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 has been followed by a rollercoaster ride, mostly downhill.
Should I buy insurance through my super?
While we all hope for good health, the reality is that some of us may struggle at times with sickness or injury. And that may affect your family’s financial wellbeing.
Different types of life insurance or personal insurance can provide an income when you’re unable earn, or a lump sum to protect your loved ones if the worst happens.
Simple ways to save money
Find out how to save money every day and make a savings plan to stay on track.
An online savings account is a great way to grow your money faster. Unlike a transaction account, you can’t spend money directly from a savings account, so it's harder to dip into your savings.
The retirement index you need to track
The long-term returns of asset classes are a reference point for future retirees.
Vanguard’s inaugural How Australia Retires study, released in May 2023, found that people with the highest confidence about their future retirement tend to take the most purposeful action to prepare.
Do career breaks come with a retirement price tag?
More working-age Australians intend to take a career break at some point. We've calculated the potential impact of doing so on retirement superannuation balances.
Extended career breaks were once a rarity for most Australian workers but these days they are more common.
What is refinancing and why would I do it?
As a home owner with a mortgage, chances are you’ve heard of the term 'refinancing'. Refinancing involves reviewing your current mortgage, and potentially swapping your loan to another lender who can better meet your current needs, wants and circumstances.
Refinancing can also allow you to consolidate your debts or pay down your mortgage more quickly.
Retirement planning for small business owners
When you run your own business a good retirement plan can bring real peace of mind. Read more about your options - and why it's never too early to start.
When you’re busy running your own business retiring could be the last thing on your mind. But planning your retirement well in advance can make it easier to enjoy the future you want.
Australians need a retirement confidence boost
Giving Australians better access to high-quality and more affordable financial advice is imperative.
One of the fundamental principles for achieving long-term investment success is planning.
In fact, the importance of having a clear financial plan, whether it’s formal or informal, can’t be overstated. As is the importance of sticking to it.
Take your 28 days to decide
How you choose to pay for your room in aged care is an important decision, and with large dollars involved, it is one that should not be rushed. Know your rights and take time to get advice.
How iron ore plays a big part in our economy
Iron ore has been the backbone of the Australian economy and many investment portfolios for much of the 21st century.
In 1921, iron ore accounted for 68 per cent of Australia’s export revenue. This was the year that iron ore prices peaked at almost $US230 a tonne.i
However, its growth as an export icon really took off with the first shipment of iron ore from the Pilbara in Western Australia in 1966.
How to boost your super with a lump sum
If you’re lucky enough to have received a windfall, perhaps an inheritance or a retrenchment payout, your first decision will be what to do with it.
Assuming you have decided against a shopping splurge, finding the best place to invest a lump sum is all about the effect on your tax bill and how soon you will need access to the funds.
The automotive industry sparking up with electric vehicles
With electric vehicles fast overtaking petrol driven cars in sales in Australia, what are the considerations for the industry, the environment, and consumers?
The popularity of electric vehicles has been a long time coming. While electric vehicles may just be giving petrol driven cars a run for their money now, the technology has been around for centuries.
How to save for your child’s education
Education is a wonderful gift that parents can provide to their children as it opens doors to a brighter future.
If you are considering private schools, it is essential to plan in advance though. With the rising costs of education and various expenses associated with that, these costs can quickly add up to $40,000 a year.
But don’t worry, we are here to help you navigate through it.
In this article, our adviser Leandro Bonin covers ways you can save effectively for your child's education, avoid common pitfalls and ensure a secure financial future.
How can I apply for a Higher Level Home Care Package?
As we age, we may require additional support to maintain our independence and quality of life. For many seniors, this can involve accessing home care services that help with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, and personal care. One way to access more comprehensive home care services is by applying for a higher level home care package.
The importance of SMSF succession planning
Preparing for loss of capacity or death is vital for SMSF members. It's important to ensure your trust deed is watertight.
There are more than 600,000 self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) in Australia, managing close to $900 billion of assets on behalf of over a million Australians.
7 things you need to know about burnout
As any small business owner knows, entrepreneurship can be all-consuming. Juggling jobs and wearing multiple hats can soon leave business owners with little time for anything else. But ignoring your mental health and wellbeing comes at a cost and that cost is burnout, writes results coach and change facilitator Sue Giacobbe.
Making conscious the unconscious for better decisions
When you’re faced with a decision, do you trust your feelings or do you look at the situation objectively, making a careful list of pros and cons? Emotions exert a strong influence on our decisions, so it’s important to have a bit of balance between reason and emotion – particularly when it comes to the big decisions in life.
Managing the costs of raising children
It is a special feeling to welcome a new child or grandchild into the world and watch them grow. Sharing their joy as they reach new milestones is priceless.
Of course, there is a real cost – raising a child is expensive, particularly now as the cost-of-living spirals higher.
Will these super changes affect you?
As our superannuation balances grow larger, it makes more sense than ever to keep track of the many rules changes that have recently happened.
So, check out these latest changes in case they affect you.
Options and costs of government-funded aged care
If you need help in your home, or can no longer live independently, the Australian Government provides a range of aged care services.
These services are subsidised, but you need to contribute to the cost if you can afford to.