Financial Tips
Financial wellbeing is a gift worth giving yourself
The festive season is a time of joy and celebration but, for some, it can also lead to a financial hangover in the New Year. Overspending on gifts, parties, and decorations can quickly add-up, leaving us with unwanted debt in the New Year. In 2022, Australians spent more than $66.7 billion during the pre-Christmas sales…
Read MoreHow the Aussie dollar moves your investments
It has been a wild ride for the Australian dollar since the Covid-19 pandemic struck and that could mean good news or bad news for your investment portfolio. In March 2020 the Aussie dipped below US58 cents for the first time in a decade. Since then, a high of just over US77 cents in 2021…
Read MoreSetting yourself up for success in the new financial year
The start of a new financial year is the perfect time to get your financial affairs in order. Whether it’s tidying up your paperwork, assessing your portfolio or dealing with outstanding issues, there are plenty of practical actions you can take. Here are some strategies for starting the new financial year on the right foot.…
Read MoreBuying shares for kids: a gift that keeps on giving
Many parents and grandparents worry about how to help the children in their lives achieve financial independence. But the value of long-term investment can seem like a dry and complicated idea for kids to get their heads around. In fact, many young people would like to know more about money, according to a Young People…
Read MoreSustainable investing on the rise
Sustainable investing isn’t new and is becoming more mainstream. From climate change to gender diversity, more people are aligning their money with their values. In 2021, Australia’s sustainable investment market increased 20 per cent to a record $1.5 trillion. The Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) 2022 benchmark report found sustainable investments represents 43 per cent…
Read MoreHow to react when markets drop
Even for investors who buy stocks for their long-term growth potential, sharp drops can still be hard to stomach. Here are some things to keep in mind if a market tumble makes you feel the need to “do something.” While investing in the stock market is typically a prudent choice for investors seeking long-term growth,…
Read MoreInvesting in inflation
Inflation appears to be firmly on the rise and while that is bad news for consumers it’s not necessarily bad news for investors. In fact, inflation may provide new opportunities. In the September quarter, the consumer price index (CPI) rose 3 per cent year on year, a level previously not forecast to be reached until…
Read MoreKicking financial goals in 2022
After a difficult year of COVID disruptions and uncertainty, the summer holidays can’t come quickly enough. It’s a chance to refresh and reflect on the year that was and hopefully set some goals for year ahead. Yet this year more than most, many of us may feel that our personal and financial priorities have shifted…
Read MoreWhat exactly is inflation?
By Beatrice Yeo, Economist What exactly is inflation? Why is the RBA so keen to see it return? And more importantly, what does this all mean for investors? The Reserve Bank of Australia has recently made an unprecedented change to the way it targets inflation. The bank’s mandate is to use monetary policy to keep…
Read MoreThe financial rewards of optimism
If it wasn’t already clear, the past 12 months certainly cemented the fact that life has a habit of throwing us the occasional curveball. The reality is we all face challenges, however approaching life with a positive mindset can help us deal with any issues we may face and improve our lives in many ways.…
Read MoreTime to review your income protection cover
If you’ve owned an individual income protection or salary continuance policy in recent years, you may have seen your premiums increase as insurers struggled to cover their large losses on these products.i Given the ongoing competition and generous features in some products, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has decided it’s time for some new…
Read MoreManaging investment risk in uncertain times
2020 exposed investors to the end of a bull market and the start of a global recession, all caused by a totally unexpected global pandemic. The outlook for the global economy and investment markets remains uncertain until an effective vaccine is available. While there is cause for optimism now that vaccines are becoming available, the…
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