary package is nerve wracking at the best of times, let alone during a pandemic. And, while you should always ask for what you think …
Here’s why you need to consolidate your super now / What is ‘stapled’ super?
New super rules introduced in November of 2021 mean employees are now ‘stapled’ to their existing superannuation fund, unless they choose otherwise. That’s why it’s more important than ever to …
Everything you need to know about medical examinations for life insurance
When you take out an insurance policy, the provider will determine how much you’ll be required to pay in premiums. This process, called underwriting, assesses the insurance risk, and usually …
Budget smarter with the 50/20/30 rule
New to budgeting? You may know how much money you make and have a rough idea of how much you spend. But do you know what you’re actually spending it …
The escalation in Ukraine tensions – implications for investors
Key Points Ukraine tensions have escalated with Russia ordering troops into Ukraine regions already occupied by Russian separatists. Share markets are at high risk of more downside on fear of …
What you should know about creating your will and estate plan
If you want to protect your family and assets, it’s worth documenting what you’d like to happen if you can’t make your own decisions later in life or if you …
Reducing financial stress
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare recently released a report covering the impacts of COVID-19 on Australians during the first year of the pandemic. The report highlights that many of the measures …
5 minutes for 5 days – get your finances in order
New Year’s resolutions are such a drag, right? Whether it’s fitness, family or finances, the best laid plans rarely last beyond the first week of January. Life has a habit …
What is equity and how can I use it to invest?
Whether you’re looking to invest in property, renovate or pay off something big, borrowing against the equity in your home may be helpful, if you’re across the risks. The equity …
Should you use property to fund your retirement?
Superannuation, shares, property, cash, other investments; a dizzying number of options are available when it comes to living comfortably through retirement. Financial advisers often promote a diversified portfolio to reduce …
How does your pension live on after you die?
Account-based pensions offer a flexible and tax-effective method of drawing a regular income stream from superannuation. They are an essential part of your overall retirement strategy and are usually used …
Granny flat arrangements within the context of the gifting rules
Retirees wanting to downsize their home may consider the option of living in a granny flat, or an extension to / spare room of a relative or friend’s home. Money, …
Economic Update
Introduction Investors continued to focus on rampant inflation and, in turn, potential changes in monetary policy settings. By the end of January, five interest rate increases in the US had …
Do you value your assets more than yourself?
Value is a funny thing. One person’s trash can be another person’s treasure, as the old saying goes. The value we place on something tends to be very individual, and …
Constructing a retirement portfolio in a low return world
Portfolio construction is a much-used term that can be misunderstood. Fundamentally, the term portfolio construction refers to the process of selecting investments to create the optimal balance of risk and …
5 money mistakes to avoid if you’re going guarantor
If you have a family member who wants to get into the market sooner than that, you may have discussed whether you’d be willing to speed up the process (if …
What happens to superannuation when you break up?
Depending on the situation, you might get some of your ex partner’s super, or they may get some of yours. See what you need to know. A divorce from your …
Make it a goal to grow your super this year
There are a number of ways you can contribute more to your super, to take advantage of time and the magic of compound interest. These include salary sacrificing, and a …