Donald Trump elected President of the US – Implications for investors and Australia
Nick McKenna Nick McKenna

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.

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Caring for ageing parents
Nick McKenna Nick McKenna

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.

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An introduction to managed funds
Nick McKenna Nick McKenna

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.

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Australian household wealth
Nick McKenna Nick McKenna

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.

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Want to earn more and keep your Age Pension?
Nick McKenna Nick McKenna

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. 

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The transfer balance cap – how does it work again?
Nick McKenna Nick McKenna

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.

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Mortgage vs super: where should I put my extra money?
Nick McKenna Nick McKenna

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.

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Economic and market overview
Nick McKenna Nick McKenna

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.

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As scams evolve, so can you
Nick McKenna Nick McKenna

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.

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5 tips for managing your SMSF
Nick McKenna Nick McKenna

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.

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Five constraints on medium term investment returns
Nick McKenna Nick McKenna

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.

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What's the best age to retire?
Nick McKenna Nick McKenna

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.

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A real cybercrime story
Nick McKenna Nick McKenna

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.

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Boosting confidence in retirement
Nick McKenna Nick McKenna

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.

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