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Our Financial Wellbeing Blog
Let us keep you up-to-date on everything finance related
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How to make your budget work for you this year
February 14, 2019Budgeting is the key to creating financial security and independence. But having a budget in place is just the beginning: once you have a budget for your household, it’s important to make sure it’s working. This is a simpler task… MORE -
How to profit from demographics
January 23, 2019How to profit from demographics Demographic trends promise something priceless. By observing the changing structure of a population’s age and income, patient investors who accurately forecast these slow-moving trends can benefit clients over the long term. In the near term,… MORE -
Despite recent volatility, global sharemarkets generally remain attractive for long term investors
December 14, 2018The past year has seen equities world-wide produce low or negative returns accompanied by much volatility. The main causes have been fears of rising interest rates in the United States and the threat of a US/China trade war. Both are… MORE -
How much power does an Enduring Power of Attorney have?
November 22, 2018When people consider estate planning they often only think about what happens after they pass away but ensuring they are protected during their lifetime if they lose capacity is just as important. The best way to ensure you will be… MORE -
Education the greatest gift of all
November 13, 2018With baby boomers – the wealthiest generation in history and living longer and enjoying better health than previous generations - it’s no surprise that their role in Australian families has changed dramatically. More than ever before, grandparents have become active… MORE -
Update on recent sharemarket volatility
October 29, 2018On Friday last week the Australian sharemarket (S&P/ASX 200) closed down by 2.8% in response to a falling US sharemarket. What factors have driven the sell-off? The fall in Australian and offshore equity markets since the start of October can… MORE -
A decade after the GFC, global recovery gathers pace
September 1, 2018Next month marks the 10th anniversary of the worst days of the global financial crisis in 2008, when governments and central banks around the world took urgent action to prevent financial systems from collapsing and to avoid a deep and… MORE -
Aged 65+ and downsizing? A new rule could save you tax.
August 26, 2018From 1 July 2018, people aged 65 and over will be able to sell their main residence and then make a ‘downsizer’ contribution into superannuation of up to $300,000 from the sale proceeds of their main residence. Both members of a… MORE -
Why your social media accounts should not be ignored when you make your Will
August 1, 2018Social media accounts live on after their creators die, and their existence can create uncertainty for estate executors as well as distress for family members. Digital footprints on death are an issue of growing importance as social media usage proliferates… MORE -
Australian sharemarket still on the rise
July 21, 2018How do higher bond yields actually affect sharemarkets? The Australian sharemarket finished the 2017/18 financial year with a solid gain of 13%. A favourable global macro-economic backdrop provided the tailwind for this result, in particular: • Our inflation remains benign… MORE -
Why Australian interest rates could stay low for decades… and what that means for your investments
June 15, 2018Many investors fear the impact of a return to interest rates of 5%, 6% or even 7%pa that were considered normal just a few years ago. They worry about the impact on share and property markets, they worry about locking… MORE -
Warning for SMSF trustees: New superannuation pension cap of $1.6m now in place
June 8, 2018The maximum amount of superannuation that can be used to fund a tax-free pension in retirement is now restricted to a cap of $1.6 million per member. For example, say you are over age 60 and have met a condition… MORE -
Australians at higher risk this year of being penalised for exceeding superannuation contribution limits
May 17, 2018Changes to the superannuation rules in effect for the 2017/18 financial year are designed to further limit the amount of money Australians can contribute to the tax advantaged superannuation system. This year’s lower maximum limits could be a trap for… MORE -
Are warnings overplayed of an early spike in the bond yield forcing the sharemarket into an early and deep slump?
May 4, 2018We’re being warned often that rising bond yields will cause an early and sharp crash in share prices. Some commentators get straight to the point: “Bond yields up, shares down”. Others move into verbal overdrive: “Bond yields are surging …… MORE -
Why the return of sharemarket volatility (after relatively smooth sailing in 2017) should not be a major concern for investors.
April 30, 2018Sharemarkets, so far in 2018, are providing a contrast to the robust returns enjoyed by investors in 2017. The Australian S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index returned -3.9% for the March quarter, Japan’s Nikkei 225 Index finished the March quarter with a… MORE -
Same sex marriage and the attendant implications for estate planning
April 6, 2018The recent passing of the Same Sex Marriage Bill by Parliament is cause for celebration for those in a same sex relationship, but they should also be aware of the legal implications of marriage, and plan for their family’s future… MORE -
What is the risk & return profile of your investment portfolio?
March 15, 2018What is the risk & return profile of your investment portfolio? Find out here MORE -
What are the long term prospects for the Australian sharemarket?
March 2, 2018What are the long term prospects for the Australian sharemarket? Find out here - free webinar (6:35 mins) Client Investment Update Webinar March 2018 MORE -
How much can you contribute to superannuation this year?
February 22, 2018Changes to the superannuation rules in effect for the 2017/18 financial year are designed to further limit the amount of money Australians can contribute to, and keep in, the tax advantaged superannuation system. So, how much can you contribute this… MORE -
How to navigate the common estate planning pitfalls
February 11, 2018People often think they have a very clear idea of what they want to achieve with their estate plan and they usually think it will be straight-forward. For example, a common approach is to say they want to leave some… MORE -
What can you expect from investment markets in 2018?
January 30, 20182017 was another solid year for investment returns with stock markets around the world generally moving higher. Synchronous global growth was somewhat of a catchphrase for 2017 with global economic growth accelerating for the first time since 2014. Economic growth… MORE -
Global sharemarkets have risen this year as major risks have eased
December 10, 2017Compared with a year ago the world economy is in much better shape; the US has slowly grown back to full employment, China continues to roar ahead and the European and Japanese economies have started to grow again. All good… MORE -
How people who have lost capacity can make and update their Will
December 6, 2017While many people would assume that once a person loses testamentary capacity, their ability to update their Will ceases, but this is not the case. Each state in Australia allows for statutory Wills to be approved by the relevant Supreme… MORE -
Investor bias: The eye only sees what the mind is prepared to comprehend
November 30, 2017Perhaps the most unhelpful of the psychological flaws we are prone to as investors is 'confirmation bias'. Our desire to seek out information which reinforces our existing beliefs and to reject anything which undermines our prejudices is powerful and dangerous.… MORE -
Recently experienced a major life event? You might need to update your nomination of beneficiary in your superfund
October 27, 2017A reminder to update beneficiary nominations for your super When major life events occur in your life, such as divorce or starting/ending a de facto relationship, updating your nomination of beneficiary for your superannuation fund may not be high on… MORE -
Australian banks still worthy of a place in most portfolios… despite what some commentators say
October 20, 2017Barring disasters, the banks should produce returns of the order of 10% per annum over the next decade. With a yield of 8% including franking credits, we need just 2% per annum growth to get us to a 10% per… MORE -
Find out why the prospects for global sharemarkets are looking surprisingly good
October 16, 2017The first three quarters of 2017 have been characterised by robust economic growth in major economies, continued geopolitical tensions and major markets that look through the worry and continue to climb. Synchronised economic growth in major developed economies against a… MORE -
Small business owners: would your business stay afloat if you had extended time off work?
October 3, 2017Imagine if you were in the unfortunate situation where you had to take many months or longer away from your business due to a serious illness or injury. Would revenue keep coming into the business… or would the revenue dry… MORE -
Webinar: Ten years on from the GFC and investors are still nervous. Where to now for sharemarkets?
September 19, 2017Webinar: Ten years on from the GFC and investors are still nervous. Where to now for sharemarkets? (duration 7:44 mins) MORE -
Need a tax advantaged vehicle other than super? An investment bond could be an option.
September 13, 2017Superannuation is the most tax effective way to save for retirement. However, new superannuation rules limit the amount of money Australians can contribute to superannuation, and the amount you can keep in the tax free superannuation pension environment once your… MORE -
Why has the cost of a ‘modest’ retirement gone up 33% in past 10 years?
September 1, 2017The latest data from The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) suggests retiring Australians will need 33 per cent more income per year for a “modest” retirement compared to 10 years ago*. The amount required for a “comfortable” retirement… MORE -
Warning: New rules mean you now aren’t allowed to contribute as much to superannuation
August 23, 2017Changes to the superannuation rules in effect for the 2017/18 financial year are designed to further limit the amount of money Australians can contribute to, and keep in, the tax advantaged superannuation system. So, how much can you contribute this… MORE -
How having no will, or an invalid will, can cause unintended problems for your loved ones
August 16, 2017A commonly held myth about wills is that if you do not have one, all your estate goes to the government. While that is not quite true, the reality may still surprise many. If a person passes away and does… MORE -
Your business’ financial wellbeing checklist
July 31, 2017Find out if you need help with business estate planning, insurance, or business loans in this quick questionnaire. Business Estate Planning Do you need business estate planning advice? You will if you answer NO to any of these questions: Could your business afford to… MORE -
Are interest rates unnaturally low? Or are they where they should be?
July 21, 2017We hear the claim that interest rates have been kept unnaturally low by Central Banks around the world with the clear implication that no good will come of this and, before long, they will be forced to take them back… MORE -
Global economics continue to strengthen, in spite of geopolitical issues
July 12, 2017The first six months of this year have seen further geopolitical events and apparent increases in terrorist attacks, yet major sharemarkets and economies continued to experience growth. The world’s major developed economies are experiencing consistent if not rising economic growth… MORE -
How you could save hundreds of dollars a year on your life insurance
July 5, 2017Most families are carrying significant financial risk should the unexpected happen. The big question you have to ask yourself is: ‘Would your family be able to maintain their lifestyle if you died?’ If your answer to this question is no,… MORE -
Australians say advice critical to achieving retirement goals: Survey
June 27, 2017New research shows a majority of Australians aged 40+ believe they need professional financial advice to reach their retirement goals*. Here’s a snapshot of the key findings: 66% Two in three working Australians recognise they need to turn to financial… MORE -
The end of the residential property boom?
June 19, 2017“If returns came out of history books, then librarians would be the richest folks around.” Warren Buffett Residential property has been a wonderful investment for millions of Australians over the past 30+ years. However, as Warren Buffett also noted, past… MORE -
What changes do you need to make to ensure you are not unnecessarily disadvantaged by the new superannuation rules?
June 2, 2017The recent changes to the superannuation rules are designed to further limit the amount of money Australians can keep in the tax advantaged superannuation system. So, where does that leave you for your superannuation planning for this financial year? Here’s… MORE -
The 4 reasons why basic Will kits probably won't deliver the estate planning outcomes you require
May 31, 2017Many Australians have purchased a basic DIY Will kit from the news agency thinking ‘what could go wrong?’ The answer is, ‘a lot actually’… Here are four reasons why these basic Will kits are flawed: 1. The purpose of a… MORE -
How much money are you placing at risk by not inuring your ability to earn an income?
May 29, 2017Not many people risk being uninsured when it comes to their car or home. But many choose to not insure their most valuable asset – that is, their ability to earn an income. This is despite the fact that most… MORE -
Have you been named as executor in someone’s Will, but not sure you have the time or skills to do the job properly?
March 17, 2017An executor is appointed within your will and is responsible for managing your estate and distributing assets according to your wishes. The duties of an executor can be significantly time consuming, exceptionally complex and emotionally draining. An executor is also… MORE -
Rethinking post-retirement asset allocation
March 10, 2017While growth assets are widely accepted in asset allocation decisions during the accumulation phase, many investors overlook the benefit allocating to shares can provide in the way of growing tax-effective income in the post-retirement phase. This paper discusses the differences… MORE -
Do you want to create a philanthropic legacy for your family?
February 6, 2017Many people have discovered there is nothing more satisfying than giving back to the community – usually through donations to charities or through fundraising events or even volunteer work within a not for profit organisation. Most people see this as… MORE -
What can you expect from investment markets in 2017?
January 24, 2017This year has started well for many investment markets, and builds on the strong finish to 2016. Having said that, it’s likely the elevated global geopolitical volatility of 2016 will continue in 2017. But, we do not expect this will… MORE -
What are the limits on superannuation contributions in the 2016/17 financial year?
December 20, 2016In the 2016 Federal Budget, the government proposed a number of changes to the superannuation rules, some of which were to apply from Budget night (i.e. 3 May 2016). Since then, some of the proposals have been dropped but the… MORE -
Geopolitical risk has gone up a little this year, but not enough to change investment strategy or long term forecasts
December 16, 2016The past six months has been marked by dramatic geopolitical surprises: Donald Trump’s victory in the US elections Britain voting to exit the European community The rise of right wing political movements throughout Europe with a breakup of the European… MORE -
Survey: Financial advice boosts confidence in retirement
November 30, 201677% Seventy-seven percent of Australian pre-retirees who haven’t enlisted the help of financial professionals don’t feel prepared for retirement, according to a recent survey by MLC*. 2x But Australians engaging the help of financial professionals are more than twice as… MORE -
Do you need to re-think your estate plan?
November 2, 2016Here are 9 critical issues you might need to consider 1. Are the assets mentioned in your will actually yours to bequeath? People often include assets in their will which they don’t legally own. For example, assets owned by a… MORE -
Economic recoveries continue in Australia and beyond - which is positive for sharemarkets
October 25, 2016Strengthening Australian economy In Australia, the reporting season was mostly in line with market expectations and some solid results from consumer and housing related companies showed pockets of strength within the economy. The Australian banking sector also continued to post… MORE -
What could your home be worth in 3 years?
October 17, 2016Find out in this special report from QBE Click here to find out MORE -
Trump v Clinton: who will be better for the US sharemarket?
October 5, 2016US voters are about to decide the 45th President of the United States by choosing between Republican nominee, Donald Trump, or Democrat nominee, Hillary Clinton. What is the likely impact on the US equity market of either Presidency Read full… MORE -
The power of social proof (or how 'herd behavior' can drive investment bubbles and busts)
September 29, 2016Read full article here: MORE -
Investment markets update
September 19, 2016View short video here: MORE -
Has it really been 26 years without a recession in Australia?
August 20, 2016How long is it since Australia had a recession? Most would say 26 years. That’s close to a world record! But, there are different ways of determining when we are in recession: READ THE FULL ARTICLE MORE -
Find out how long will your savings last in retirement
August 16, 2016Find out how long will your savings last in retirement: READ THE FULL ARTICLE MORE -
Do you have enough life insurance?
August 3, 2016Research shows that Australian families have only 38% of the cover they need: READ THE FULL ARTICLE MORE -
How companies make the leap from good to great
July 25, 2016In the Formula One car race recently held in Melbourne the difference between first and fifth place was 59 seconds. Being good enabled the fifth-placed driver to participate in the race. To become great, he would have needed to find… MORE -
The global volatility continues, but so does a gradual recovery
July 15, 2016A stunning Brexit referendum result, Australian election uncertainty and increased tension in the Middle East are the most recent drivers of volatility in our markets. Previous concerns about slower growth in China and a collapsing oil price are now less… MORE -
What level of return should we accept from shares?
July 4, 2016Here’s a good benchmark against which to measure the return generated by shares: SPECIAL REPORT MORE -
Why ‘short-termism’ is hard-wired in investors (and why it’s bad for their wealth)
May 23, 2016Why ‘short-termism’ is hard-wired in investors (and why it’s bad for their wealth) MORE -
The rules for super contributions might be changing soon, but here’s how much you can contribute this year
May 8, 2016Here are the superannuation contribution caps which currently apply for the 2015/16 financial year. • Contributions which qualify for a tax deduction These are known as concessional contributions and the limit is aged based, as shown below. Generally you can… MORE -
Global economic outlook points to a sustained recovery in share markets
May 2, 2016Investors have experienced continued volatility in share markets this year, with some media articles urging investors to ‘sell everything’ only worsening the situation. Nonetheless, economic data has remained largely positive and as a result investor sentiment may have shifted somewhat… MORE -
What are the risks and likely ranges of returns for different types of investments?
April 11, 2016Click here MORE -
Free webinar: What’s causing a lot of the sharemarket volatility at the moment? (6 minutes)
March 30, 2016Free webinar (6 mins): What’s causing a lot of the sharemarket volatility at the moment? MORE -
Why investors’ current pessimism is misplaced
March 24, 2016In the recent film of Michael Lewis’s book The Big Short, no one wants to believe the US housing market is heading for a crash. Aside from a few who saw how unsustainable the subprime mortgage market had become, Wall… MORE -
What is a Diversified Portfolio?
March 23, 2016A diversified portfolio invests in each of the major asset classes, in proportions that suit the risk & return profile of the investor. The major asset classes are shares, property, fixed interest and cash. A well diversified portfolio usually invests… MORE -
Consumers warned about cold calling scam impersonating ASIC and other government departments
March 17, 2016Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) - Australia’s corporate, markets and financial services regulator - urges consumers to be wary of cold callers claiming to represent ASIC or other government departments. These cold callers ask for your personal and financial… MORE -
What is the benefit of investing in shares?
March 11, 2016Quality shares (and managed share funds) are expected to generate higher returns than most other asset classes over the long term. The return from quality shares comprises a growing income stream as well as capital growth. How do shares generate… MORE -
Do you need to protect your assets after you die?
March 4, 2016Quick quiz Are you concerned that: Your beneficiaries may not have the ability to manage or protect the wealth you have accumulated after you die – for example, they might have lost legal capacity or they might have substance abuse/gambling… MORE -
How a tiny 0.63% p.a. may save you an incredible $85,216 on your mortgage
February 28, 2016Here’s an example of why it may pay to find a lower interest rate on your home loan. For the sake of this example, let’s assume that the rate offered by your lender is 4.73% p.a. for their basic variable… MORE -
What do world-class companies do better than their competitors?
February 5, 2016Company management, if they have a worthwhile ambition, it’s this one: to turn their businesses into worldclass operations. The reality is that few companies attain world-class status. Foreign companies that have achieved this feat include Amazon.com, Google, Intel, Toyota Motor… MORE -
Share markets are over-reacting to China; the long term outlook is generally positive
January 29, 2016As the adage goes ‘may you live in interesting times’. In recent months this is unquestionably true as the world grapples with a set of dynamics that are indeed proving to be challenging in the short term. From a share… MORE -
It’s a good time to invest in shares – despite the recession talk
December 11, 2015In recent times there has been much discussion as to whether Australia is about to enter a recession. While we do not believe we will enter a recession, we do expect the discussion to continue over the next twelve to… MORE -
Have we reached the limits of Quantitative Easing?
December 8, 2015We are more than six years into a recovery in the developed world and official interest rates are still at emergency levels, growth remains weak and output gaps are generally high. Governments had generally assumed that ultra-low interest rates coupled… MORE -
The promised splurge on infrastructure – will it revive the global economy?
November 23, 2015In 1919, a US lieutenant colonel helped lead an 81-strong convoy of vehicles across the US as part of a campaign by the military to highlight the need for better highways across the US. Sixty-two days after leaving Washington D.C.,… MORE -
The Australian Housing Outlook Report 2015 - 2018
November 1, 2015What will be the value of your home in 3 years? Find out in this special report from QBE & BIS Shrapnel. The Australian Housing Outlook Report 2015 - 2018 MORE -
Survey: Australians in their forties unprepared for financial future
October 27, 2015Australians are being urged to start thinking about their financial future early, after a survey* revealed most people in their 40s were unprepared for their retirement. Data from the survey found 42 per cent of Australians in their 40s had… MORE -
New twist on an 'old' investment provides a guaranteed income in retirement… and can help increase age pension entitlement
October 19, 2015Lifetime annuities have had a make-over. Years ago they tended to be disregarded as a serious investment option by many retirees because once you put your money in there, you never had access to that capital again. But not now.… MORE -
How to safeguard your business if the unexpected happens: Case Study
October 13, 2015Jane, Peter and Jeff are co-owners of a successful business. Jeff contracted a serious disease and died soon after. He left his share of the business to his wife, Amy. Many years prior to Jeff being diagnosed with the illness,… MORE -
Most signs point to resilient Australian share market returns over the long term
October 2, 2015The Australian share market has been more volatile than normal lately due to a number of factors. These include questions about the strength of the global economy due to a deceleration of growth in China, the prospect of rate rises… MORE -
Why the Chinese economy is still in good shape (and why you should ignore the recent volatility) - 3 minute video
September 28, 20153 Minute Video - Chinese economy MORE -
Free webinar: Why the outlook for global sharemarkets is positive, despite the current bout of volatility
September 22, 2015Investment Webinar MORE -
Dividend imputation's unheralded magic: It makes companies make better re-investment decisions
August 31, 2015What a dreadful thing is the dividend-imputation tax system, if you believe its critics. They allege the abolition in 1987 of the double taxation of company earnings paid out to individuals forces investors large and small to own too many… MORE -
What’s causing the current volatility in global investment markets?
August 25, 2015Share markets around the world have been experiencing a significant level of volatility this past week, and in fact since May this year. The Australian market is down 13% over this four month period, and the US market is down… MORE -
What are some effective ways to manage your finances after accepting a redundancy offer?
August 24, 2015When you accept a redundancy offer you may receive a number of payments including a redundancy payout, other non-super or ‘ordinary’ money, and superannuation. Correct use of these monies should enable you to optimise your finances during any period of… MORE -
Will Greece stay with the euro?
August 12, 2015Greece is negotiating with its creditors to gain a third bailout. Greece’s parliament has approved the preconditions or reforms that its creditors deemed necessary for Athens to obtain more money. Under its interim settlement with creditors, the country has met… MORE -
Investment markets are always volatile in the short term
July 28, 2015The recent volatility in the Australian sharemarket is typical of what can happen in investment markets. It's part and parcel of being an investor and, as long as you have high quality investments and you are a long term investor,… MORE -
Unexpected news is derailing the retirement plans of Australians: Survey
July 22, 2015Australians are not as in control of when we will retire as we may like, with research from Mercer* revealing 40% of Australians were forced into retirement due to redundancy or illness before they were financially ready. Another 24% retired… MORE -
Greece succumbs to Stein's law… and others also in danger of breaching Stein
July 14, 2015Herbert Stein (1916 to 1999) was a US economist who was influential in his time. Amid all his feats, Stein seems most renowned nowadays for one sentence he wrote in 1989. The sentence became famous because it sums up so… MORE -
How a Diversified Portfolio can reduce risk... and increase returns
July 6, 2015A diversified portfolio helps reduce investment risk in two main ways: • Investment in a broad range of securities lessens the impact on a portfolio of one security failing. • Investment across the major asset classes tends to smooth the… MORE -
The global economy heading in the right direction (notwithstanding the crisis in Greece)
July 2, 2015Ongoing good news in the US and the start of the European Central Banks (ECB) bond buying program are under-pinning a global economic recovery. As a consequence, global share markets have been generally positive over the past quarter with the… MORE -
Which investment markets are attractive right now… and which are not?
June 17, 2015Quite a bit of media attention has been around the subject of equity and property markets being quite expensive at present. For the most part, we are not overly concerned in the context of the longer time horizon. There are… MORE -
Superannuation year end planning for 2014/15
May 7, 2015The end of the financial year always seems to creep up faster than it should. Understanding what you could do before and after 30 June 2015 can provide the icing on the cake for employees, investors and those in small… MORE -
Survey finds Australians are seriously underinsured when it comes to life insurance and income protection
April 26, 2015According to CommInsure’s Life Risk Survey 2012**, Australians are seriously underinsured. In fact, many Australians said they would be in financial peril if they were out of work for more than three months due to a serious accident or illness.… MORE -
Ongoing stimulus gives share markets cause for optimism
April 26, 2015So far in 2015 we have seen growing evidence and indeed the appearance of growing conviction that interest rates (government bond rates and by default term deposits and high credit quality instruments) are likely to stay lower for longer. With… MORE -
Low interest rates tipped to stay low for a long time yet.
April 26, 2015Find out why in our FREE WEBINAR. March 2015 MORE