We all think things will turn out better for ‘us’ than ‘them’. Such optimism can serve us well in life, but when it comes to money, balancing bias with facts is a much safer option. When it comes to your...

Maximising super contributions for your spouse is a smart financial move that can benefit both your partner and your family's long-term financial security. By actively contributing to your spouse's super account, you not only help them build a more substantial...

Did you know, you could take advantage of potential tax benefits inside super to save for your first home? It’s been called the Australian Dream by many – owning a home. However, saving for a deposit on one can sometimes...

No matter your income level or financial goals, everyone can benefit from developing strong money management skills. Here are five rules of money management that can help build a solid foundation for financial wellbeing. Key takeaways: Having a savings plan...

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 current cycle, the economy in 2023 would have been more...

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 think about to help maximise your savings. What’s changing? The...

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 Pension can boost your retirement income. Retirement planning is one...

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 work for you When was the last time you talked...

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 fool and his money are easily parted” is not as...

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. If you want to diversify your investment portfolio and...

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 life insurance? Trustees are required to ask this question as...

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...

In the 2016 Federal Budget, the Government introduced the transfer balance cap as part of a broader superannuation reform package. The transfer balance cap imposes a lifetime limit on the amount of superannuation that can be transferred into a tax...

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...

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 lags rather than a more inflation prone economy. Profit gouging...

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 conditions are holding up quite well in most regions, which...

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 capita amongst OECD countries in mid 2023. An increasing income...

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 Australians today and red flags to watch out for. What...

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 guide. While the list of SMSF administrative tasks and responsibilities...

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. However, setting clear goals with achievable targets can be a...

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 simple financial health check. Just like your physical health, it’s...

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 much for both your financial wellbeing and your future security....

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 difficult to gauge whether your super is on track, or...

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 budgeting strategy is the 50/30/20 approach, which requires you to...

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 feared; and AI hit the big time. This boosted shares...

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 an average 14.1% pa in nominal terms and 9.4% pa...

In a world where financial stability plays a crucial role in our wellbeing and future aspirations, the concept of financial freedom stands out as a beacon of empowerment. Financial freedom is the ability to make life choices without being constrained...

There is no magic age at which to retire. But what’s important is to plan for a longer retirement than you may expect. This is in part because research shows we’re now living longer than ever. According to the Australian...

Australians lost over $3 billion to scams in 2022 alone. With investment scams being the most common, consider these insights so you can better protect yourself from online criminals. This is a story where scammers created a website and emails...

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, it’s important to understand the causes of market movements and how to minimise your...