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.
How to boost your Super before June 30th
As the end of the financial year approaches, now it is an excellent time to consider boosting your retirement savings by making additional contributions to your superannuation.
There are different types of contributions available, and each comes with different tax implications.
Getting your bounce back
Life is pretty frantic, and it is common to feel like it’s a struggle to keep up the pace. In fact, feeling exhausted is so common that it has its own acronym, TATT, which stands for "tired all the time".
While it’s somewhat comforting to know you’re not alone, it’s certainly not a nice feeling, so let’s look at some of the best ways to get some bounce back into your step.
Why an emergency fund delivers peace of mind
When life tosses up an unexpected event – such as retrenchment, a medical emergency or even just a big bill to fix the car – it can be nerve-wracking worrying about how to deal with the crisis. And, if funds are short, that just adds to the stress.
But imagine that you have a secret cash stash – an emergency fund – that will cover the costs, giving you the mental space to deal with the problem.
5 loan strategies to consider during higher interest rate periods
When interest rates are high, the mindset you have toward your loan should be different to when interest rates are lower.
Being able to make your ongoing repayments when rates are high is an achievement in itself.
Four powerful ways to build investing confidence
Emotions always play a role in investing. For some investors, especially newer ones, it can be hard to separate the idea of investing from “losing it all.” If you’re anxious or insecure about your investing plan, you could make heat-of-the-moment decisions during market downturns that might not be best for your long-term goals.
Is property investment for you?
When it comes to investing in real estate, equity is a key concept to wrap your head around. The Successful Investor’s Michael Sloan explains what equity is, and how you can use it to your advantage.
The cost of refinancing
Refinancing can be a great way to save money if you believe you are paying too much for your loan, but there is more to it than just finding a loan with a lower interest rate and making the change. Before making the switch, ensure the savings you could make outweigh the fees involved.
Retirement planning: it’s not all about the money
Retirement is often a massive life change for the majority of people who experience it. Most of us will have mixed emotions around the end of our working life and the beginning of our 'second half'. For some it will be a relief, and something they have long planned for and are looking forward to, but for others it will be a source of anxiety.
Why superannuation funds fees matter
The fees you pay on your super could have a material impact on how you retire, which is why it's important to understand how they work.
A quick internet search of the term “super fees” turned up other questions people ask, including “what fees are charged on superannuation?”, “do all super (funds) have fees?” and “how do you calculate super fees?”.
A financial safety net through super
Most super funds offer life, total and permanent disability (TPD) and income protection insurance for their members.
When reviewing your insurance, check if you're covered through your super fund. Compare it with what's available outside super to find the right policy for you.
Think you’ll never fall for a scam? Think again!
It’s no secret that scammers are getting more sophisticated. As this is an ever-evolving space, scammers are constantly developing new ways to part you with your hard-earned cash - and they cast their net wide.
How to get super ready for EOFY
Superannuation has dominated recent headlines, with proposed changes announced by Treasurer Jim Chalmers. While the details of these changes still need to be released, it’s worthwhile turning our focus to superannuation balances as we approach the end of financial year.
How do interest rates affect your investments?
Interest rates are an important financial lever for world economies. They affect the cost of borrowing and the return on savings, and it makes them an integral part of the return on many investments. It can also affect the value of the currency, which has a further trickle-down effect on other investments.
Three simple steps for financial wellness
If money’s too tight to mention, here’s some small steps that can make a big difference in achieving your financial goals.
How would you rate your level of financial wellness?
What is portfolio rebalancing?
Just like your car needs a periodic service to stay in tune, here's why you should rebalance your portfolio from time to time.
A portfolio’s asset allocation reflects an investor’s goals and temperament—the need for return as well as the ability to withstand market turbulence.
5 essential investment property strategies
Buying your first investment property can be a bold step towards a more prosperous and secure future. But it also poses risks. The Successful Investor’s Michael Sloan outlines five strategies to help you take the right path.
Trust your gut to boost your health
Gut health has become one of the hottest health topics in recent years as we have started to learn about the complex connection between gut health and overall health. So why is gut health so important and how can we support and boost our own microbiomes?
Star ratings for Aged Care help make family choices easier
Moving into aged care can be a challenging time, both for those making the move and families supporting their loved ones. It's understandable that everyone wants to find the most suitable accommodation and the appropriate standard of care, however, it can be confusing to make that choice.
Flexing your retirement plans
The concept of retirement is changing, with fewer people working towards a final retirement date and then clocking off for good.
Instead, those who have the flexibility to choose are often transitioning out of the workforce over several years, or even returning after a break.