News Updates
AS IT HAPPENS
Self-managed super funds (SMSFs) have become increasingly popular in recent years, but they come with many pros and cons and are certainly not for everyone.
They are often called ‘do-it-yourself’ or DIY super funds and, as their name suggests, they are super funds that are managed by their members...
5 Vital chats to have...
With the HSC exams finished and new graduates about to begin the next stage of their education, perhaps it’s a good time to start thinking about a new challenge ahead: how your teenager will fund his or her life at university.
Of course, you can always give your childs a helping hand with their finances during this time. But it’s also important to get them ready to stand on their own two feet during and after their studies.
For some parents, this may be a great opportunity to have those crucial chats about money and the financial workings of the world.
The pullback in shares seen over the last week or two has seen much coverage and generated much concern. This is understandable given the rapid falls in share markets seen on some days. From their highs to their recent lows, US and Japanese shares have fallen 10%, Eurozone shares have fallen 8%, Chinese shares have fallen 9% and Australian shares have lost 6%. This note looks at the issues for investors and puts the falls into context...
FROM THE VAULT:
(Originally posted on 16 July 2013)
Baby Boomers See Red
The 2010 movie RED stars Helen Mirren, Bruce Willis and Morgan Freeman as retired spies who don't want to retire quietly. The rapid ageing of the population, expanding longevity and improving health care mean that the adjustment to retirement of these three retired spies is being reflected throughout the world in burgeoning numbers...
Before your big day, much of the financial talk may have been around budgeting for your wedding and planning your honeymoon. But while not nearly as exciting, there’s another vital part of your new partnership that should be considered: your future finances.
Finances can be one of the biggest sources of stress and tension in a marriage. However, open communication and careful planning now can help you avoid many problems down the road.
Here are five important areas to examine before you walk down the aisle:
The global risks to inflation and bond yields are finally shifting to the upside, with investment markets starting to take note as evident in the pullback in global share markets seen over the last few days. But how big is the risk? Are we on the brink of another bond crash that will engulf other assets like shares and property?
Where does all that money go? A host of apps are available to help you easily answer that question and even budget better, so you don’t get caught short in the event of a ‘rainy day’ and can feel more comfortable and in control of your finances every day. The best place to start is with your bank. Most major Australian banks offer their customers great tools to help improve how they manage their finances. In addition, we’ve found these seven apps to help you get off to a great financial start in 2018...
Although 2017 saw the usual worry list – around President Trump, elections in Europe, China, North Korea and Australian property – it was good for investors. Balanced super funds had returns around 10%, which is pretty good given inflation was around 2%. This year has started favourably but volatility may pick up as geopolitical threats loom a little larger and US inflation rises. This note provides a summary of key insights on the global investment outlook in simple dot point form...
Finding the right financial planner for your needs, goals and life stage is essential to help you achieve your financial goals. As a specialist profession, it's important to check your financial planner is professionally licensed and qualified to provide you with advice. Equally important is the rapport you have with them - it should be comfortable and feel like the right fit from the start. Here are five questions to ask a financial planner at your first meeting...
