Going solo in retirement
While divorce rates have fallen in Australia in recent years, there is one age group where it’s becoming more common. In the two decades to 2017, the divorce rate for …
Economic Update
Market and Economic overview Australia Australian interest rates were lowered by 0.25% to 0.75% in October but left unchanged in November. Most observers expect borrowing costs to be lowered further …
Do falling markets signal a good time to open an SMSF?
Historically, self-managed super funds (SMSFs) have been seen as a direct way to take control of your retirement savings. By taking charge of your investment selection and asset allocation, there …
6 ways to stay well in retirement
A fulfilling retirement isn’t just about money, it’s about staying healthy, active and connected. So much of preparing for retirement is about the dollars and cents: Working out whether a …
What could the 2019 election outcome mean for you?
While the count continues to confirm whether the Coalition will hold a majority it is now clear that the Coalition will form Government. As such it may be an opportune …
Market and Economic overview
Market and Economic overview Australia Q1 2019 inflation data were released and came in well below consensus expectations. CPI was unchanged in the first three months of 2019 and the …
7 super strategies for end of financial year
7 super strategies for end of financial year The end of the financial year is a good time to think about how you could grow your super and start saving …
Diversification: why it should be your best friend
Diversification is the act of spreading the money you have to invest across a number of different types of investments. For example, rather than putting all your money into shares …
How you can benefit from market fluctuations
When share markets experience a downturn, it’s easy to get nervous about the impact on your investments. But this kind of volatility doesn’t always necessarily spell bad news – as …
Incorporating alternative investments in self-managed super funds
Incorporating alternative investments in self-managed super funds It’s no secret a diversified portfolio may help to protect your wealth from market ups and downs. Including investment alternatives in your self-managed …
Australia slides into a “per capita recession”
Key points Australian growth slowed even more in the December quarter. Growth may bounce back a bit this year, but the housing downturn will likely constrain it to around 2- …
Super contributions guide
As well as super guarantee payments from your employer, there are all sorts of ways to save more into super and boost retirement savings. Find out more in our comprehensive …
Successful investing despite 115 million worries and Truth Decay
It may seem that the worry list for investors is bigger and more confusing than ever before. Some of this may relate to US President Trump’s disruptive and “open mouth” …
Market Volatility
Market Volatility: An Overview Many investors become concerned when volatility occurs in global financial markets – particularly about the impact on their superannuation and other investments. In times like these, …
Investing in the ageing population
You’ve undoubtedly heard that Australians are living longer. The most recent Intergenerational Report for instance, projected that the number of Australians aged 65 and over would more than double by …
Investing in ETFs
An ETF is an investment fund that holds a basket of securities – such as shares or bonds that tracks a specified index – and is itself a listed share, …
Economic Update
Australia Economic data continues to paint a mixed picture of the domestic economy. The manufacturing PMI survey – a useful gauge of activity levels in the sector – came in …
Superannuation and separation: Who keeps the money?
A divorce from your husband or wife, or a separation from your de facto, could mean a division of your assets and debts, whether they’re held separately or together, and …
SMSFs and your retirement horizon
Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) trustees often ask themselves, “What is the right mix of investments for my SMSF?” It’s a very common question, and one that will need to consider …
Retire on your own terms
As the novelist C. S. Lewis once observed, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” Retirement should be the start of a …