Salary sacrificing into super – how it works
Salary sacrificing into super is where you choose to have some of your before-tax income paid into your super account by your employer. This is on top of what your …
Managing the financial impacts of a mid-life crisis
For some, the thought of a mid-life crisis may bring to mind quirky Steve Carell comedies like Crazy Stupid Love or The 40-Year-Old Virgin. But if you or a loved one are actually …
Five things you and your partner should know about super
Money issues are often cited as the biggest causes of stress in a relationship. Yet despite their importance, a recent survey of Australian couples found that 43% hadn’t discussed how …
What is capital gains tax and when might I have to pay it?
Capital gains tax is charged on the profit you make from the sale of certain assets. These could be assets that you’ve purchased or inherited. To give you a few …
How to invest for your children’s future
Every parent wants to give their child the best start in life, even if that sometimes means footing the bill well into adulthood. Fortunately, with good financial planning, you can …
How to help your children with buying property
With property prices rising at a record rate in many cities across Australia, the ‘bank of mum and dad’ is playing a bigger role than ever as many parents feel …
How much can you confidently spend in retirement?
So much happiness in retirement comes from peace of mind, not money. Of course, the two are intertwined. Understanding your monthly budget, whatever it is, and not worrying about running …
Housing Market: Bubble or Balloon?
As one of Australia’s favourite assets, residential property is no stranger to news of a market bubble. Property works a little differently – making the cycle of house price rises …
6 steps to help you feel more positive about your finances
With one in four Australians reporting more financial stress after COVID, it’s no surprise many of us are concerned about the future. Between mounting bills, unexpected expenses and a lack …
Four ways to save for a rainy day
Having access to savings can be vital when an emergency strikes. But making the most of your savings by earning interest can also help you get ahead financially. If you’re …
What does it really cost to raise kids?
A 2018 study by the Australian Institute of Family Studies looked at the weekly cost of raising a six-year-old and a 10-year old. They found that it cost unemployed families $140 per-week, …
How to identify (and beat) your spending triggers
Are you buying more to perk yourself up? You aren’t alone. Since the start of COVID, there’s been an increase in online shopping. But, if you want to get a …
How to bounce back from the pink recession
While all Australians have been affected in some way by the global pandemic, women have borne the brunt of its impacts. Here’s why – and some tips of what women …
Australians move towards ethical and sustainable investing
In 2019, a nationwide survey found that an overwhelming number of Australians (78%) were worried about climate change – a concern which escalated in 2020 as Australia faced one of …
7 tips to reduce your debts before you retire
As your working life draws to a close, your social life and recreational activities don’t have to. If you’re a little anxious about money still owing, here are a few …
Learning the lessons of 2020: An extraordinary year
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Australia in March 2020 it brought immediate and severe financial gloom. Shares plunged 37% and the economy slumped to its first recession in nearly 30 …
Economic Update and Market Commentary
Risk assets including equities and credit continued to power ahead in April. Locally, the share market and the Australian dollar were supported by rising commodity prices. Investors continued to monitor …
Good news – Super contribution caps to rise
On 1 July 2021, both the concessional and non-concessional superannuation contribution limits, also known as ‘super contribution caps’, will rise. This is good news because this is the first time …