Why it’s so important to talk about your finances

According to this research1, one in two Australians don’t sit down regularly to look at their finances and one in three say that money is a source of conflict in their relationship.

If you're age 60 or over, own your home and need to access money, releasing equity from your home may be an option.

There is risk involved and a long-term financial impact. Get independent financial or legal advice before you go ahead.

Check the income to declare, when to report a loss, and deductions you can claim for managed investment trusts.

You must show any income or credits you receive from any trust investment product on your tax return.

Diversification is an investment strategy that lowers your portfolio's risk and helps you get more stable returns.

You diversify by investing your money across different asset classes — such as shares, property, bonds and private equity. Then you diversify across the different options within each asset class.

Preparing to retire is emotional and practical. Making a retirement plan can help you manage your finances, and cope better as your life and priorities change.

Your retirement plan can be simple or detailed.

Salary sacrifice is an agreement with your employer to contribute a certain amount of your pre-tax salary or potential bonus into your super. The aim is to potentially reduce your tax and boost your super balance at the same time.

Step one: what are your financial pain points?

When you start making plans, chances are you’ll both come across financial pain points. In other words, the areas that need some attention and possible alterations. These might include:

If you find a transaction in your account that you don't recognise, it could be unauthorised or mistaken.

If you think something is wrong, contact your bank as soon as possible.

From Proverbs to John Lennon, many people have said it - and the last nine months have been a reminder of its truth: life happens when you are making other plans. While investors were worrying about the recession that sharply rising interest rates would surely lead to, fretting about the cost of living and waiting for unemployment to rise and earnings to drop, the stock market was quietly building a powerful rally.

Second marriages may present additional financial challenges when balancing day-to-day expenses with implications for aged care funding. You may not share finances equally, but Centrelink/DVA will assess your obligations as if you do.

Retirement, for many, signifies the culmination of decades of hard work and the well-deserved opportunity to enjoy life on one's own terms.

It's a phase where the idea of flexibility takes centre stage, providing individuals with the freedom to dictate their daily schedule, engage in activities they love, and spend quality time with people they love.

The decision to fix your rate or stick with a variable option can be a tough one to make. With so much rate uncertainty it can be hard to be confident in your decision. In this article we cover off the benefits and considerations of a split loan.

Residential property investors have been on a wild ride in recent years as prices slumped during the pandemic then quickly skyrocketed before losing ground again.

Now, with prices levelling out or slowly increasing, there is good news around the corner, according to some analysts.i

Navigating complex family relationships and blended families can be challenging at times and particularly when a family member dies.

A good estate plan can help to make sure your wishes are carried out when you die. An estate plan, of which a will is the first and most important part, can ensure your estate is distributed in the way you want.

How much is enough? It’s a good question. Our relationship with our finances can be a tricky one. Everyone has a different idea of how much it takes to be comfortable or even well off.

Given it is something that has such a strong influence on how we live our lives it’s unsurprising that money, or the pursuit of it, can develop into somewhat of an addiction.

The world is an amazing place, with so much to see and do. In fact, sometimes it can feel as though there is so much to experience it can be quite a challenge selecting a destination, but if you follow your heart and explore your passions when planning a trip you can’t go wrong.

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.

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.

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 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.