Archive: 'Feb 2022' :
Key Points Ukraine tensions have escalated with Russia ordering troops into Ukraine regions already occupied by Russian separatists. Share markets are at high risk of more downside on fear of further escalation and uncertainty about sanctions/gas supply to Europe. The history of crisis events typically shows a short term hit to markets followed by a […]
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The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare recently released a report covering the impacts of COVID-19 on Australians during the first year of the pandemic. The report highlights that many of the measures necessary to contain the spread of the virus, have had a negative impact on mental health. Among these measures, restrictions put in place to protect […]
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New Year’s resolutions are such a drag, right? Whether it’s fitness, family or finances, the best laid plans rarely last beyond the first week of January. Life has a habit of getting in the way, especially these days with so many demands on your time. Instead of making ambitious resolutions you don’t have the time […]
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Whether you’re looking to invest in property, renovate or pay off something big, borrowing against the equity in your home may be helpful, if you’re across the risks. The equity in your property can be a valuable resource, as it may allow you to borrow money to achieve your goals, whether they be investment or […]
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Superannuation, shares, property, cash, other investments; a dizzying number of options are available when it comes to living comfortably through retirement. Financial advisers often promote a diversified portfolio to reduce the risk of concentrating ‘all eggs in one basket’. Still, Aussies love their property, with more than 2.2 million of us opting for investing in […]
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Account-based pensions offer a flexible and tax-effective method of drawing a regular income stream from superannuation. They are an essential part of your overall retirement strategy and are usually used from retirement until death. But what happens to your tax-free account-based pension when you do die? Superannuation does not automatically form part of your Will […]
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Retirees wanting to downsize their home may consider the option of living in a granny flat, or an extension to / spare room of a relative or friend’s home. Money, the transfer of an asset or a combination of both, may be given as consideration for the right of accommodation, or a life interest in […]
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Introduction Investors continued to focus on rampant inflation and, in turn, potential changes in monetary policy settings. By the end of January, five interest rate increases in the US had been priced in to markets; a more aggressive tightening in policy settings than had been anticipated previously. These evolving expectations saw bond yields rise in […]
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Value is a funny thing. One person’s trash can be another person’s treasure, as the old saying goes. The value we place on something tends to be very individual, and is generally a product of many different factors ranging from cultural background and upbringing to personality type and even life stage. But as much as […]
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Portfolio construction is a much-used term that can be misunderstood. Fundamentally, the term portfolio construction refers to the process of selecting investments to create the optimal balance of risk and return. By mixing different types of investments and different asset classes, portfolios can be built in a way that maximises the return for any given […]
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If you have a family member who wants to get into the market sooner than that, you may have discussed whether you’d be willing to speed up the process (if you’re in a position to) by going guarantor. This is where you use the equity in your own property as security for the loan they’re […]
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Depending on the situation, you might get some of your ex partner’s super, or they may get some of yours. See what you need to know. A divorce from your husband or wife, or a separation from your de facto, could mean a division of your assets and debts, whether they’re held individually or together, and […]
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There are a number of ways you can contribute more to your super, to take advantage of time and the magic of compound interest. These include salary sacrificing, and a range of tax-deductible, spouse and downsizer contributions, as well as government co-contributions. What you do right now affects how well you can live in future. […]
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In terms of gender equality, we’ve come a long way over the past few decades. Australian homes and workplaces are very different places than they were in previous generations. But there’s still a long way to go. When it comes to superannuation there isn’t a level playing field for Australian men and women. Before we […]
