Investment funds can be broadly split into two categories – active and passive. And while both options play a part in an investment portfolio, it’s important to understand how each works before allocating money to them. Basics of passive investing...

Tax is often the last thing on our minds when we're planning for retirement but it's important to understand how your retirement income will be taxed, so you can make the most of your savings. The good news is that...

We don’t need insurance until we do. Protecting your wellbeing and your wallet “Do I really need this insurance?” It’s probably a question you’ve asked at some point when deciding whether to part with your money. But maybe the real...

When it comes to investing, you have two options – inside or outside of super. Super, being a longer term investment designed to fund your retirement, comes with a number of advantages such as being lightly taxed (which can mean,...

In Australia, investing in real estate isn’t the preserve of a wealthy elite. The nation’s 2.24 million property investors, owning a collective 3.25 million homes1, are everyday Australians – skilled tradies, small business owners and professionals. If you’re a property...

Super and investment scams target your personal wealth by convincing you to invest in fake schemes and companies. A super scam is when someone tries to access your super and withdraw your money. An investment scam is when someone tries...

Key points - 2023-24 provided another year of strong returns for investors as shares were boosted by falling inflation, central banks pivoting towards rate cuts (although the RBA is lagging) and economic conditions were better than feared. - More central...

They say nothing is certain in life except two things – death and taxes. Australians can probably add a third – the knowledge that come the end of financial year, the rules around superannuation and taxation will inevitably change. It...

With interest rates continuing to rise, reducing your mortgage interest rate can be a great way to save money so you’re not out of pocket and can keep or invest more of what you earn. Here’s a four step plan...

Contrary to what some people may think, debt can help you build your wealth – especially if the debt is used responsibly with a clear plan and objective. In this article, we look at three ways that may help you...

Retirement is a major milestone in life, representing the end of years of hard work and dedication. It's a time to enjoy the freedom to pursue your passions and interests without being tied to a work schedule. However, to make...

Here’s a quick checklist to help you prepare for the end of financial year and maximise your tax time benefits. Understand your sources of income When it comes to tax, your wages are just the start. Income can come from...

Many people are finding themselves in a situation where they need to provide financial support to their aging parents. Balancing the responsibility of helping your parents financially while saving for your own retirement, is no doubt challenging. Effective financial planning...

Cyber criminals are targeting people based on personal details and preferences – and reeling them in with professional looking follow ups. Find out how to protect yourself. Next time you like or follow a friend or a brand on social...

Planning for retirement is a daunting task but it’s too important not to think about – especially for women. Fortunately, there are some small steps women can take today to protect and grow their finances for the future. It’s probably...

The total superannuation balance or TSB was a significant change introduced as part of the Government’s superannuation reform package, taking effect on 1 July 2017. However, unlike other changes, such as the pension transfer balance cap, the total superannuation balance...

Investing your money may be an effective way to help you build long-term wealth. While it can seem overwhelming at times, given the breadth of options available, you don't need to be a financial expert to be successful at it....

How could the proposals impact you and your finances? May 2024 The 2024 Federal Budget provides cost of living relief through 1 July tax cuts, lower power bills, higher welfare payments and support for small businesses. Note: These changes are...

The First Home Super Saver Scheme is a valuable initiative to help first time buyers overcome the challenges of entering the property market. Purchasing a home is a significant financial milestone, but the ever increasing property prices make it challenging...

Government Age Pension payments increased on 20 March, so if you're one of the millions of eligible Australians, you’ll have a little more to spend. The increases are designed to help address inflation and cost of living increases. Here’s what...

Encouragingly the International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised its global growth forecast for 2024, following ‘surprisingly resilient’ economic conditions. IMF officials now expect global GDP growth of 3.2% this year. Despite this positive news, major share markets lost ground in April...

Cash has been one of the best performing defensive assets over the past three years. When compared with global bonds (a riskier asset class), a typical portfolio of term deposits would have returned a cumulative 12.6% in comparison to -8.5%...

With the Australian dollar trading below long-term averages and expected to rise as the US dollar peaks, it’s time to think about protecting overseas investments with hedging. The following are the reasons why: Hedging can offset currency movements Rising AUD...

Risk is about tolerating the potential for losses. Understanding your risk appetite allows you to make well informed decisions about your money. For some people, risk means excitement and opportunity. For others, it invokes feelings of fear and discomfort. We...

Key points Seven key lasting impacts from the Coronavirus pandemic are: “bigger” government; tighter labour markets; reduced globalisation and increased geopolitical tensions; higher inflation; worse housing affordability; working from home; and a faster embrace of technology. On balance these make...

While living a long and healthy life is a goal for most of us, it does raise a valid question. Is there a chance that you could outlive your savings? Why does living longer matter in retirement? The risk of...

In this article we look at some of the ways you can better manage the high cost of living by investing, increasing your income or reducing expenses. Key takeaways Investing a portion of your income is one way you can...

Let's run through some things to keep in mind to decide what level and type of cover you need. Finding your insurance sweet spot It can take days – and a whole lot of stress – to figure out what...

Love song dedications are out the window and you’re wondering how you’ll move forward, not to mention divide your money, possessions and debts. But what about what you’ve saved in super? Breaking up is hard to do. It can be...

We all think things will turn out better for ‘us’ than ‘them’. Such optimism can serve us well in life, but when it comes to money, balancing bias with facts is a much safer option. When it comes to your...