Donald Trump elected President of the US – Implications for investors and Australia
Contrary to what would normally be suggested by the solid US economy, low unemployment, falling inflation and strong share market, Donald Trump has been re-elected President of the US. Clearly some combination of the cost of living surge, the immigration blow out and too much ‘wokeness’ along with various other things weighed against Kamala Harris.
Caring for ageing parents
Some of us may help provide assistance to our ageing parents or other relatives in the future, bringing a range of emotional and physical challenges. Here are 3 suggestions that may make a difference.
2023-24 saw strong investment returns again – but can it continue?
There has been a wall of worry for investors over the last year but as is often the case share markets climbed it. This resulted in another financial year of strong investment returns in 2023-24. But can it continue?
2024 Federal Budget recap
See here for a detailed summary of the 2024 Federal Budget announced last night
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. Learn more.
An introduction to managed funds
Managed funds may give you access to a broader range of investment types by pooling your money together with other investors. Find out how they work and if they’re for you.
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”. Here are the top pitfalls to avoid.
What to do if you're 55 and have no retirement plan
Retirement planning is one of those things that often gets pushed to the back burner. Here we'll outline some steps you can take to secure your financial future.
Australian household wealth
Household income data from the OECD showed that Australia had one of the lowest rates of annual real household disposable income per person compared to its OECD peers (see the chart below). Over the year to June 2023, Australia’s real per capita household disposable income was down by 5.1%, compared to a 2.6% rise across OECD countries.
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 higher cost of living at the moment, even more pensioners are taking up work.
The transfer balance cap – how does it work again?
The transfer balance cap imposes a lifetime limit on the amount of superannuation that can be transferred into a tax free retirement pension account. While it may appear straightforward, understanding its nuances is essential for effective retirement planning.
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 fits all approach and here are some factors to consider in deciding what’s right for you.
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.
As scams evolve, so can you
Here are some tips for staying protected against some of the most common scams impacting Australians today and red flags to watch out for.
5 tips for managing your SMSF
While the list of SMSF administrative tasks and responsibilities may seem daunting, it’s there for a good reason: to ensure your fund’s decisions protect your retirement savings and provide financial security for your SMSF members in the future. If you need guidance with any of the following, your SMSF administrator, accountant or financial adviser will be able to help.
Five constraints on medium term investment returns
There are 5 megatrends suggesting higher medium term inflation pressures and lower economic growth than pre-pandemic: a move away from economic rationalist policies; the reversal of globalisation; rising geopolitical tensions; climate change and decarbonisation; and slowing and aging populations. Learn more.
Financial freedom: A comprehensive guide to achieving true financial independence
In a world of ever-changing economic landscapes, achieving financial freedom has become a universal aspiration. Read about the essential strategies and mindset shifts required to pave the way toward financial independence.
What's the best age to retire?
There is no magic age at which to retire. This is in part because research shows we’re now living longer than ever. But what’s important, is to plan for a longer retirement than you may expect. This is where we can help.
A real cybercrime story
With investment scams being the most common, it’s important to protect yourself from online criminals. Learn about what you hould look for.
Boosting confidence in retirement
Do you know how much you can ‘safely’ spend in retirement? This article introduces a retirement income model that can help you calculate the spending level your savings can safely support with a degree of confidence.