Five lessons learned in 2023
Interest rate cycles can be different Students of economics are taught that monetary policy works with long and variable lags, up to 12-18 months. We had assumed that in the …
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Changes to tax cuts from 1 July
The Government has passed legislation to amend the tax cuts which apply from 1 July this year. The changes are explained below, along with some things you may wish to …
What to do if you’re 55 and have no retirement plan
Key takeaways Strategies for fast tracking your retirement savings nest egg, such as debt elimination, additional super contributions and targeted investing. How part-time work and delaying receipt of the Age …
The money conversations you need to have
Although it can feel uncomfortable, talking about money is a good thing. Get some help from the experts to start positive conversations and keep things on track. Making money talk …
Make your money work harder – pitfalls to avoid
If there’s one rule of thumb for investors to bear in mind, it’s that “if it looks too good to be true, it probably is”. Be aware The expression “a …
A guide to SMSF insurance and estate planning
Making a decision about life insurance is an essential part of your self managed super fund’s investment strategy and can provide a valuable benefit for members. Do your members need …
Want to earn more and keep your Age Pension?
Many people continue, or even start, working once they’ve reached Age Pension age. This may be for social reasons, personal fulfilment or to maintain their standard of living. With the …
Mortgage vs super: where should I put my extra money?
It’s a dilemma many of us face – are we better off directing extra money to our mortgage or super? As with most financial decisions, it’s not a one size …
Falling inflation – what does it mean for investors?
Key points Inflation is in retreat thanks to improved supply and cooling demand. A further fall is likely this year. Australian inflation remains relatively high – but this mainly reflects …
Economic and market overview
A rally in the second half of the month helped global share markets generate solid gains in January, extending the rally from November and December. The latest indicators suggest economic …
Australian household wealth
Australian household wealth Is high Australian household wealth a source of support for consumers? Key points Australia ranked as having one of the lowest rates of disposable income growth per …
As scams evolve, so can you
As scams continue to evolve, it’s important to stay on top of the latest information. Here are some tips for staying protected against some of the most common scams impacting …
5 tips for managing your SMSF
Setting up your SMSF is just the beginning. Make sure you’re aware of your obligations as an SMSF trustee and get the most out of your fund with this quick …
What are the steps to investing?
Want to invest but don’t know where to start? Here are five basic steps for investing. Define your goals Taking the first step on your investment journey may feel daunting. …
How to give your finances a health check
How healthy are your finances? Isn’t it time you put your own financial wellbeing front and centre? You can take control of your financial future quickly and easily, with a …
Getting smart about savings
Saving money doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Some people are wired to save – for others it takes a bit more discipline. But developing good savings habits can do so …
How much super should you have at your age?
Your super balance will most likely play a big part in how comfortably you live in retirement. But depending on how far off retirement is for you, it might be …
50/30/20 budgeting strategy
Having a budget can help you stay on top of bills, pay off debt and save for long or short-term goals. There are many ways to go about it. One …
2023 saw the return of Goldilocks, but what’s in store for 2024 for investors?
Key points The five key themes for 2023 were: better than feared growth; disinflation; peak interest rates (probably in Australia too); lots of geopolitical threats but not as bad as …
Five constraints on medium term investment returns
Introduction Starting in the early 1980s investment returns were spectacularly strong. Sure there were bumps along the way like the 1987 share crash, but Australian balanced growth superannuation funds returned …