Sarah Haines Sarah Haines

The cost of not investing

For many people, the phrase “investing in the share market” is framed by either gains and losses. For the “gains” group, the thought of increasing their wealth and having the potential to generate returns is what propels them to invest. For the “losses” group, the thought of losing money is what keeps them out of the market and from investing their hard-earned monies into what they might perceive as a risky endeavour.

Read More
Sarah Haines Sarah Haines

The value of having a budget

The cost of coffee made headlines a few weeks ago when it was reported prices could reach up to $7 a cup.

Although counter reports came out sceptical of such a price hike, it's undeniable that Australians are experiencing a creeping rise in expenses across the board. From petrol to groceries to travel, things are feeling more expensive because, well, they are.

Read More
Sarah Haines Sarah Haines

Staying passive is being active

Heightened global markets volatility – as we’re experiencing right now – can easily trigger kneejerk reactions by panicked investors.

Widespread selling, triggered by the Russia-Ukraine crisis, has been behind the recent big swings on global financial markets, including on stock markets, commodities markets, and currency markets.

Read More
Sarah Haines Sarah Haines

Where can I find Retirement Villages in the Country?

Do you dream of retiring in the country? Do you feel it’s time to leave the rat race behind and get among the fresh air, great outdoors and tight-knit community country towns are renowned for? Many retirees decide to move to country areas so they can enjoy a slower pace of life during their golden years.

Read More
Sarah Haines Sarah Haines

Investing for a house deposit

The surge in house prices around Australia over the last two years has done little to quell the notion that getting on the property ladder is an increasingly difficult feat, particularly for younger investors.

Read More
Sarah Haines Sarah Haines

Higher interest rates may not be bad news if you’re entering Aged Care

It all depends whether you’re paying the published price or going in as a low-means resident.

Rising interest rates are good news if you want to invest in cash and fixed-interest investments, and not so great if you are borrowing money. But are rising interest rates good or bad if you are moving into aged care?

Read More
Sarah Haines Sarah Haines

Guide to aged care at home

As we get older, most of us want to remain independent and in our own home for as long as possible, but this can be challenging without some help with household tasks and personal care.

Read More
Sarah Haines Sarah Haines

Tech tips to get more hours in your day

Life just seems to get ever busier as the years roll by and our most precious commodity is often our time. We could all do with a few more hours in the day and technology continues to play a vital role in bringing efficiencies into our daily lives.

Read More
Sarah Haines Sarah Haines

Coming to terms with stagflation

First, we had to brush up our understanding of inflation and what it means for our hip pocket and our investments. Now the term stagflation is being thrown into the economic mix.

Read More
Sarah Haines Sarah Haines

RBA lifts cash rate for the third month in a row to 1.35%

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has increased the official cash rate by another 50 basis points to 1.35% amid continuing inflation pressures. How much will this third consecutive rate hike increase your monthly mortgage repayments?

Read More
Sarah Haines Sarah Haines

Your investing style - as unique as you

As interest rates start to increase after a lengthy period of historical lows, it’s a good time to think about how your money is working for you and whether your investing style and strategy is still in line with your goals.

Read More
Sarah Haines Sarah Haines

A Will to give

As baby boomers shift into retirement, Australia is on the brink of the nation’s biggest ever intergenerational wealth transfer. Yet estate or inheritance planning is rarely discussed by families.

Read More
Sarah Haines Sarah Haines

A super window of opportunity

New rules coming into force on July 1 will create opportunities for older Australians to boost their retirement savings and younger Australians to build a home deposit, all within the tax-efficient superannuation system.

Read More
Sarah Haines Sarah Haines

No more Mr nice Guy: the ATO wants its money

Tax time is just around the corner and the ATO has sent out a warning to businesses around the country that owe it money: the COVID-19 moratorium on debt collection has come to an end. Rest assured though, you’ve got some options.

Read More
Sarah Haines Sarah Haines

Preparing for the next chapter

Retirement means starting a new chapter of your life, one that gives you the freedom to create your own story, as you decide exactly how you want to spend your time. While retirement may not be part of your immediate plans, there are advantages to giving some thought as to what retirement looks like for you and how to best position yourself, well before you leave the workforce behind.

Read More
Sarah Haines Sarah Haines

A super end to the financial year

As the end of the financial year approaches, now is a good time to check your super and see what you could do to boost your retirement nest egg. What’s more, you could potentially reduce your tax bill at the same time.

Read More
Sarah Haines Sarah Haines

How to manage rising interest rates

Rising interest rates are almost always portrayed as bad news, by the media and by politicians of all persuasions. But a rise in rates cuts both ways.  

Read More