Budgeting for baby: What you need to know
Having a baby is an exciting and life changing experience. But what about the cost? There are many hidden and unexpected expenses that go along with your new bundle of …
How to save for retirement in your 40s
Let’s start with the good news: studies show that your income peaks between the ages of 45 and 54. You’ll potentially have more money than ever – but you may …
Australian housing finance is booming – but can it continue?
According to figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the total value of new loan commitments for housing and within that, the value of owner occupier home loan commitments …
How much do I need to start investing?
While investing into traditional property might require a significant deposit, and a commitment to a long investment horizon, investing in shares, ETFs, managed accounts or managed funds can be accessed …
How to protect your finances from cybercrime
Cybercrime rose sharply in 2020, as more people worked, shopped and socialised online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Anyone can be a target, so it’s essential to be proactive when …
Change your spending habits and boost your happiness
After living through a year when our collective mental health took a beating, 2021 has brought with it a fresh sense of optimism and relief about what the future may hold. …
Economic Update
Introduction Volatility associated with November’s US election should finally be over, enabling investors to refocus on economic prospects and the outlook for corporate profitability and central bank policy. Joe Biden …
What is risk appetite?
For some people, risk means excitement and opportunity. For others, it invokes feelings of fear and discomfort. We all experience a degree of risk in our everyday lives – whether …
Understanding account-based pensions
Once you decide to retire you can access your super as a lump sum or start an account-based pension (also known as an income stream) or do a combination of …
The A-Z of Inheritance
Inheritance is an emotional subject on every level. The people leaving an inheritance generally do it with pride and love. The people receiving an inheritance often receive it with gratitude …
Property investment vs shares
An age-old question is whether it’s better to invest in property or shares. There is actually no right or wrong answer. It all comes down to your preferences and approach …
Four thoughts on cryptocurrency in 2021 and beyond
Some cryptocurrencies have experienced a surge in value (and interest) since the pandemic. However, there’s a long way to go before it becomes clear how to determine their fundamental value. …
Five simple but effective financial strategies for 2021
2020 may be remembered as the year we’d rather forget. The terrible health consequences and fatalities associated with the spread of Coronavirus both here in Australia and around the world …
How much super should I have at my age?
A healthy super balance is a key ingredient to living comfortably in retirement. But for many people, retirement is a long way off, and it can be hard to know …
Rethinking retirement
If you were working towards a retirement date and Coronavirus has meant a change of plans, it can be hard to move the goal posts. Could you gradually reduce your …
Get your affairs sorted with an estate plan
It’s an uncomfortable truth, knowing that one day we will pass away. No-one likes to think about the distress it will cause their loved ones or what kind of burden …
How to start saving for your future in your 30s
Some big life changes – and big expenses – can occur in your 30s. The key to maximising your retirement savings now is making savvy, forward-thinking financial decisions. This becomes …
Five ways to make yourself more employable in 2021
If you’re among those who lost their job or missed out on work opportunities last year due to COVID-19, here’s what you can do to improve your employment prospects in …