Financial Tips
2024 Year in Review: Successfully navigating uncertain times
The many unpredictable events of 2024 could easily have been disastrous for investment markets. Instead, we saw remarkable resilience and growth despite occasional volatility as investors reacted to the extraordinary times. While economic growth in Australia and overseas was underwhelming, share markets rode out the ups and downs to finish 2024 strongly. Super funds benefitted…
Gifting for future generations
At this time of year, when giving is particularly on our minds, some might turn their attention to how best share their wealth or an unexpected windfall with their loved ones. You might be thinking about handing over a lump sum to help them with a major purchase or business opportunity, or be keen to…
Surviving the silly season
Ah, Christmas! – the time of year when your bank account shrinks, your social calendar explodes, and your family dynamics resemble a poorly scripted soap opera. As we navigate this festive minefield of shopping, social gatherings, and feasting, it’s common to feel a little frazzled. In fact, research has found that the holiday season is…
How to spot a scam
Con artists make entertaining subjects for Hollywood scriptwriters (think The Wolf of Wall Street, Ocean’s Eleven and Catch Me If You Can), but there’s nothing enjoyable about being conned and fleeced in real life. On the latest figures available, Australians lose over $10 million every month to scammers. There are plenty of rackets running at any one time involving…
Insuring against loss of income
Protecting income from unexpected illness and injury is particularly important to anyone with a mortgage to service, small business owners and self-employed people with no sick leave available. With income protection insurance, you can be paid some 70 per cent of your income for a specified period to help when you cannot work.i The most…
How to end the financial year on a high note
As the financial year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to review your financial affairs and set the stage for a successful new financial year. By taking care of essential tasks and implementing strategic planning, you can position yourself for a smooth transition and a strong start for the year to come. Topping…
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…
How 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…
Setting 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….
Buying 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…
Sustainable 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…
How 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,…