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 …
Five ways you can start to bridge the super gender gap today
In terms of gender equality, we’ve come a long way over the past few decades. Australian homes and workplaces are very different places than they were in previous generations. But …
What’s next for the Australian and global economies?
Key points: 2022 is likely to be the year COVID-19 goes from being an epidemic to endemic. Expect ongoing global economic recovery, albeit with bumps along the way. The spike …
Being a smart Santa with your gift budget
When you’re under pressure to give that perfect present at Christmas it can be much harder to stick to a budget. Find ways to make your gift budget go further …
Christmas Gifts that won’t break the Budget
Christmas is a wonderful time of year in Australia, filled with summer foods, decorations and of course, gift giving. This year will feel even sweeter for many, as friends and …
Tax deductible donations: Get the most out of giving back
Donating to a charity or cause you care about is a win-win for both you and the charity. Charities rely on the generosity of donors to help them do their …
Why should I see a financial planner?
Financial planning is something more and more people are considering as a service they need to help them get the best from their finances and focus on putting their money …
Should you merge your finances with your partner?
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of our daily lives, and romance is no exception. While lengthy separations have led some relationships to end, other couples are choosing to …
5 steps to better financial goals
Everyone has financial goals. Maybe you want to pay off your mortgage early, stop relying on your credit cards, or go on an amazing overseas holiday (once we’re allowed to …
Millennials and money: what does the future hold?
The first millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) are turning 40 this year. Still, despite more than twenty years in the workforce, it seems their financial wellbeing isn’t guaranteed. A Commonwealth …
How to invest ethically
Ethical investing involves using your ethical principles to filter and guide your investment decisions. The practice has been around for more than 30 years in Australia, and has started to …
How ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ affects your credit score
In recent years, ‘buy now pay later’ (BNPL) has become an increasingly popular method for consumers looking to purchase goods via instalments without resorting to credit cards. These services are …