Many Australians enter retirement with a lot of their wealth tied up in their home. But extracting cash from your property doesn’t have to involve selling it.
Investors often fall into the trap of thinking they’re more skilled than they actually are. But even if you’ve experienced a handful of wins, things can quickly take a turn.
Financial literacy in school age children is important, but the stakes get much higher once your kids start working and earning an income.
There are plenty of different investment types to choose from, but one of the more important distinctions you’ll encounter is between passive and active investments.
Behavioural economist Simon Russell discusses some of the ways that our unconscious mind might be calling the shots when it comes to investing.
Knowing you’ll inherit your parents’ home may be welcome news, but things can get very tricky if you have siblings you’ll have to share it with. Here are a few avenues you might find yourself considering.
Australians lost a total of $477 million to scams last year, with the majority of victims falling in the over-65 category. Here are a few common ploys used by cybercriminals you should be aware of.
Today’s property landscape might seem unfriendly to first home buyers, but do younger Australians really have it worse than their parents did?
Many business owners understand the importance of keeping overhead low, profits high, and doing what they can to stay ahead of the curve. As individuals, we might be able to apply some of these strategies in our own lives.
The challenges faced by both renters and first home buyers in 2023 look set to continue this year. Are you better off picking one over the other?
For financial educator Vanessa Stoykov, changing our attitude towards money means first understanding all the things that shaped it in the first place.
Learn to spot the telltale signs of fraudulent messages and help keep your finances safe.
If you’re looking to invest for your child, you should know there can be major drawbacks to doing so in their name.
AI is on the rise, and one group that’s been quick on the uptake has been cybercriminals. Here are just some of the ways the tech is being used to scam and steal.
High inflation may have complicated your plans to retire early, but there are few things you should consider before giving up.
Worried that you won’t be able to give your family a helping hand in life without dipping into your retirement savings? Here are a few tips.
Rising interest rates have been a thorn in the side of mortgage holders. But there is some good news to come from the RBA’s rate hikes.
Tax time is often stressful, but with a few smart strategies you may be able to minimise your tax burden and give yourself a nice little refund at the same time.
You don’t need a lump sum to keep the momentum going on your investments. Smaller, regular investments can be just as powerful.
Kick fear to the curb with some useful and practical tips on staying financially and emotionally resilient when things feel unsteady.
Learn some simple ways to help set yourself up to be fighting fit for the year ahead.
Investing in an education bond is one way to invest and save for a child’s education. We explain how they work.
If you’re in the lead up to retirement, you may be wondering what you can do to help keep your retirement plans on track. Read on for some ideas.
When interest rates change, checking in on your savings strategy can be a good idea. We share some things to consider if you are thinking about investing in a term deposit.
Putting legal arrangements in place with family members might seem unnecessary, but it may help protect you and your children if things go wrong.
How is your financial health? Check in on your finances with these simple and practical tips.
Your annual statement can provide an opportunity to scrutinise your super. Here we cover some areas to review when it comes your way.
Becoming a master of delayed gratification means you can buy as many marshmallows as you want, forever. Delayed gratification is basically your ability to resist the allure of an instant reward.
Between June and November of 2021, a group of Australians collectively lost an estimated $374,000 to a crypto investment scam. We hear a lot about the highs but there are also many lows.
Vanessa Stoykov is a renowned Australian money educator. In this special financial education piece, Vanessa shares five simple questions worth asking yourself that could very well save you thousands.
For some of us, there can often be an investing behaviour gap between what we should do, and what we actually do. In this article, we cover recent research findings on investment switching behaviour.
Vanessa Stoykov is a renowned Australian money educator. In this special financial education piece, Vanessa shares why it’s key to set investment goals and follow through with a plan to achieve them.
Vanessa Stoykov is a renowned Australian money educator. In this special financial education piece, Vanessa shares how children can alter our priorities and change our approach to long-term planning.
Your retirement income (and outcome) can be intrinsically linked to your accumulation, and use, of wealth inside super. In this article, we provide tips on reviewing your annual super statement.
A new financial year can be an opportune time to take stock of your overall personal finances and make changes if needed. In this article, we provide a list of questions that may help you with this.
When it comes to achieving financial wellbeing, financial literacy plays a key role. In this article, we have put together a quiz to test your knowledge across various areas of your personal finances.
With 30 June coming up, please consider putting aside time to review your personal finances—and take action, prior to this date, if appropriate. In this article, we provide EOFY planning tips.
In the finance industry, there can be a considerable amount of jargon. In this article, we help you to understand some of the commonly used jargon in the residential property investing environment.
Diversification is a key risk management strategy used when constructing an appropriate investment portfolio. In this article, we provide information on investment portfolios and concentration risk.
A home loan will most likely be the largest, and most time/cashflow-consuming, debt that you’ll pay off in your lifetime. In this article, we provide information on home loan repayment considerations.
In 2016, roughly 8.4 million (62%) of Australia’s 13.6 million home-owners did some kind of home improvement. In this article, we provide information on home improvements and overcapitalisation.
The pressure that can come with making a financial decision can lead to no decision being made and no action being taken. In this article, we discuss financial rules of thumb (decision shortcuts).
The receipt and review of your annual super statement can assist you to stay actively engaged with, and well-informed on, your super. In this article, we provide a review checklist to help with this.
The Treasurer delivered a ‘mini-budget’ on 23 July 2020—an economic and fiscal update. In this article, we provide a summary of the update, inclusive of the main personal finance-related points.
The construction industry (among others) has been adversely impacted by COVID-19. In this article, we provide information on the Government’s recently announced HomeBuilder grant program.
When looking at long-term data, the workforce participation rate of those aged 65 and over has steadily risen over the years. In this article, we discuss working during retirement and the Work Bonus.
With the end of financial year on the horizon, it’s important to review areas of our personal finances, and take action if required, before 30 June. In this article, we discuss EOFY planning tips.
To access super, a condition of release must be met. In this article, we list these conditions of release, and also provide information on the potential long-term impact of accessing super early.
When an adverse event does occur, the outcome for those with an appropriate measure in place and those without can be vastly different. In this article, we list various personal finance measures.
Economic and financial issues continue to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, we provide information on the Government’s support for individuals and households in this difficult time.
The returns of asset classes can alter our chosen asset allocation within an investment portfolio. In this article, we explore the importance of periodically rebalancing an investment portfolio.
A limit applies to the amount of super benefits you can transfer from accumulation phase to retirement phase to support an account-based pension. In this article, we discuss the transfer balance cap.
A resolution is a firm decision to do or not to do something. In this article, we discuss New Year’s resolutions, and why it can be challenging to keep these resolutions (and resolutions generally).
Change is inevitable. In this article, we cover legislative changes to the PBS, redundancy payments, salary sacrificing arrangements, and self-managed super funds (NALI and LRBAs).
When transferring wealth before your passing, it’s vital to consider the potential financial impact to you. In this article, we discuss Age Pension entitlements, and the gifting and deprivation rules.
When investing for the future, it’s important to understand the different types of asset classes (i.e. cash, fixed interest, property and shares). In this article, we explore asset classes further.
In retirement, you may find your retirement lifestyle being funded by a variety of different sources. In this article, we provide an overview of Australia’s three-pillar retirement income system.
An important relationship exists between monetary policy, cash rates and interest rates. In this article, we take a look at what this relationship means for borrowers, savers and investors (retirees).
Retirement income can often come from several sources. In this article, given the low interest rate environment, we discuss retirement in general, and also changes to the Age Pension deeming rates.
As a super fund member, you will be receiving your annual super statement soon. In this article, we provide you with a helpful checklist for reviewing this important document.
Following the federal election results, the Coalition has been re-elected. In this article, we provide a brief overview of one of their new proposed measures, the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme.
As we approach the end of financial year (EOFY), this can be an opportune time to do some fine-tuning in areas of your personal finances. In this article, we provide EOFY planning tips.
The FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement is a rather controversial social lifestyle movement that’s gaining some traction. In this article, we provide insight into this movement.
Proper, ongoing management accounting is crucial for running a successful, long-term business. This is the same for your personal accounting. In this article, we explore personal financial statements.
Whether you are a wealth accumulator or retiree, determining an appropriate investment risk profile is important. In this article, we discuss the process behind this in further detail.
The saying ‘asset-rich, but income-poor’ can be an accurate description of the financial situation of some retirees. In this article, we look at the Government’s Pension Loans Scheme.
Several proposals regarding small and medium businesses, primary producers and farmers, consumers, aged care and education have recently been legislated. In this article, we unpack these for you.
With 2019 here, it’s time to kick-start your personal finances for the year ahead. In this article, we provide you with a financial checklist to help you take stock of your personal circumstances.
For some of us, there will come a time when we part ways with our spouse for one reason or another. In this article, we look at several findings regarding the financial impact of divorce.
The finance section of the news, share market summaries and investor reports can often involve the use of technical words. In this article, we help you to understand share investing jargon.
The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) scheme is a one-off grant payable to first home owners that satisfy all the eligibility criteria. In this article, we delve into the details for each state/territory.
The financial lifecycle provides a simplistic framework upon which to understand the path people travel during their lives. In this article, we unpack what this means for you.
For some of us, there can often be a ‘behaviour gap’ between what we should do and what we actually do. In this article, we discuss investment market cycles and investor sentiment.
“The most important investment you can make is in yourself.” (Warren Buffett). In this article, we explore this quote within the context of helpful spending suggestions for making the most of your tax refund this year; however, it also has broader application regarding how you may wish to approach life in general.
In our daily lives, we are constantly confronted with consumer-based distractions of a predominantly ‘want purchase’ nature. As a result, staying on the path towards the achievement of your financial goals and objectives can sometimes prove difficult. In this article, we discuss this further.
When it comes to ageing and health in retirement, there are often three chapters that people will experience as they move through their retirement years. In this article, we look at this in terms of retirement planning and better informing your expectations of what retirement may entail for you.
When it comes to saving habits, there are often three camps, regular savers, irregular savers and non-savers. Invariably, there is a relationship between saving motives and saving habits; however, external factors can sometimes be a disruptive force.
Treasurer Scott Morrison delivered the 2018-19 Federal Budget on 8 May 2018. We provide you with a summary of the main proposed measures that may be relevant to you and your personal finances.
An emerging preference over the last few years has been the desire by some investors to align their investment values with their personal values. In this article, we highlight some of the finer details relating to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investing.
The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) provides a regularly updated guide as to what it may cost to fund your retirement in the post-work years, depending on your age, marital status and lifestyle. We drill further down into the detail and provide some useful insights.
Whether you are a business owner, manager or employee, you may find this article interesting. We discuss the benefits of businesses implementing workplace health and wellness programs. Put simply, research indicates that, healthy workers = healthy organisations = healthy business performance and productivity.
Residential investment properties are assets purchased to achieve an investment objective, and their acquisition is based on financial benefit. Income-generation is an important part of the rate of return equation. As such, we explore some considerations regarding attraction and retention of tenants.
Perspective can be a powerful tool when used appropriately. Have you ever wondered how you compare to the average Australian in terms of financial attitudes and behaviours? We look at several of the findings from ASIC’s latest Australian Financial Attitudes and Behaviour Tracker (Wave 5).
In our daily lives, we are constantly confronted with situations in which we are required, or in some instances encouraged, to make a decision about what we spend our money on. We discuss several of the results from the renowned Marshmallow Experiment and how they may apply to your personal finances.
For some retirees, travel can be a high priority, especially early on in retirement. You may want to capitalise on the time and resources available to you by travelling whilst you are still fit and healthy. Here are some savings tips to help with planning that next trip away (wealth accumulators may find it helpful too!).
The 2017 Budget introduced many proposed measures aimed at addressing the issue of housing affordability and several of these are now law. We will review the new laws and how they relate to a residential property investor, retirees wishing to downsize or a prospective first homebuyer.
How we pay for goods and services has significantly changed over time. The most notable was the move away from a barter system to what we now know as the currency system. Recently there has been talk regarding cryptocurrency, Bitcoin and blockchain. In this article, we explain what they are.
Warren Buffett, known as the ‘Oracle of Omaha’, is arguably one of the most successful investors of all time. In this article, we take a look at some of his most famous quotes and apply the meaning behind them to certain areas of your personal finances, such as investing, risk management and philanthropy.
Depending on your personal circumstances, you may find that an investment bond forms a component of your overall investment portfolio. In this article, we take a look at what an investment bond is and some important considerations before investing in one.
One of the risks facing retirees is the potential of running out of money in your retirement savings by living longer than expected; this is commonly referred to as longevity risk. In this article, we discuss several considerations for retirees in regards to longevity risk.
When considering your personal finances, is there a battle between your present and future self? In this article, we look at the importance of aligning your present self with your future self.
The new financial year has ushered in many legislative changes when it comes to personal finances. These are most noticeable in superannuation, but also impact other areas. Read more about these changes and how they may affect you.
You’ve probably heard the saying, “Don’t put all of your eggs in the one basket”, but what does it mean? In this article, we explore the importance of diversification when it comes to portfolio construction.
The end of financial year is close. In this article, we look at end of financial year planning strategies that may be worth considering, when it comes to tax and superannuation.
The domestic housing market has received considerable attention over the last 12 months due to concerns around housing affordability, especially for new entrants. In this article, we discuss things to consider before becoming a guarantor on a loan for a family member.
Whilst on the path to financial freedom, occasionally it can be helpful to gain perspective along the way, by considering and then reflecting on the financial attitudes and behaviours of others. In this article, we look at several of the interesting findings from the 2017 Wealth Report.
The 2017-18 Federal Budget delivered on the 9 May 2017 was packed with several already anticipated moves, whilst also delivering a few surprises. In this article, we provide a summary of the main announcements that may affect you.
If you are considering selling a small business or the assets it uses, you may be eligible for a range of CGT concessions to help reduce the capital gains tax associated with the sale. We discuss the several concessions that may be available to you.
The foundation of goals-based investing lies in ensuring that there is alignment between your financial goals and objectives, tolerance for risk and the way your investment portfolio is ultimately invested. We explore this in a little more detail.
A belief held by many economists is that there is at least one more interest rate cut expected from the Reserve Bank of Australia this year should employment, wages growth, and household spending continue to remain sluggish. We examine interest rate predictions and what they may mean for you.
Wealth accumulation can be as simple as putting aside money each week into a high-interest savings account, paying down your debts, or building a diversified investment portfolio inside or outside of superannuation. Does the family home also come into mind when considering your personal wealth?
Have you ever sat around the dinner table with a friend or family member or attended an ‘investment’ conference or seminar and repeatedly heard someone say, “Now, this is not a pyramid scheme”? Pyramid schemes are illegal schemes under Australian Consumer Law.
When most people think about investing in property they tend to think about residential homes or commercial properties such as shops, offices or industrial buildings. But there is another way to invest in property through listed property securities often referred to as Real Estate Investment Trusts or REITS. What are REITS and how do they work?
The official cash rate in Australia now sits at a record low 1.5 per cent. The Reserve Bank of Australia cut the official cash rate in August for the second time in 2016. So why do interest rates move up and down all the time?
Are you planning a renovation? Renovating a property is more than just a pure financial decision. It can have significant implications not only for your cash flow, but also for your lifestyle. So before you get going, take stock and make sure you’ve considered everything.
A new financial year, just like a new calendar year is a great time to set new goals and make resolutions. For many people, setting resolutions is the easy part, but sticking to them can be quite difficult - some tricks on setting resolutions you can actually achieve.
In the current environment many investors are seeking additional sources of return for their portfolios, but with slower economic growth and low interest rates this can be difficult to find and can often lead to investing in higher risk strategies.
Breaking up is hard to do! Particularly when it comes to getting back in control of your finances. We outline some important steps that you’ll need to take following divorce or separation.
If the majority of a group is doing a certain thing, it becomes increasingly difficult not to follow the group. This pressure can affect many different aspects of behaviour, even decisions we make with our money. Understanding these biases can assist you in making better decisions.
The 2016 Federal Budget may impact you more than you think, mainly because your tax dollars go towards making it happen, but also because changes were announced that affect nearly every Australian.
Tax time can be a breeze for some and a nightmare for others. As we are just a few months away from the end of financial year, now is the perfect time to organise your financial affairs with our end of financial year planning tips!
Different portfolio managers have different styles when it comes to how they invest. This article takes a closer look at active and indexed investing styles and the philosophies that guide them. Do you know the difference?
Moving in with a partner can be an exciting time, but don’t just jump in. Take the time to think upfront about the financial practicalities and what it could mean if things don’t go according to plan. This might apply to you or a loved one.
You may have heard about investor bias, but do you know how it affects you? Have a look at these common investor biases and see how they may influence your financial decisions. Even having awareness of them can help.
With so many decisions to make in life, we often forget to plan. But certain events are too important to gamble with - have you planned for the things that matter?
Spring property season is here and many investors are on the hunt. Perhaps you are considering whether investing in property is the appropriate choice for you? Here are some things you might like to consider first.
The investment markets are volatile once again. So what should investors do? It can be difficult to sit tight during turbulent times, but it’s important to maintain a balanced perspective. Perhaps these reminders can help.
There are many things to consider when returning to work after caring for young ones. There are both financial and non-financial considerations. This article explores the important things that need to be considered.
When it comes to retiring, there are a number of risks that retirees face that are specific to the retirement life stage. This article explores the most common risks retirees face and how to prepare for and manage them.
The 2015 Federal Budget was relatively tame, with a big focus on creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. Our article looks at what’s in it for you. From the changes for the young and unemployed, for families, business owners, to the over 50's and the already retired.
Knowing just what to do with surplus cash can be difficult. How do you figure out whether it’s better to invest in your own name, pay down your mortgage or put more in your super fund?
The end of another financial year is fast approaching and now is a great time to think about the ways you can build and protect your wealth. Here are some great ideas in the lead up to 30 June.
How do you work out the value of your home when you want to put it on the market? Do you leave it up to the real estate agent to tell you what they think it’s worth, or should you set the price?
Parents want lots of things for their children. They have dreams for them from the moment they are born. We explore the financial cost of a happy life, a good education and plenty of opportunities for your kids.
If an early retirement is something you aspire to, here are five things you need to know.
If you’re looking to go broke then here are a few tried and tested money mistakes that people make and which can put you on the road to financial distress, fast! If you don’t want to go broke, avoid these.
The benefits of a well-planned and executed home renovation are both financial and personal. Whilst renovating can be very exciting, it can also be quite stressful if not managed or budgeted properly. Here are our top tips to for planning a renovation:
Given the complexities of retiring, even with a plan, you can sometimes make mistakes.
But the good news is that we can learn from some of the more common mistakes that retirees make, in the hope that we may be able to avoid making them ourselves.
There are fundamental differences between Joint Tenants VS Tenants in Common, we review the importance of getting it right when purchasing assets with other people.
This month we highlight the concept of 'real rate of return' and its importance when investing, particularly in low interest rate and high inflation environments.
It’s never too early or too late to start planning for your retirement. We investigate what an average retirement income looks like and how much you might need to save in order to live a comfortable retirement.
Investing in commercial property can be via direct investment or through a more diversified approach such as property syndicates or Australian Real Estate Investment Trusts (A-REITs). This article discusses the benefits and risks of commercial property investing.
For many people picking up a coffee on the way to work is as routine as brushing their teeth. But do you know what your coffee habit is really costing you?
In this article we explore the concept of imputation credits, also known as franking credits and how they can benefit Australian investors.
Money is often referred to as wealth and people measure wealth in different ways. Some think of wealth as being their total assets, whilst others use their annual salary and some their hourly wage. But what exactly is money and what does it represent to you?
You don’t need to be an economic whiz to understand the Federal Budget, just take a quick look at our “Jargon Buster – Federal Budget Edition” for explanation of key terminology used by politicians, economists and the media when talking about the budget.
The Treasurer Joe Hockey announced the toughest Federal Budget since 1996 with the tightening of the nation’s belt and a focus on cost cutting to lower the nation’s $49.9 billion deficit. The budget measures announced propose a reduction in the deficit next year to $29.8 billion and a gradual decrease over the next 3 years following to an estimated $2.8 billion in 2017/18.
The Australia Federal Budget is a hot topic at the moment and this article is a timely discussion explaining why the Australian Government has a federal budget, what it is designed to do and how it is implemented.
The decision on whether to give children pocket money, at what age, and how much will largely depend on your family values and financial position. What benefit does a little pocket money have in teaching children how to manage money?
This article explains in brief some of the key concepts relating to currency, currency risk and what changes to currency means for investors in international funds.
Did you know that there’s a simple way to work out how long it will take you to double your money? You might not even need a calculator!
With the end of the financial year having just passed, it means it's now time to get ready to lodge your 2012/13 tax return! This article provides our top tips to help you prepare and get the most from your 2012/13 tax return.
If you feel like you’ve run out of time to get your affairs in order, the good news is there’s a few considerations which can help minimise your tax, and make the most of the money you earn.
This year’s Federal Budget has been quoted as the Treasuer’s Swan Song. This article will briefly review the main points within the Budget.
This article takes a brief look into what is actually involved in the Federal Parliamentary Process and the steps that need to be taken to make a proposal into law.
If your budget points to there being surplus income left over each pay, it helps to have a plan for these savings.
As of the 30th September 2012 the first home owner grant for established properties will end. This will be replaced by the New Homes Scheme from 1 October 2012.
The Age Pension is a Government financial benefit paid to Australian residents upon reaching a certain age, ranging from 60 years and up.
If things are a bit tight you may be able to spend less without making too many radical changes to your standard of living. Making small changes can make a significant difference over the longer term.
If you missed the Budget, we have a summary for you, it has been described as taking from the rich and giving to the poor.
Higher volatility in financial markets is being touted as the 'new norm'. During choppy times in financial markets, investors are prone to making investment decisions based on fear.
One way to ride out the financial market volatility is Dollar Cost Averaging. This is a simple investment strategy that takes the guesswork out of the 'right' time to invest.
For some, it may seem trivial to review the nature of compounding, but it’s such a powerful tool for any investor that it warrants a review in this article.
An Accountant named Graeme decided not to have children, because according to his calculations, it was $250,000 per child to raise. The question is, what do you get for your $250,000?
Have you bought a ticket in the Lotto? Have you ever looked at the odds? What are the winning odds of buying a Lotto ticket every week for 47 years. You might be surprised.
If you do have future financial goals, such as, retirement, buying a house, paying off your mortgage or buying a car or boat, then planning can certainly help achieve such goals in a timely and effective way.
Although some parents are dead against it, many like the idea of giving their kids a bit of assistance to get started into adulthood. Regardless of what you look at, the earlier you start, the easier it will be.
There was a sad story recently of a middle aged man who gave up his job and decided he would work from home trading shares. He had been to a share trading course and bought the software...
What does it mean to calibrate your confidence? Consider the accident ratios for young drivers. Drivers under 21 are more likely to be in a car accident than those over 21. Is the reason for this inexperience and therefore a lack of driving competence?
Money Personality is an innovative tool which can be used to further understand your preferences for dealing with money. This article provides some interesting background on this concept.
Before you ask for your next payrise, or receive your next payrise, ask yourself “is this going to be just another insane payrise?” So what makes for an “insane payrise”?
The Henry Report into the tax system is out, as well as the Government delivered their Budget for 2010. Taking a step back from the detail, one thing is guaranteed – our financial system will keep changing.
The RBA Governor has recently warned us to expect that interest rates will continue to climb. So what should you do in an environment where interest rates are still on the rise?
Debt and leverage was one of the main causes of the GFC. How did people lose their homes?
As there are so many areas of finance, it can be overwhelming to review every area of your finances. Here is a short list of suggestions that might help you choose some areas that you would like to review or make a change in.
Your money personality indicates what you are likely to look at, and how you are likely to make a financial decision. It applies to both the significant and trivial, like buying a house, a car and an ice cream.
What is the best way to achieve financial success? Money and finance have been around long enough now that surely someone has come up with the best way to achieve financial success.
70% of people experience conflict around money; perhaps the other 30% just don’t talk about it. Swiss psychologist Carl Jung believes that conflict is seldom based on what we are trying to achieve, but an outcome of disagreements on what is the best way to achieve what we want?