Is this the end of the housing boom?
Everyone buying into the housing market hopes that their purchase will appreciate over time, while sellers want to pick the top of the market. Clearly the growth rates in the …
Investment Market Outlook: Volatility Rises, Value Emerges
With war in Eastern Europe, inflation surging and Covid lockdowns inhibiting industrial production in parts of China, investment markets faced a rising tide of volatility over the past quarter. Yet …
How much do I need in retirement?
How much you need to save for a comfortable retirement is a question many of us ask. While we all hope for a simple answer, how much money you need …
Economic update and market overview
Introduction Inflationary forces continued to intensify in key regions, which suggested interest rates could be raised more quickly and more aggressively than previously anticipated. Government bond yields continued to rise …
The RBA starts raising rates – how far and how fast? And what does it mean for investors?
The RBA has hiked the cash rate by 0.25% taking it to 0.35% and signalling more rate hikes ahead. We expect the cash rate to rise to 1.5% by year-end …
The 2022 – 2023 Federal Budget: What it means for you
This year’s Federal Budget covers a range of measures aiming to reduce the pressure from increased costs of living and help more people into homes. Note: These changes are proposals …
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 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 …
Adding more to your retirement savings: is it worth it?
There’s no denying that being proactive with your super may be key to increasing your retirement savings. As an investment vehicle, super can offer significant benefits thanks to the magic …
Increasing your Age Pension entitlements by renovating the family home
One of the quirks of Australian society, including its taxation system, is that it puts home ownership at the centre of physical, emotional and financial well-being. There’s an aura about …
How is your credit score affected by COVID-19?
If you’re one of the many Australians financially impacted by COVID-19, who have deferred $218 billion worth of payments this year – fear not. Your credit score is unlikely to …
Downsizing your home? Understanding the downsizer contribution
Downsizing the family home is often part of the longer-term financial plans for many older Australians. But did you know that you could consider investing the proceeds of the sale …
The 101’s of Self Managed Super Funds: some basics and benefits explained
In the right hands, a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) can be a beneficial way to build wealth for retirement. Whilst they are not for everyone, it is important that when …