Retirement Planning Specialists

How to save for retirement in your 40s Let’s start with the good news: studies show that your income peaks between the ages of 45 and 54. You’ll potentially have more money than ever – but you may also have unexpected or unwelcome expenses, like divorce. At this age you might also put retirement planning […]

According to figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the total value of new loan commitments for housing and within that, the value of owner occupier home loan commitments has reached record highs. Some key figures include: The total value of new loan commitments for housing rose 8.6 per cent to $26 billion (seasonally […]

While investing into traditional property might require a significant deposit, and a commitment to a long investment horizon, investing in shares, ETFs, managed accounts or managed funds can be accessed with a much smaller outlay along with the benefit of shorter term access to the value of your investment should the need arise. It’s all […]

Cybercrime rose sharply in 2020, as more people worked, shopped and socialised online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Anyone can be a target, so it’s essential to be proactive when it comes to protecting your finances and identity online. Our digital tools and technology were a welcome relief last year, allowing us to stay connected […]

Having a baby is an exciting and life changing experience. But what about the cost? There are many hidden and unexpected expenses that go along with your new bundle of joy. Follow our handy guide to planning your finances, so you can avoid any money worries once baby arrives. No two ways about it, having […]

After living through a year when our collective mental health took a beating, 2021 has brought with it a fresh sense of optimism and relief about what the future may hold. Like many people, you may be planning to do things differently this year. But before you work on a wish list of things to buy […]

Introduction Volatility associated with November’s US election should finally be over, enabling investors to refocus on economic prospects and the outlook for corporate profitability and central bank policy. Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the US. The transition of power was far from smooth however, with pro-Trump demonstrators storming the Capitol […]

For some people, risk means excitement and opportunity. For others, it invokes feelings of fear and discomfort. We all experience a degree of risk in our everyday lives – whether it’s simply walking down the street or having investments in the share market. Everyone has a risk profile that defines their willingness to accept risk. […]

Once you decide to retire you can access your super as a lump sum or start an account-based pension (also known as an income stream) or do a combination of both. The benefit of starting an account-based pension is that it provides a regular tax-effective income during your retirement. How does an account-based pension work? […]

Inheritance is an emotional subject on every level. The people leaving an inheritance generally do it with pride and love. The people receiving an inheritance often receive it with gratitude – and sorrow. But while emotional, it’s also a financial transfer that comes with a whole range of legal, financial planning and admin issues attached. […]

An age-old question is whether it’s better to invest in property or shares. There is actually no right or wrong answer. It all comes down to your preferences and approach to risk. Growth investments Both asset classes – shares and property – are considered to be growth investments. In other words, over time, a quality […]

Some cryptocurrencies have experienced a surge in value (and interest) since the pandemic. However, there’s a long way to go before it becomes clear how to determine their fundamental value. Even the Reserve Bank is talking about cryptocurrency, having announced late last year it is exploring the potential use and implications of a wholesale form […]

2020 may be remembered as the year we’d rather forget. The terrible health consequences and fatalities associated with the spread of Coronavirus both here in Australia and around the world has taken a heavy toll on many of us; particularly for those who have lost loved ones and livelihoods. While nothing can replace the loss […]

A healthy super balance is a key ingredient to living comfortably in retirement. But for many people, retirement is a long way off, and it can be hard to know if your super is on track. If you’ve ever been curious about how your super savings match up, read on to find out. How much […]

If you were working towards a retirement date and Coronavirus has meant a change of plans, it can be hard to move the goal posts. Could you gradually reduce your hours to make stretching out your years at work more do-able? If your work is stressful, consider whether you could reduce or change your responsibilities. […]

It’s an uncomfortable truth, knowing that one day we will pass away. No-one likes to think about the distress it will cause their loved ones or what kind of burden they’ll be left with. That’s why death is often considered a taboo topic of conversation, along with money and politics. When you pass away, hospitals […]

Some big life changes – and big expenses – can occur in your 30s. The key to maximising your retirement savings now is making savvy, forward-thinking financial decisions. This becomes even more relevant when you’re surrounded by the current economic uncertainty. Short-term needs and expenses are front-of-mind and you might prioritise saving more money for a […]

If you’re among those who lost their job or missed out on work opportunities last year due to COVID-19, here’s what you can do to improve your employment prospects in 2021. Evaluate your transferable skills and competencies Start by taking stock of what you can offer a new employer. Everyone has useful skills and competencies […]

Here’s a list of things you could stop doing if you no longer want to rely on the bank of mum and dad, or that credit card. Going without a budget If you’re looking for somewhere to start when it comes to creating a budget, jot down what money is coming in, what cash is […]

The Lunar New Year begins on 12 February, as we usher in the year of the Ox. Ancient Lunar New Year traditions are believed to encourage health, wealth and prosperity, so why not create your own good fortune with our guide to help you get your finances in order? Have a financial spring-clean Part of […]

Key Points: 2020 turned out far better for investors than was feared. 2021 is expected to provide solid returns and see a further rotation from pandemic winners to cyclical investments. Watch: coronavirus and vaccines; US politics; and the hit to immigration in Australia. Introduction 2020 turned out far better for diversified investors than had been […]

Key points 2020 was dominated by the Coronavirus pandemic but shares saw okay returns on the back of policy stimulus and vaccine optimism, resulting in constrained but positive returns for balanced growth super funds. For 2021, the combination of massive policy stimulus and the prospect of vaccines allowing a return to something more normal by […]

COVID-19 has created uncertainty everywhere and impacted not just our health but our wealth too. From millennials to retirees, we’ve had to review our finances and adapt to the changing environment. We’ve seen volatile share markets, slashed dividends on bank stocks, record-low interest rates and sectors like airlines, tourism and traditional retail struggling to survive. […]

It’s a very 2020 story. Your new homemade breadmaking skills are as uneven as the lump you lifted from your oven, so you pop down to the bakers for their tasty sourdough rolls. But as you make it to the front of the socially distanced queue and pull out your $10 note, the assistant points […]

Majority of working Aussies to benefit from personal income tax cuts Tax cuts proposed in the recent Federal Budget were passed in parliament on Friday 9 October, and you might see some of the benefits before Christmas. The government has brought forward tax cuts originally planned for 1 July 2022 and backdated them to 1 […]

If you’re in your 20s, chances are that life could feel like a bit of a rollercoaster right now. The economic fallout of the coronavirus (COVID-19) may have knocked your personal finances for six and at the same time, you could be juggling new expenses and experiences for the first time, such as moving out […]

If cash flow is looking a tad grim this year, here are some ideas to up the presents under the tree, noting it’s the presence around it that really counts. We don’t need to list the events of 2020 to say it’s been a big one, particularly as we approach the festive season, where many […]

Planning a holiday gives you something to look forward to. Even if you’ve been able to maintain a kind of normal during Coronavirus, most people have experienced additional stress from the uncertainty and isolation. This is especially true for Victorians who have had to endure a long and difficult lockdown period. No matter where you […]

If retirement’s coming up on your horizon, you’ll be keen to make sure your plans stay on track. It makes sense to concentrate on things you can control, such as insurance. Too-high premiums can chew away at the foundations of your savings, at a time when they’re more important than ever. Under-insure and one day […]

Australia: The Reserve Bank of Australia cut the official cash rate to a new historic low of 0.1%. The Treasurer released Australia’s latest Federal Budget. This was essentially a ‘no-surprises’ package of measures designed for Covid-19 challenged times. Given the scope of the challenge, the budget deficit for 2020/21 was unsurprisingly large, at $213.7 billion, […]

Older people who are struggling to live at home and take care of themselves often face a dilemma. Many don’t want to move into aged care accommodation, but they recognise the gardening, cleaning, cooking or showering is impossible or becoming more difficult. Some worry about placing a burden on their loved ones, others can’t afford […]

There’s always been a lot of unknowns when it comes to retirement but throw a global pandemic into the mix, and we’re feeling more uncertainty than ever before. Things we once thought of as quite certain– like being employed, getting decent returns on investments and savings, and a continual rise in house prices – seemingly […]

Introduction As an investor it’s very easy to get thrown off by the ever-present worry list surrounding investment markets that relates to economic activity, profits, interest rates, politics, and so on. This has been magnified by a digital media where everyone is vying for attention and the best way to get this attention is via […]

Timing is everything. It’s true in comedy, and it’s also the case when it comes to retirement. After decades of work, moving to the next stage of your life is a time of great anticipation. Your super is at its highest, you’ve planned for a lifetime of retirement income… and then…. 2020 happens. In the […]

If you’d like your money to make a difference to the world as well as to your future, ethical investing may be for you. Almost nine in 10 (89 per cent) Australians would prefer to invest in a responsible investment option that considers ethical, social and governance (ESG) issues as well as financial returns. With […]

With the initial six-month deferral period coming to an end, lenders have started contacting customers who deferred their home and business loans due to COVID-19. Over the next month, Aussie lenders will contact more than 450,000 borrowers to assess whether they can start repaying their loans. This includes at least 260,000 mortgage deferrals and 105,000 […]

Key Points This economic downturn and recovery differs from those of the past in that: the downturn was driven by a government shutdown; fiscal and monetary support has been faster and bigger; forced asset sales have been headed off; it’s dependent on containing coronavirus; and it’s seeing more rapid structural change. As a result, we […]

Implications for Investors and Australia Key points: The US election has been close and final counting as well as legal challenges could still upset the result, but the now highly likely outcome is a Biden Presidency. While there is a possibility that the Democrats could win control of the Senate via runoff elections in Georgia, […]

Everyone in Australia has been affected by the COVID pandemic to some degree. With disruption to our work and social lives, it’s one of the biggest changes many of us have ever faced. But what has it meant for our money and financial wellbeing? Nearly half of Australians are struggling A recent survey found that […]

A financial plan can help you build wealth over time, aiding the protection of your financial future. If that sounds like a good idea, it could be good to find a trusted financial adviser who can help you on this journey. Australians are increasingly recognising the value of financial advice with 27 per cent having […]

Not many people can say they’ve been unaffected by COVID-19. Whether you’ve lost work, had hours reduced or been fortunate to maintain employment, COVID has been a wake-up call for how we manage our money and set financial goals. How are we managing? Many of us are doing smart things such as: 29% are cancelling […]

How financially secure do you feel? Recent research1 into Australians’ financial wellness – which is a person’s satisfaction with their current and future financial situation – revealed that people with good financial habits feel more financially secure. It sounds like a no-brainer. But adopting good financial habits isn’t always as easy as it sounds, start […]

Retirement is an exciting time. It’s the long-awaited reward for a lifetime of work and, if you’ve planned it correctly, it heralds a life stage synonymous with relaxation and enjoyment. However, to make sure your retirement is everything you’d hoped for, it’s crucial to make smart decisions to help you stick to your financial plan, […]

Before you can step onto the property ladder and buy your first home, you’ll likely have to do some serious saving to build up a deposit. Here are some things to consider that can help get you started, and on the road to home ownership sooner. Work out your current situation  It might sound obvious, […]

Overview The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on Australia’s health system, community and economy. The Government has provided $257 billion in support to cushion the economic impact of COVID-19. In doing so, the Treasurer had the unenviable task of revealing the Budget deficit will increase to $213.7 billion this year. The focus of […]

Key points The US election has significant potential to add to volatility in investment markets. A Trump victory will mean more of the same and would likely initially be more positive for US than global and Australian shares. By contrast a Biden victory may add to short-term volatility but this is likely to be short […]

Uncertainty around COVID-19 might be increasing your stress levels about losing your job, but here are five ways to soften the financial blow. In April, Australia hit its highest unemployment rate in five years, and with the Federal Treasurer expecting an unemployment rate of around 10% by the end of the year, many Aussies may […]

There’s no question young people have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. From casual job losses to widespread hiring freezes, they’re on the front line. Experts fear the youth unemployment rate, which was 16.3% in July, will remain stubbornly high for years to come So what are young people to do? Unable to get secure […]

It’s no wonder people tend to avoid making a Will. We can find it hard to face the fact that death is part of our future and that there may be a time when we won’t be able to manage our own finances due to poor health. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has made us all […]

2020 will be the year that changed the way many people work. COVID-19 introduced both societal and organisational shifts, with businesses and their employees forced to adapt quickly to new ways of working that included work being carried out remotely and with increased flexibility. Although it took us by surprise, it has perhaps brought forward […]

Carrying debt into retirement is something many Aussies will face, but the good news is there are a number of things you can do now while you’ve still got time on your side and earning an income. Take simple steps to minimise what you owea Work out your debtsand what they total Do a comparison of […]

If you’re feeling concerned about how the pandemic will affect your super balance, here are our tips to help protect and grow your super. What can affect my super balance? In Australia, your employer is required by law to pay a minimum percentage of your eligible income to a complying superannuation fund or retirement savings […]

Key points Shares have had a strong run up from their March lows with US shares now at a record high. While shares are vulnerable through the seasonally weak months ahead in the run up to the US election, the positives – including good progress in developing vaccines, the downtrend in the US dollar, signs […]

If you’re in or approaching retirement, you may be prioritising things such as living costs, utility bills, health care and even potentially helping the kids out with their future financial goals. With many Australians looking at a retirement (which in reality, could span a few decades), another thing to give some thought to is keeping […]

Do you struggle to control your spending around your friends and family? If the urge to ‘keep up’ with a certain lifestyle is stretching your finances, it could be time to take action. From splitting the bill at an expensive restaurant, to having the ‘right’ house, car and clothes, many of us fall victim to […]

Whether you breeze through tax time or dread the extra admin, receiving a tax refund makes the effort worthwhile. For many of us, getting a financial boost will be even more welcome this year, and you might be looking around for the best ways to use it. These simple actions can help you figure out […]

It’s a win-win idea. A parent sells their home to move in with their adult child’s family, providing cash for the deposit or renovations and helping with the mortgage and providing free childcare. In return, there’s companionship, care and physical support for the older person. But sometimes these plans go awry, leaving the elderly parent […]

Today, young people are often called the “the smashed avocado generation,” supposedly frittering away money on ‘luxury’ items rather than working hard to save for their first home or retirement nest egg. However, despite their spendthrift reputation, most millennials are quite prudent when it comes to managing their financial affairs. Research by Afterpay found that millennials […]

The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly disrupted our daily lives, forcing us to close entire industries and change our behaviour overnight. With the lockdown directly affecting jobs and the economy, many people’s thoughts quickly turned to their finances. Whether or not your income has been affected, now is a good time to get your finances in […]

Australians enjoy one of the highest life expectancies in the world, which means you can look forward to a long and comfortable retirement. While that’s fantastic news, it also makes saving for retirement more important than ever. Indeed, the majority of Australians over age 40 who are yet to retire are concerned about not having […]

In times of uncertainty, when share markets and interest rates are falling, along with declines in consumer and business confidence, investors often question if their money is safe and if it’s still going to meet their long-term investment goals. But whether it’s a period of sustained volatility due to a global financial crisis, a medical […]

How has COVID-19 changed Australian consumer spending habits? Australian spending habits have changed markedly in the last few months. Consumers continue to worry about the strength of the economy, the duration of the pandemic and overall public wellbeing. But while Australian consumer spending remains slow, we’re seeing signs of recovery across most categories and grocery […]

Introduction Covid-19 developments continued to dominate attention. There were spikes in the number of new infections in both Australia and overseas, suggesting an economic recovery may be delayed. Share markets powered ahead, however, as investors remained convinced that governments and central banks will provide sufficient financial assistance through the crisis. Fixed income markets also registered […]

Available for a limited time, the HomeBuilder grant offers eligible owner-occupiers, including first-home buyers, a potential tax-free $25,000 boost to help fund the cost of building a new home or substantially renovating an existing home. Although not specifically targeted at first-home buyers, the Government expects the HomeBuilder grant will be popular with first-home buyers looking […]

Investment funds can be broadly split into two categories – active and passive. And while both options play a part in an investment portfolio, it’s important to understand how each works before allocating money to them. Basics of passive investing Passive investing has gained momentum in Australia, and beyond, over the last decade. It could […]

According to the Australian Taxation Office, there are three ways to claim your home office running expenses. The actual cost method Under this method, your tax deductions include the actual costs of work-related expenses. This applies to things such as the costs of your home office furniture and fittings, as well as equipment such as […]

We live in a culture of smartphones, WIFI, home delivery, online shopping and online gaming, where most needs and wants can be met almost instantly. With so much temptation to spend, it’s vital to teach your kids the money skills to help them enjoy financial wellbeing as adults. But should you give your teenager a […]

There’s no denying that staying home has been the best defence against Coronavirus. The less contact you have with other people, the easier it is to stay healthy. But staying at home day after day has been a tough ask – especially for people who live alone. Being unable to hug your grandchildren, catch up […]

As lockdown restrictions begin to ease Australia-wide, a new normal is emerging for businesses and employees. While it’s too soon to say what the post-lockdown economy will bring, for many Australians life won’t be quite the same as it was before COVID-19. Record job losses, reduced hours of work and the deferral of dividend payments […]

Determined to master your money and stick to a budget in 2020? It doesn’t have to be boring or difficult if you keep it simple, and easier still if you let technology do the heavy lifting for you. 1. Pocketbook Pocketbook automatically organises your spending into categories like clothes, groceries and fuel, showing you where money is […]

The COVID-19 crisis has seen many Australians taking steps to stay afloat with their finances. With women more likely than men to withdraw super to make up the shortfall in their income, what does this mean for their long-term financial wellbeing? Here are 5 reasons as to why a super withdrawal during this time could […]

The end of financial year on 30 June is a good time to take stock and get your finances in order. Being prepared, reviewing your super contributions and submitting your return on time are good policies every year, but the shadow of COVID-19 (coronavirus) means many of us face unexpected pressures in a changing economic […]

We’re dealing with a health crisis that no one in our lifetime has experienced, which is having an impact on global and domestic economies that no one could have forecast. Entire industries – tourism, entertainment and hospitality – have ground to a halt, and with them jobs. For Australians in these industries, not only are […]

Finding the right level of insurance cover is important when you’re thinking about retirement. If retirement’s coming up on your horizon, the impact of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) may have thrown a warehouse-sized rack of spanners in your planning. It makes sense to concentrate on things you can control, such as insurance. Too-high premiums can chew away […]

There are people who are better at the whole social distancing game than others. If you already normally work from home, for instance, you might be laughing into your elbow as you listen to the newly homebound lament that their desire to binge on Netflix on the weekend isn’t so appealing when they can do […]

Face-to-face encounters have become less frequent in so many areas of our lives – and banking and shopping are no different. So, now’s an ideal time for older Australians to start integrating more digital transactions into their everyday banking. Using these methods for the first time can be intimidating, so we’ve answered some of the […]

Wearable technology can monitor our heart rate and tell us how much sleep we’ve had, but what about our financial wellbeing? If you could benefit from a Fitbit for your finances, read on. Just like your physical health, the more you can monitor what’s happening with your finances, the easier it will be to improve […]

With weeks, and perhaps months, of self-isolation ahead, many of life’s conveniences like streaming and delivery services will become our essentials. But if you’re used to spending unlimited amounts to make life that little bit easier, now is a good time to look at what you can live without to make your budget go further. […]

There are only certain people who can inherit your super when you die. There are also two different types of nominations you can make. Here’s what you need to know before making your super beneficiary nomination. Super is different from other assets, such as your house, because the trustee of your super fund ultimately decides […]

For every action there is a reaction. And while we’re not criticising the government’s policy response to COVID-19, we recognise that such intervention often has unintended consequences.  Take lower interest rates for instance. Central banks intended to make the cost of investment cheaper and be stimulatory. Instead, Australian households borrowed more money to buy bigger […]

Despite the recent wild ride for markets coping with the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic, many investors are well-versed in the need to “sit tight”. They understand that moving out of positions in falling markets risks crystallising losses at the bottom and missing out on the recovery. For retirees it’s not so simple, where portfolios […]

The world has always been challenged by the dynamics of geopolitics. The nature and magnitude of associated conflicts may transition and manifest across varying contexts but, broadly speaking, geopolitical risk is ever present. The fierce competition between the powerhouses of the East and West has been watched closely by many. The trade war between the […]

Market and Economic overview Australia The coronavirus ‘curve’ of known cases has flattened out, suggesting social distancing measures have been successful in slowing the spread of the disease. The focus is now on a gradual easing of restrictions – people will gradually start returning to work as non-essential areas of the economy start to function […]

In the first year since older Australians have been allowed to make downsizer contributions, 4,246 people have contributed a total of $1 billion in downsizer contributions to their super funds (1 July 2018 – 1 July 2019). This not only allows retired people to have access to more money to fund their retirement, it’s also […]

Since the financial crisis more than a decade ago, investors have had to search much harder for income as savings rates have plunged. Many have looked to the equity market to help them achieve better income returns, with large numbers of companies increasing dividend payments to shareholders as they have grown. It is likely that […]

While it can be hard to stay in the market when share prices plummet, now is not the time to panic. The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has triggered a share market crash, in Australia and internationally. Since 31 December 2019, when the first cases of the new virus were reported in China’s Hubei province, the disease […]

Global economic activity has grounded to a halt, prompting fears the world is in for a re-run of The Great Depression. While there might be similar scenes, the parallels are not as strong as you may think. Without a doubt, countries worldwide are in for sharp, deep recessions as they rightly sacrifice economic growth in […]

How to reduce expenses after a job loss and get back in the driver’s seat of your finances. With many thousands of Australians experiencing job losses and reduced hours as a result of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, many will need to take a look at their expenses to continue living within their means. The average […]

For many traditional office-workers, working from home has now become the new normal. For some it’s an easy transition to make, while for others, it can be a struggle. If you find yourself struggling to adapt to this new way of working and living, here are some tips that can help. Set up a dedicated […]

Introduction The blanket coverage of coronavirus and its impact on the economy can lead to a lot of confusion. Some reports are hopeful of anti-viral drugs, others say a vaccine is at least a year away. There is talk of curve flattening but still rising cases and deaths. There is news of an easing in […]

The federal government has been releasing details of financial support available to Australians who have lost income due the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. A huge number of us have been affected in some way and many have been left feeling stressed and confused about what to do to keep afloat. Although concern about […]