Many older Australians desire to age in place, though housing and care needs change as people age. In this article, we cover retirees ageing in place—and the concept of a liveable and adaptable home.

Vanessa Stoykov is a renowned Australian money educator. In this special financial education piece, Vanessa shares why it’s key to set investment goals and follow through with a plan to achieve them.

One particular cost many families can often struggle with is the cost of child care. In this article, we cover incoming changes to the Government’s Child Care Subsidy—due to commence shortly.

In the 2021-22 Budget, key proposed measures were announced in relation to super. In this article, we provide an update on several of these measures currently sitting in parliament.

Unfortunately, the potential to experience financial difficulty due to COVID-19 still persists. In this article, we provide a brief overview of two key Government COVID-19 financial support measures.

One of the most important things we can do prior to our passing is ensure we have a valid will in place. In this article, we provide an update on various intestacy rules that exist in Australia.

For some of us, it can be challenging to grow our super. In this article, we briefly discuss several Government super contribution measures, which may help those eligible to grow their super for retirement.

Vanessa Stoykov is a renowned Australian money educator. In this special financial education piece, Vanessa discusses several ways you and your partner can get on the same page when it comes to money.

In the 2020 calendar year, the total reported losses from scams was over $175 million (an over $32 million increase compared to 2019). In this article, we cover several of the different types of scams.

When it comes to deductions, it’s vital to understand what you can (and can’t) claim and the appropriate evidence needed to claim. In this article, we explore deductions for the financial year ahead.

Your retirement income (and outcome) can be intrinsically linked to your accumulation, and use, of wealth inside super. In this article, we provide tips on reviewing your annual super statement.

A new financial year can be an opportune time to take stock of your overall personal finances and make changes if needed. In this article, we provide a list of questions that may help you with this.

The commencement of a new financial year can see rates and thresholds increase (or decrease) and legislation take effect. In this article, we provide important information on changes from 1 July 2021.

An estimated collective total of $3.9 billion per year is spent on avoidable paid subscription services by Australian households. In this article, we explore spending and paid subscription services.

Personal insurances can be a key consideration when it comes to wealth accumulation and related health (and financial) risk management strategies. In this article, we summarise the main insurances.

Accumulating wealth in super takes, among other things, contributions. However, there are limits to this. In this article, we cover contribution eligibility conditions—maximum age and the work test.

From a wealth accumulation and cash flow generation perspective, super is widely considered one of the most tax-effective investment structures. In this article, we cover 11 key tax facts about super.

With 30 June coming up, please consider putting aside time to review your personal finances—and take action, prior to this date, if appropriate. In this article, we provide EOFY planning tips.

The Economy - The Minutes to the April RBA meeting were released this week, with the Board acknowledging that the economic data over the past month had been stronger than previously expected, but also emphasising that the economic recovery has further to run. The Board reiterated that both wage growth and inflation remain low and the unemployment rate, whilst improving, remains too high and well above the Bank’s estimate of the natural rate of unemployment at around 4%.

The Economy - The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released its March labour force report which recorded a further improvement in the labour market. The official unemployment rate dropped from 5.8% to 5.6% over the month, indicating a further improvement in the labour market.

Australia - The bounce back in economic activity persisted into the March quarter with Dec-20 GDP numbers beating consensus expectations. Commencement of coronavirus vaccinations and improvement in the labour market added to consumer and business confidence. Complications with the AstraZeneca vaccine will delay herd immunity in Australia and make any future outbreaks a larger risk to the economy as a result.

The JobKeeper Payment program, which began on 1 March 2020, has now ended (on 28 March 2021). In this article, we provide a status update on several of the other COVID-19 economic response measures.

The Economy - The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) left its cash rate unchanged in its April meeting at 0.1% and reiterated commitment to its bond purchasing program with the next instalment of $100bn commencing next week. THE RBA economic view has improved with above-trend economic growth anticipated for 2021 while also expecting underlying inflation to remain below 2% over the next few years.

The IHS Markit Flash Australia Composite Output Index was at 56.2 in March, up from the final February reading of 53.7 and pointing to the strongest increase in business activity since last December.

The contributions caps limit the amount that can be contributed to super. In this article, we provide details on the future indexation of the contributions caps (concessional and non-concessional).

Australia - The bounce back in economic activity persisted into February with Dec-20 GDP numbers beating consensus expectations. Vaccine rollout and improvement in the labour market added to consumer and business confidence ahead of JobKeeper’s conclusion in March.

The Economy - The Australian economy advanced 3.1% for the December 2020 quarter, following an upwardly revised 3.4% growth in the previous period and beating market expectations of 2.5%. This was the first time in the more than 60 years that GDP has grown by more than 3% in two straight quarters. The economy has rebounded strongly following the record 7% contraction in the June 2020 quarter on the back of massive monetary and fiscal stimulus.

The Economy - In a speech to the AFR Business Summit this week by RBA Governor, Phil Lowe, reiterated the resolve of the RBA to prove support for the economic recovery. The RBA doubled down on yield curve control, dismissing economist and market forecasts that they will drop it this year, and strongly rejecting market pricing of rate hikes commencing later next year as Lowe argued rates are likely to remain near zero until at least 2024.

The Economy - The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released its February labour force report which recorded a further improvement in the labour market. The official unemployment rate, illustrated in the graph below, dropped from 6.4% to 5.8% over the month, indicating continued improvement in the labour market.

The Economy - The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released weekly payroll jobs and wages for the week ended 14 March 2021, one year since the pandemic first began. Importantly, both payroll jobs and wages have fully recovered their COVID losses and are now tracking higher than the same time last year.

The Economy - The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Wage Price Index revealed that Australian wages grew by 1.4% in calendar year 2020 – a fraction above the all-time low recorded in the year to September 2020.

The Economy - The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released its January labour force report which recorded a further improvement in the labour market. The official unemployment rate dropped from 6.6% to 6.4% over the month, indicating continually improvement in the labour market.

Australia - The bounce back in economic activity following the Victorian lockdown continued. Another sharp lockdown in Victoria poses a downside risk to the economy. However strong consumer sentiment and an improving labour market suggest growth as a base case for the near-term.

The Economy - The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment increased by 1.9% in February to 109.1. This increase in the Index has recouped around half the loss in January when it fell from 112.0 in December to 107.0. Positive news on the recovery of the labour market, along with the success of contact tracing and less restrictive lockdowns would have boosted confidence. High confidence amongst consumers is critically important for the economy at this time.

The income you receive will often be assessable for income tax purposes. However, there will also be instances where the tax payable may be reduced. In this article, we discuss several tax offsets.

The transfer balance cap limits the amount of super benefits that can be transferred to retirement phase. In this article, we provide information on the future indexation of the transfer balance cap.

At its first meeting of the year the RBA Board decided to maintain the targets of 10 basis points for the cash rate and the yield on the 3-year Australian Government bond, as well as the parameters of the Term Funding Facility.

According to the ABS, Australia’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) came in at 0.9% in the December quarter – further rebounding from the largest quarterly fall in the 72-year history of the CPI in the June quarter. Over the twelve months to the December 2020 quarter the CPI rose 0.9%.

The Economy - The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released its December labour force report which recorded a further improvement in the labour market. The official unemployment rate dropped from 6.8% to 6.6% over the month. This echoes our comments on strong supports for jobs growth in the December quarterly wrap.

Australia - The bounce back in economic activity following the Victorian lockdown continued over the December quarter. Outbreaks in Sydney and Brisbane disrupted the resumption of inter-state travel. Measures taken to counteract these have not had a material effect on the economy to date with momentum remaining positive into 2021.

The making of a resolution can often be sparked post-reflection by our need or want to seek positive change in an area of our life. In this article, we discuss personal finance-related resolutions.

In the US, the labour market shed 140k jobs in December, well below market expectations of a 71k rise. It is the first drop in employment since the job market started to recover in May from a record 20.787 million loss in April. The jobless rate was steady at 6.7% (forecast 6.8%).

The Economy - Confidence in an Australian economic recovery has continued at the start of 2021. This is despite the lockdown of Sydney’s northern beaches prior to Christmas and associated Covid-19 outbreaks in NSW and Victoria, and the emergence of the more virulent UK strain of the virus which has resulted in a three-day lockdown in greater Brisbane.

The Economy Positive momentum in the outlook for the Australian economy from both consumers and businesses continued this month.

Australia The bounce back in economic activity following the Victorian lockdown continues. Inter- State travel is normalising, and economic activity continues to track favourably with unemployment falling amidst a strong October jobs report and confidence also recovering strongly.

Many, but not all, pursuits and pastimes are often accepted at standard rates in a formal insurance application. In this article, we provide information on these and other pursuits and pastimes.

The Parliament recently debated many important pieces of proposed legislation. In this article, we provide a summary of the main aspects of these now legislated taxation and social security Bills.

The Economy - The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released the national accounts for the September quarter, which registered a 3.3% rebound in real GDP, which was stronger than the consensus forecast of 2.5%. Given the 7.0% fall in GDP over Q2 20 and small contraction in the March quarter, annual growth improved to -3.8%.

The Economy - The latest PMI data showed the expansion in the Australian private sector economy strengthened during November as containment measures were eased further. The slight disruption in South Australia had minimal impact. Business activity growth accelerated in November, led again by the service sector. Inflows of new business rose further, but at a noticeably slower rate when compared to output.

The Economy - The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released its labour force report for October, which registered a 0.1% rise in the official unemployment rate to 7.0% but a 1.4% increase in jobs. The explanation for this outcome is that the participation rate rose by 0.95% to 65.81%.

Australia - The FY21 Federal Budget was well-received with consumer and business confidence recovering strongly. RBA policy measures will be supportive of the necessary deficit spending at a State and Federal level while stronger volumes suggest the retail environment (and consumer spending) remain favourable even with the drag of Victorian lockdowns. As noted by the RBA, it likely the economy exited recession with positive growth during the September quarter.

On 3 November we saw several election races take place in the US for both the Presidency and Congress. Democrat nominee Joe Biden has defeated incumbent President Trump and a Democrat majority in the House of Representatives remains likely. The Senate election result is still to be determined.

In the 2020-21 Federal Budget, proposed changes to individual taxation were announced. In this article, we provide an overview of these now legislated changes and what they may mean for you.

The Economy - Improving confidence in the Australian economy has resulted in a 13% (year on year) rise in CBA household credit and debit card spending, over the week to 6 November. The lift was particularly pronounced in Victoria rising 15% (year on year) following the easing of restrictions.

The Economy Following the RBA’s initial response to the pandemic in March, further measures were announced this week, which included the unprecedented decision to implement Quantitative Easing (QE).

The Economy - Australia’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) came in at 1.6% in the September quarter – rebounding from the largest quarterly fall in the 72-year history of the CPI recorded in the June quarter. Childcare was the most significant rise (contributing 0.9% to the headline CPI quarterly movement), following the end of free childcare on 13 July.

The Economy - Release of the Minutes to the RBA October Board meeting, and a speech by Assistant Governor Christopher Kent, on Tuesday added further fuel to the fire that the Bank will announce additional monetary stimulus at their November meeting. Following recent speeches from Deputy Governor, Guy Debelle and Governor, Phil Lowe, the groundwork is being laid to provide further support to employment, inflation and growth, and place downward pressure on the AUD.

Budget overview - For FY21 (year from June 2020 to June 2021), the Federal government has forecast a Budget deficit of $213.7bn or 11% of GDP (total spending in the economy). The scale of this intervention was last seen back in the Second World War. It reflects an unprecedent moment where the Government has stepped in to support spending by workers and businesses across the country in response to the coronavirus pandemic and the lockdown restrictions imposed to contain it.

The Economy - Following a surprise fall in August, Australia’s unemployment rate ticked up 0.1% in September to 6.9%. Perversely, Victoria has the equal lowest unemployment despite being in stage 4 hard lockdown and losing by far the largest proportion of jobs.

Australia - Victorian lockdown restrictions have eased, and inter-State travel is resuming as coronavirus infections have declined substantially. The 2020-21 Federal Budget is targeting a supply-led recovery with its focus on business investment spending. Tax cuts will also be an important support as the country exits its emergency settings (e.g. JobKeeper) from March next year.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg delivered the 2020-21 Federal Budget on 6 October 2020. We provide you with an overview of the main proposed measures that may be relevant to you and your personal finances.

What you need to know - The Budget is forecast to result in a record deficit peaking at $966 billion (44% of GDP) in 2024 thanks to record low interest rates, this comes a minimal increase in interest payments.

The Economy - Please note these remarks are as of the Thursday 24/09/2020 market close Australia - Preliminary retail sales data fell -4.2% during August. The performance in Victoria was a key driver with sales falling - 12.6% vs July as Stage 4 restrictions in Melbourne (and Stage 3 in regional Victoria) limited trading for all but essential retail businesses such as pharmacies or groceries.

The Economy - The AIG Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index fell by 2.6 points to 46.7 points in September (seasonally adjusted), indicating contracting conditions and at a faster pace than in August. Results above 50 points indicate contraction with lower results indicating a faster rate of contraction.

The Economy - Australia The Australian government announced its FY21 Budget this week. Notable aspects form an economic perspective include how business-forward it is targeted with the largest headline announcements directed to a mix of sizeable tax incentives for investment spending and renewed focus on infrastructure projects.

Australia - Victorian lockdown measures will continue persisting in the near term and the recent extension suggests they will drag on the economy into the December quarter. On the positive side we should see further stimulus being implemented via tax cuts while the rebound in consumer confidence is important to support spending across the economy.

The Economy - The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released its labour force report for August, which registered a 0.7% decrease in the official unemployment rate to 6.8%. In what was an unexpected result employment increased by 111,000, with the majority in part time positions, which may reflect a rebound in hospitability jobs, as many states (excluding Victoria) ease business restrictions. Whilst this is a positive outcome and may indicate the peak in the official unemployment rate has been lower than anticipated we remain cautious.

The Economy - The Westpac-MI Consumer Sentiment Index bounced back by 18% in September, and the Index is now just 1.6% below the average over the six months prior to the emergence of COVID-19 in March. It comes despite official confirmation in the survey week that Australia had experienced its first recession since 1992.

The Economy - The ABS released the National Accounts for the June quarter confirming that Australia had entered its first ‘technical recession’ since the early 1990s. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) fell by 7% in seasonally adjusted terms for the June quarter, and follows the negative print of -0.3% in the March quarter.

The Economy - The US Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell announced key changes to the Fed’s monetary policy framework. First that the central bank will seek inflation that averages 2% over time. That would allow the Fed to let inflation overshoot its target to make up for past periods of low inflation. Also, the Fed is prepared to let US employment run at or above real-time estimates of its maximum level without turning off the monetary policy tap.

The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Leading Indicator which indicates the likely pace of economic activity relative to trend three to nine months into the future was flat at – 4.37% in July (-4.43% in June). Whilst the Index remains deep in negative territory, consistent with recession, it appears to have bottomed out in April at -5.61%.

What has happened in Victoria? Since mid-June we saw a gradual and then sharp surge in coronavirus cases centered in Melbourne. This saw the 7-day average of 3 new cases per day at 10 June rise to a peak of 496 new cases per day on 5 August before slowing subsequently. We can see this graphically below where we track active (still infected) cases since 1 March. We can see that the rest of Australia has been faring significantly better with only 19 active cases as of 11 August compared to Victoria (8,490) and, to a lesser extent, NSW (871).

The Economy - The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released its labour force report for July, which registered a 0.1% increase in the official unemployment rate to 7.5%. This outcome was better than forecast, and also included the underemployment rate decreasing by 0.5 pts to 11.2% and the underutilisation rate falling by 0.4 pts to 18.7%.

Australian equity market - The S&P/ASX 200 index rose 0.5% on a price basis during July with Materials the top performer (up 5.8%) while performance was mixed elsewhere with Energy the worst performer (down -6.6%) followed by Healthcare (down -3.9%) and Industrials (down -3.7%). Style-wise we saw smaller companies outperform with the Small Ordinaries up 1.4% during the month on a total return basis (1.3% on a price basis) while Value stocks (dominated by the banking sector) and Quality names struggled each only up 0.1%

According to ATO data, for the 2017-18 financial year, 8,950,205 individuals claimed $2,424 on average in work-related expenses. In this article, we discuss work-related home office expenses.

The receipt and review of your annual super statement can assist you to stay actively engaged with, and well-informed on, your super. In this article, we provide a review checklist to help with this.

The Treasurer delivered a ‘mini-budget’ on 23 July 2020—an economic and fiscal update. In this article, we provide a summary of the update, inclusive of the main personal finance-related points.

The Economy - In its monthly meeting this week the RBA Board decided to maintain the current policy settings, including the targets for the cash rate and the yield on 3-year Australian Government Securities (AGS) of 25 basis points. However due to some larger issuance of government bonds in recent weeks 3-year bond futures have been trading above the target for the first time since late March. As a result, the Bank also announced in its statement following the meeting that will recommence purchasing AGS in the secondary market to ensure that the yield on 3-year bonds remains consistent with the target.

The Economy - The Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell 1.9% in the June according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). This was the largest quarterly fall in the 72- year history of the CPI. The annual inflation rate was -0.3% in the year to the June 2020 quarter. Since 1949, this was only the third time annual inflation has been negative. The previous times were in 1962 and 1997-98.

The Economy - The Federal government announced this week a revision of the JobKeeper and Jobseeker coronavirus supplement programs beyond the planned end date in September. The JobKeeper wage subsidy will continue until March next year, but payments will fall from $1,500 to $1,200 a fortnight after September. People working fewer than 20 hours a week will receive $750.

The Economy - The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment fell 6.1% to 87.9 in July from 93.7 in June. The drop in confidence reverses all of last month’s gain, taking the Index back to the levels seen in May but still leaving it 16% above April’s extreme low of 75.

Australia - Fiscal and monetary policy moves will help soften the economic damage sparked by coronavirus shutdowns. However, a second shutdown in Melbourne due to failure in hotel quarantine measures is expected to drag on September quarter growth and delay the recovery to pre-coronavirus levels. Further government spending announcements are expected to cushion the damage.

The construction industry (among others) has been adversely impacted by COVID-19. In this article, we provide information on the Government’s recently announced HomeBuilder grant program.

There can be many benefits to holding life insurance. In this article, we discuss several supplementary provisions held within some life insurance policies that have a focus on enhanced coverage.

A new financial year can mean change—thresholds and rates can increase (or decrease), and legislation can take effect. In this article, we provide information on change occurring from 1 July 2020.

The Victorian Premier announced a full shutdown of greater Melbourne for six weeks in response to the recent wave of coronavirus infections. This area covers around 20% (by population) of the Australian economy, and Victoria accounts for approximately one quarter of the nation’s economy. Estimates vary as to the additional negative consequences this will have on national GDP but is expected to delay economic recovery with some suggesting a detraction of -0.5% from September GDP.

The Economy - Mirroring the CBA Flash PMI’s released last week, the AIG Manufacturing Index (PMI) moved into positive territory in June, increasing by 9.9 points to 51.5 points. Results above 50 points indicate expansion, pointing to improvement from experience in May. Parts of Australian manufacturing expanded mildly in June for the first time since February (seasonally adjusted). This indicates an improvement from the depths of April and May, rather than a recovery to buoyant conditions.

The Economy - The CBA Flash PMIs indicate that business activity improved over June following the sharp contraction in activity over April and May. The reopening of the economy has taken the PMIs into expansionary territory for the first time since January 2020.It is important to note that the PMI readings measure the change in business activity on the previous month with 50 being the level that separates expansion from contraction.

Summary • Market performance was broadly positive during May • Coronavirus cases continued to slow down in developed economies but outbreaks in emerging countries remain an ongoing issue with Brazil having the second-highest case count globally. • Several leading indicators such as the ECRI Weekly Leading Indicator (for the US economy) and the JP Morgan Global Composite PMI are signalling economic weakness in the near term but improvement over recent weeks suggests the worst of the decline in growth is passing. However, the scale of job losses to date suggest getting back to pre-Covid- 19 levels of economic activity will take time and varies widely on a country-specific basis with some expected to recover late next year and others take considerably more time.

The Economy - The May Labour Force report released this week reported Australia’s unemployment rate increased to 7.1%, from 6.4% recorded last month. The number of people unemployed has increased to 927,600. It is important to remember however that those receiving JobKeeper (the government’s wage subsidy programme), but not working, are not counted as unemployed.

One of the most important things we can do prior to our passing is to ensure we have a valid will in place. In this article, we provide an overview of various intestacy rules that exist in Australia.

Life events can disrupt context cues and create opportunities to make decisions and implement new intentions and goals. In this article, we discuss financial needs and wants in a post-COVID world.

When looking at long-term data, the workforce participation rate of those aged 65 and over has steadily risen over the years. In this article, we discuss working during retirement and the Work Bonus.

The Economy - In the US the Federal Reserve left the target range for its federal funds rate unchanged at 0.00-0.25% in the June meeting, with the Federal Reserve’s projections showing that rates are expected to remain at current levels through 2022.

The Australian economy declined -0.3% during the March quarter and grew 1.4% for the year to March 2020. This was the slowest through-the-year growth since September 2009 when Australia was in the midst of the Global Financial Crisis and only captures the first month of economic damage caused by the Covid-19 outbreak.

The Economy - We noted last week that it appeared that some economic indicators (domestic and global PMI’s) had bottomed out and some partial rebounds had occurred. The weekly ANZ-Roy Morgan Australian Consumer Confidence index rose 0.4% to 92.7 in the week to 24 May, its eighth straight increase.

The Economy - The CBA Flash PMIs released this week indicate that Australian business activity continued to contract in May and highlights just how significant the collapse in private sector activity has been so far due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Australia - Fiscal and monetary policy moves will help soften the blow sparked by coronavirus shutdowns and hasten the eventual recovery but are unlikely to save us from a recessionary outcome. Earlier-than-expected relaxation of lockdown rules will assist the economic recovery with consumer confidence also recovering.

The Economy - Following the RBA’s decision in its May meeting to leave the cash rate unchanged at 0.25%, the Bank released its quarterly Statement on Monetary Policy. In this report the Bank has significantly reduced the GDP growth rates in the early periods of the forecasts.

With the end of financial year on the horizon, it’s important to review areas of our personal finances, and take action if required, before 30 June. In this article, we discuss EOFY planning tips.

In two recent articles, we provided overviews of the Government’s economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, we provide an updated overview of the now legislated JobKeeper Payment.

To access super, a condition of release must be met. In this article, we list these conditions of release, and also provide information on the potential long-term impact of accessing super early.

The Economy - In its monthly meeting this week the RBA left its policy settings unchanged. As expected, the RBA left its target for the cash rate target as well as the target for 3-year government bond yields unchanged at 0.25%.

The Economy - There were no major policy announcements by the Federal Reserve in their meeting this week. The Fed is committed to “using its full range of tools” and to keep the Fed funds rate at near zero “until it is confident that the economy has weathered recent events”.

The Economy - Phil Lowe, RBA Governor, provided an update following the Bank’s monetary response in mid-March to the coronavirus crisis.

The Economy - Australia’s unemployment rate ticked up from 5.1% to 5.2% in March according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Whilst this relatively small increase may seem surprising, the survey on which the data is drawn from was conducted in the first half of the month and therefore did not reflect the lockdowns that were imposed by several states towards the end of the month. The full force of the impact of these lockdowns is expected to show in April’s result.

The Economy - Following the RBA’s unprecedented stimulus package in mid-March, the Bank didn’t announce any additional measures at its April monthly meeting. It appears unlikely that it will introduce additional major policy changes in the near term as the tensions within financial markets have subsided from their elevated levels in late March.

Australia - We have called out the challenging outlook for the Australian economy in recent years with domestic demand by the private sector remaining weak. In that context we saw the economy face two shocks during the quarter, the first was the impact of the bushfires and the second the coronavirus which emerged as a pronounced threat in March especially.

When an adverse event does occur, the outcome for those with an appropriate measure in place and those without can be vastly different. In this article, we list various personal finance measures.

Economic and financial issues continue to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, we provide information on the Government’s support of businesses in this difficult time.

Economic and financial issues continue to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, we provide information on the Government’s support for individuals and households in this difficult time.

The Economy - This week the Federal Government announced a third, and largest economic stimulus package in response to the coronavirus.

The Economy - At the start of the week the Commonwealth announced a second major fiscal stimulus package totalling $66.1bn to try and, at least partly offset the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak.

The Economy - Following the Commonwealth’s fiscal stimulus announced last week, the RBA on Thursday announced a comprehensive, and unprecedented, set of measures to combat the disruptions to economic activity and financial markets caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

Coronavirus impact - Since early February we have seen reported cases stabilise in China. This includes cases that are still-infected where growth has been declining as people recover. There are also signs of factory restarts within China albeit from a very subdued start (much of the country was effectively shut down to halt the spread of the virus). By contrast cases outside of China have continued to climb as has the death rate.

The Economy This week saw a new geopolitical shock emerge in the form of a sharp decline in oil prices. The catalyst was Russian refusal to cut production in line with OPEC members to support oil prices. By itself this would have been negative for prices.

APRA has released several measures that affect income protection insurance. In this article, we provide an overview of these measures, especially in relation to the agreed value benefit type.

The returns of asset classes can alter our chosen asset allocation within an investment portfolio. In this article, we explore the importance of periodically rebalancing an investment portfolio.

Upon commencing a pension, you may have the option to nominate a reversionary beneficiary. In this article, we discuss the facts on this type of superannuation income stream death benefit nomination.

The Economy - COVID-19 (a.k.a. coronavirus) cases continue to climb outside of China with South Korea, Italy and Iran the notable exposures. In addition, cases have grown from a small base in places such as Australia and the US exacerbating concerns that it has reached a pandemic stage where multiple people globally are infected simultaneously.

In this Quarterly issue we look at: The electric car revolution; Top tips for preparing your Will; 67 is the new 65; Investment market review

The Economy - The focus this week was more firmly on a rising number of infections of Covid-19 (aka coronavirus) outside of China (represented by the red line in the table below). We saw new cases spring up in South Korea and Italy most prominently.

According to the figures released mid-week, more than 2,200 people have died from coronavirus, of which nine have been from outside China. The global number of confirmed cases now exceeds 76,000, with the vast majority in mainland China. Outside of China the vast majority of confirmed cases have come from the Diamond Princess, a cruise liner off the coast of Japan with some passengers already evacuated.

The Economy - The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment rose 2.3% to 95.5 in February from 93.4 in January. Despite the modest improvement this month, sentiment remains weak overall.

Key company news – Gold miners Silver Lake Resources (ASX: SLR) and Saracen Mineral Holdings (ASX: SAR) both benefitted from a stronger gold price as real bond yields fell and investors sought gold as a safe haven asset in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

The purchase of a consumer good or service can prompt the purchase of another consumer good or service, and so on. In this article, we explore household consumption and the Diderot Effect.

A limit applies to the amount of super benefits you can transfer from accumulation phase to retirement phase to support an account-based pension. In this article, we discuss the transfer balance cap.

The Economy - In Australia the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) left the cash rate unchanged at 0.75%, which was in line with consensus, although they retained an easing bias. The RBA argued that whilst economic conditions remained soft, both monetary and fiscal stimulus applied over the past 12 months is expected to slowly raise growth rates.

The Economy - In Australia, headline inflation surprised slightly for the December quarter, up 0.7% versus consensus of 0.65%. Notable contributors to growth included higher fuel prices during the quarter (following a rally in crude oil) as well as tobacco and fruit price increases.

The Economy - Chinese health authorities are trying to lock down Wuhan, the city at the heart of a spreading coronavirus outbreak, in an effort to stop new infections during the Lunar New Year celebrations.

The Economy - The US and China signed a “phase one” trade deal this week. It includes Chinese commitments to remove barriers for US agricultural imports and crack down on companies that steal intellectual property. In return, the US will halve the tariff rate it imposed on $120 billion worth of Chinese goods to 7.5%.

Key economic news – Australian Sep-19 economic growth disappointed at 0.4% (consensus: 0.5%) with the RBA growth forecast of 2.25% for 2019 unlikely to be reached. Key drivers were weaker consumer spending with the government’s tax offset and the RBA rate cuts failing to trigger an impact.

A resolution is a firm decision to do or not to do something. In this article, we discuss New Year’s resolutions, and why it can be challenging to keep these resolutions (and resolutions generally).

Change is inevitable. In this article, we cover legislative changes to the Higher Education Loan Program, the Farm Household Allowance, the Paid Parental Leave Scheme, and overseas welfare recipients.

Change is inevitable. In this article, we cover legislative changes to the PBS, redundancy payments, salary sacrificing arrangements, and self-managed super funds (NALI and LRBAs).

The Economy - Geopolitical risk was heightened this week with Iran launching missiles at Iraq’s Ain Assad air base housing U.S. troops. This was in response to a US airstrike killing top Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani.

In Australia, the Mid Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) was released this week. The key point from the release was that a budget surplus is still forecast for 2019/20, however it has been scaled back from $7.1b to $5b due to write downs on revenue thanks to subdued wages growth and lower commodity prices.

Positive global economic and political developments vs continuing weakness in local economic data.

Sep-19 economic growth disappointed at 0.4% (consensus: 0.5%) with the RBA growth forecast of 2.25% for 2019 unlikely to be reached. Key drivers were weaker consumer spending with the government’s tax offset and the RBA rate cuts failing to trigger spending.

Getting ahead financially can involve an analysis of your existing financial situation; seeing if adjustments are required in one or more areas. In this article, we discuss household financial waste.

When transferring wealth before your passing, it’s vital to consider the potential financial impact to you. In this article, we discuss Age Pension entitlements, and the gifting and deprivation rules.

The Economy - Australian economic growth continues to remain anemic, supported primarily by the public sector and net exports. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released the national accounts for the September quarter this week, which registered a soft 0.4% growth in real GDP over the quarter (consensus: 0.5%) and just 1.7% growth over the year. The chart on the next page compares the components of growth against the same quarter last year.

The Economy - Economic data released this week indicates US growth remaining positive, whilst European and Australian growth remains subdued.

New Contemporary Gallery opens at Wellington Point

The Economy - Limited economic data for this week with highlights in two sets of leading indicators. These point to weaker labour markets and weaker growth momentum in the months ahead.

Key economic news – The RBA cut rates in October. Real retail sales also disappointed during the September quarter posing a downside risk for GDP growth with the RBA downgrading its growth assumption to 2.3% for 2019. More positive sentiment globally and strong labour markets have seen investors revise their expectations of further rate cuts downward.

Welcome to issue 4, the final issue, of PortfolioWatch for 2019.

The Economy - Weaker domestic data with wage growth and the labour market subdued and confidence for both businesses and consumers below average. RBA rate cut is likely to occur if leading indicator story plays out similar to past experience.

Estate planning is about planning who gets what assets, at what time and in what manner upon your passing. In this article, we provide the answers to our recent estate planning crossword.

In retirement, you may find your retirement lifestyle being funded by a variety of different sources. In this article, we provide an overview of Australia’s three-pillar retirement income system.

The Economy - As expected, the Reserve Bank of Australia decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 0.75% in its November meeting. The RBA continued to emphasise earlier remarks that it believed the economy had hit an inflection point with growth and inflation both expected to improve going forward.

The Economy - The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for the September quarter, which registered rising annual headline inflation but falling underlying inflation (underlying inflation exclude items that have particularly large price changes).

The Economy - Chinese GDP during the September quarter grew 6% year-on-year (consensus: 6.1%). This was on the bottom end of the government’s target range of 6-6.5%. Notable drivers included slower growth in both infrastructure and corporate investment.

The Economy - Following the much-anticipated trade talks last week the possibility of what is being called an interim trade agreement between China and the US appears to have risen.

Key economic news – The RBA cut rates in July and again in October. In line with our expectations Australian GDP growth disappointed driven by weakness in investment and consumer spending.

Estate planning is about planning who gets what assets, at what time and in what manner upon your passing. In this crossword, we cover the different components relating to the planning of your estate.

A bill, which builds upon the previously passed ‘Protecting Your Super Package’, recently passed through parliament. In this article, we explore the combined impact of these pieces of legislation.

Did you know that several wealth accumulation strategies can be impacted by your total super balance (TSB)? In this article, we discuss your TSB and these wealth accumulation strategies in detail.

The Economy - Over the past few days, we have witnessed further deterioration in the leading indicators of Australian growth.

The Economy - Global growth concerns featured strongly this week driven by two factors. First signs of weaker economic data for both the US and Europe in ISM and Markit PMIs respectively. Second was the appearance of trade tensions between the US and Europe, potentially opening a new front for the saga.

The Economy - The Fed delivered a “hawkish” easing this week, cutting the Fed funds rate by 25bps to 1.75-2%, and the interest rate on excess reserves by 30bps to 1.8%.

The Economy - This week the European Central Bank (ECB) cut interest rates further below zero and revived bond purchases (QE) after President Mario Draghi overcame critics of his stimulus policies to make a final run at reflating the euro area economy.

‘It’ll be right’ or ‘bulletproof’ is a health mindset held by some of us. In this article, we unpack key findings into the prevalence, incidence, risk and cost burden of ill health in Australia.

An account based income stream, can be one of the most tax effective ways to fund your retirement lifestyle. In this article, we discuss the top 10 facts about account based income streams.

Key economic news – The Reserve Bank of Australia left rates on hold in both August and September at 1%. In line with our expectations Australian GDP growth disappointed driven by weakness in investment and consumer spending.

The Economy - The decision for the September RBA meeting was released, with no change in the cash rate of 1.0%, consistent with market expectations.

The Economy The week started with central bankers meeting for their annual symposium at Jackson Hole, in Wyoming. With the backdrop of the tit-for-tat trade war between President Trump and China continuing, the Fed Chair, Jay Powell’s comments at the symposium assisted in stabilising equity markets this week.

The Economy - Recent weakness in the eurozone economy particularly manufacturing continued into August according to the latest PMI data from IHS Markit.

Australian equity market - The S&P/ASX 200 index finished July up 2.9%. All sectors were in positive territory. The top performing sectors were consumer staples (up 9.7%), health care (up 5.9%) and information technology (up 4.9%).

The Economy - Following President Trump issuing a tariff threat earlier this month on consumer goods from China, the US this week announced that it was delaying imposing tariffs on some imports until 15 December.

Retirement income can often come from several sources. In this article, given the low interest rate environment, we discuss retirement in general, and also changes to the Age Pension deeming rates.

As a super fund member, you will be receiving your annual super statement soon. In this article, we provide you with a helpful checklist for reviewing this important document.

The Economy - President Trump issued a new tariff threat last week for 10% tariffs on consumer goods into the US from China.

The Economy - The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 0.25% to a range of 2-2.25% in line with market expectations. The Federal Reserve statement highlighted concerns of slowing global growth impacting on the US as well as ongoing uncertainty affecting business investment.

The Economy - The IMF released its July World Economic Outlook update this week. The IMF trimmed its global growth forecasts by 0.1% to 3.2% in 2019 and 3.5% in 2020.

The unemployment rate remained at 5.2% in June (consensus: 5.2%). Employment growth disappointed with total employed persons rising by 0.5k (consensus: +9k). The bulk of this increase came in full-time jobs with 21.1k growth offset by weakness in part-time job creation with a loss of 20.6k part-time roles. The annualised 6-month change highlights jobs growth (+2.45%) above population growth (+1.92%) driven by full-time job creation.

The economy - Federal Reserve Chair, Jerome Powell, testified before the House Financial Services Committee this week and signaled that the Fed could soon cut interest rates.

Key economic news – The Reserve Bank of Australia cut rates once during the quarter and again in early July to leave the cash rate at 1%. Key to that decision was a mix of general economic weakness (Annual GDP growth of 1.8%) and their analysis that unemployment could fall to 4.5% without triggering inflation.

When it ticks over to a new financial year, often existing rates and thresholds increase, and new legislative instruments take effect. In this article, we discuss the state of play from 1 July 2019.

The economy - The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) cut interest rates this week by 0.25% in their July meeting. This is their first back to back move since May/June of 2012 during the European sovereign crisis.

The economy - It appears that the US and China are holding a truce to their trade disputes with reports overnight that the two countries are working on press releases ahead of a meeting between President Trump and President Jinping this weekend.

The economy - The US Federal Reserve kept interest rates on hold at a range of 2.25 – 2.5% this week while guiding to lower rates next year in its formal economic projections.

The Economy - Despite the interest rate cut by the RBA last week, the Westpac – MI Australian consumer confidence index moved lower in June.

Several changes are coming to superannuation, and action may be required on your part prior to 1 July 2019. In this article, we discuss the recently legislated Protecting Your Superannuation Package.

Key economic news – The Reserve Bank of Australia followed through on its May statement pointing to labour market weakness and the need for rate cuts to meet its economic forecasts with a 0.25% cut to interest rates in early June.

The Economy - The RBA cut interest rates this week by 0.25% to 1.25%. A cut had been flagged in recent policy statements as necessary to maintain the growth trajectory the RBA had forecast.

In a move that was widely anticipated by the financial markets, the RBA cut its official cash rate to a record low of 1.25%. Thirty-three months of inaction came to an end as the RBA board cited support to employment growth and achieving inflation target remaining key to a stable economy.

The federal election is done and dusted, and the Coalition Government has been given another three years in power. How will this outcome affect Australians’ finances?

This week was marked by a focus on global events with rising trade tensions between the US and China and, rising budget tensions between Italy and the EU.

The Economy - Last week we discussed the possibility that the early signs of the housing price correction bottoming out. We noted further evidence this week with the release of the CoreLogic dwelling price index which for the week ending the 23rd of May remained basically flat (-0.01%).

The Economy - The ABS reported lending data for households and business to March 2019. The decline is housing credit growth continued with total lending for dwellings (excluding refinancing) falling 18.4% from March 2018.

Many Bills managed to become Acts before the dissolution of parliament. In this article, we look at several of these pertaining to social security, superannuation and taxation.

Many Bills lapsed following the dissolution of parliament ahead of the federal election. In this article, we look at several of these pertaining to employment, social security and superannuation.

As we approach the end of financial year (EOFY), this can be an opportune time to do some fine-tuning in areas of your personal finances. In this article, we provide EOFY planning tips.

The Global Retirement Index assesses and compares the level of retirement wellbeing and security in different countries around the world. In this article, we explore how Australia ranks.

The Economy - This week was dominated by trade news with the threat of US escalation reappearing after months of negotiations with China. Over the weekend President Trump had issued a threat to raise tariffs on $200bn of Chinese goods from 10% to 25% citing a lack of progress on key areas.

Markets – April was marked by a continuation of “risk on” sentiment with most asset classes (except Australian property and global government bonds) offering positive returns (see page 10) led by equities with unhedged global equities up 4.6% and Australian small caps up 4.1% respectively.

Economic outlook for 2019 - Overall, we are likely to see a slowdown in growth for both the Australian and global economies over the next year. Upcoming elections, including our own Federal election, will have a major influence on the economy as will government spending.

Globally the US and China have entered a new round of trade discussions with consensus still supporting a trade deal as observers cite additional progress on several key issues.

The Economy - Australian March quarter inflation data was released this week. The release disappointed expectations with growth in inflation flat over the quarter (consensus: +0.2%) and up 1.3% year-on-year.

The Economy - The April meeting minutes for the RBA were also released this week. In addition to maintaining concern over the housing market a key focus was the two questions of the labour market and inflation.

A needs analysis can be an important initial step in the establishment of an appropriate personal insurance plan. In this article, we explore needs analysis and linked personal insurance policies.

The FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement is a rather controversial social lifestyle movement that’s gaining some traction. In this article, we provide insight into this movement.

Summary - Hard economic data point to resilience in the US economy with solid but slowing growth. It remains strong relative to the rest of the developed world. We are cautious in our forward outlook.

March Economic Wrap - The Australian market finished lower in March continuing the weak start to 2018. Global issues continued to be a major driver given positive earnings forecasts following the February reporting season.

The Economy - In the UK, MPs voted by a majority of one to compel Prime Minister May to request a further extension to Brexit from the EU beyond the current 12 April deadline.

This year’s Federal Budget is an ‘election budget’ with future tax cuts for all Australians, especially low and middle income earners. Overall, there were minimal changes to super proposed in the Budget, with minor changes to super contributions for older Australians.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg delivered the 2019-20 Federal Budget on 2 April 2019. We provide you with a summary of the main proposed measures that may be relevant to you and your personal finances.

The Economy - This week started with a pessimistic note following flash Markit business surveys that highlighted a slowdown in major economies with European momentum retreating after two months of expansion.

Bridges Brisbane Bayside receive prestigious awards at the 2019 Bridges & Associates National Conference - Ho Chi Minh.

The Federal Reserve left interest rates on hold in the US this week at 2.5%. They also changed their projections for future rate hikes, deferring the next hike until next year, down from a projection of 2 hikes for this year that was made in December.

The Economy - Globally a major focus this week was the series of votes in Parliament on the planned exit from the UK. Parliament rejected the renegotiated deal with the UK on 12 March.

Summary - Hard economic data point to resilience in the US economy with solid growth relative to the rest of the developed world with some signs of emerging weakness in leading indicators.

Proper, ongoing management accounting is crucial for running a successful, long-term business. This is the same for your personal accounting. In this article, we explore personal financial statements.

Whether you are a wealth accumulator or retiree, determining an appropriate investment risk profile is important. In this article, we discuss the process behind this in further detail.

Insurance premiums can vary considerably from one person to the next due to the diverse range of variables at play. In this article, we explore several of these variables via a case study.

Economy - The Australian economy grew 0.2% during the December quarter (consensus: 0.5%) and 2.3% for 2018 (RBA forecast: 2.75%).

Economy - On the trade front, we saw further progress this week towards laying the ground for a deal between the US and China.

The Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry recently released its Final Report. Both major political parties have said they will support the recommendations in the report.

Economy - On the trade saga, we saw some more concrete details emerge on a prospective US-China trade deal. Reports from Bloomberg state that US and Chinese negotiators are working on several memorandums of understanding that would form the basis of a final trade deal.

The Economy - Chinese exports surprised market expectations with 13.9% growth in the year to January (consensus: 3.8%) while imports were also higher than expected at 2.9% (consensus: -1.9%) over the same period.

The saying ‘asset-rich, but income-poor’ can be an accurate description of the financial situation of some retirees. In this article, we look at the Government’s Pension Loans Scheme.

The Economy - Total dwelling approvals in Australia fell 8.4% in December (consensus: +2%), disappointing consensus forecasts while the November result was also revised lower from a 9.1% decline to a 9.8% drop.

Summary - Both leading and hard economic data point to resilience in the US economy with solid growth relative to the rest of the developed world. Global economic momentum has continued to slow into 2019, led by weakness in Europe with China also slowing pointing to the need for further stimulus on the domestic front.

What happened to the share market in 2018?

The Economy - The US Federal Reserve this week agreed to leave the benchmark interest rate unchanged in the range of 2.25% to 2.5%. In what was seen as a more dovish stance, the Fed removed the reference to further “gradual” rate rises, indicating that the next move will be dependent on economic data.

Consistent with the views expressed by the World Bank in their report earlier this month, the IMF this week downgraded its global growth outlook for the second time in three months, warning of mounting risks including an escalation of the trade wars.

The Economy - Following extensive talks last week to help defuse the trade war between China and the US, this week the China government announced that it will reduce restrictions on foreign investment and address difficulties facing foreign companies investing in the country.

Several proposals regarding small and medium businesses, primary producers and farmers, consumers, aged care and education have recently been legislated. In this article, we unpack these for you.

With 2019 here, it’s time to kick-start your personal finances for the year ahead. In this article, we provide you with a financial checklist to help you take stock of your personal circumstances.

In its January report the World Bank has echoed concerns regarding slowing global growth with the Bank expecting global growth to slow to 2.9% in 2019. The Bank highlighted international trade and investment moderating, trade tensions remain elevated, and financing conditions tightening.

Both leading and hard economic data point to resilience in the US economy with solid growth relative to the rest of the developed world. Global economic momentum continued to slow in 2018, led by weakness in Europe with China also weaker but showing some potential stimulus gains later in the year.

The Economy - As anticipated by markets, the Federal Reserve moved to increase US interest rates by a further 0.25% to a range of 2.25- 2.5%. A key item was the updated economic projections of the Board which outlined their plans for monetary policy.

Summary - In a nutshell, both leading and hard economic data point to resilience in the US economy. Global economic momentum continued to slow this year, led by weakness in China and Europe. We will likely see slower growth in the US next year as the effects of the fiscal stimulus wear off.

The Economy - There was some optimism this week on the trade front with Chinese importers resuming the buying of US soybeans, a key target in prior escalation of the trade tensions between the US and China.

Quarterly Newsletter

The Economy: Economic growth results were released by the ABS this week with Australia registering 0.3% growth in real GDP for the September quarter (consensus: 0.6%) and a 2.8% rise over the year. The economy remains reliant on household consumption expenditure, which, in turn, is being driven by high debt levels and declining savings with a savings rate of 2.8% at its lowest since December 2007 while household income growth moderates.

How you decide to spend your time can affect your ability to achieve your goals and objectives. In this article, we explore the importance of reflection on your current time management.

The festive season spirit is centred on giving (not receiving), whether material or immaterial. In this article, we list ways to help you (and your children) embrace the spirit of the festive season.

The Economy Following on from the release last week of the Minutes from the RBA’s November meeting in which economic headwinds for the Australian economy will likely result in a sustained period of rates staying on hold, Credit Suisse have analysed some preliminary data for the third quarter 2018 suggesting a softening of activity in the Australian economy. The

The Economy Minutes from the RBA’s November meeting provided few surprises given the recent Statement on Monetary Policy and already-known forecast revisions. The Reserve Bank reiterated that while the next move in interest rates was likely to be up, given expectations that growth will remain above 3% in 2019, a sustained period of rates staying on hold was appropriate.

The Economy The unemployment rate held steady at 5% in October (consensus: 5.1%). Employment growth surprised with total employed persons rising by 32.8k (consensus: +20k) continuing its up-down trend in recent times shifting between growing and weaker or falling total jobs growth. The bulk of this increase came in full-time jobs with 42.3k growth offset by notable weakness with the loss of 9.5k part-time roles.

Summary - In a nutshell, both leading and hard economic data point to resilience in the US economy. Global economic momentum has slowed over the course of this year, led by weakness in China and Europe. Business sentiment has been weighed down by the uncertainty surrounding tariffs and trade policy with it being cited as a persistent concern across both developed and emerging markets.

For some of us, there will come a time when we part ways with our spouse for one reason or another. In this article, we look at several findings regarding the financial impact of divorce.

Taking a proactive approach to retirement planning earlier means you can benefit from the power of compounding and give yourself flexibility along the way. In this article, we explore this further.

International economy – US and China trade update Trade wars continued to be a theme during the September 2018 quarter as tensions between the US and China escalated. In July, the US and China levied tariffs of 25% on $34 billion of each other’s exports. This means consumers in the US and China now pay 25% more to buy tariff-affected products from each other. In September 2018, the US imposed 10% tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods. China responded by imposing 10% tariffs on $60 billion of US goods. The US said that the current 10% tariffs imposed on China will become 25% tariffs by January 2019. China has promised to do the same.

The Economy The RBA left interest rates unchanged at 1.5% (consensus: 1.5%) in line with market expectations. The statement following the rate stance highlighted changes in its forecast for the next two years with average GDP growth of 3.5% for 2018 and 2019 calendar years thanks to strong resource exports, government spending and business investment. The weakness in CPI data with a 1.9% print last week for the September quarter was in line with the Bank’s expectations and the forecast going forward is for inflation to gradually rise to 2.25% in 2019.

The Economy The Australian economic data this week continued several themes of releases for the year to date with weaker CPI data, retail sales and property prices being offset by positives in net exports with another trade surplus recorded during September. CPI data was released for the September quarter which showed a 0.4% rise (consensus: 0.5%) during the quarter and a 1.9% annual increase. This is consistent with earlier RBA forecasts in August for a slowdown in inflation as the introduction of the Child Care Subsidy helped drive child care inflation lower by 11.8% with the category, household equipment and furnishings, also declining by 1.2%. Retail sales grew 0.2% (consensus: 0.3%) over the month of September.

The Economy The theme of US strength domestically and weakness elsewhere in the globe saw no abating in the release of flash estimates for business conditions across both services and manufacturing sectors for the month of October. The slowdown in Europe continued while the US saw the Flash Composite rise to a threemonth high with underlying domestic demand driving business conditions further ahead even as headwinds from trade tariffs in the form of higher input costs have been increasingly noted by US businesses.

The Economy The unemployment rate surprised with a fall of 0.3% from August to 5% (consensus: 5.3%) in September. Employment growth disappointed with total employed persons rising by 5.6k (consensus: +15k) continuing its up-down trend in recent times shifting between growing and falling total jobs growth. The bulk of this increase came in full-time jobs with 20.3k growth offset by notable weakness with the loss of 14.7k part-time.

The Economy President Trump reiterated his threat this week to continue down the path of further tariffs on China potentially targeting up to $267bn-worth of Chinese imports which would, in addition to tariffs already in place, account for the full swathe of imports from China. This was latched on as a possible explanation for the sell-off in US equities (discussed further below). In response to these threats and the slowdown from the tariffs in place the Chinese government is considering reductions on import tariffs as well as increasing tax refunds for Chinese exports caught by US tariffs.

Summary - In a nutshell, both leading and hard economic data point to resilience in the global economy led by the US. This resilience continues to be tested however with investor sentiment being weighed down by ongoing trade concerns that saw additional tariffs be implemented between the US and China during the quarter with more anticipated to come unless the two nations can reach a compromise.

Equity Market Correction

The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) scheme is a one-off grant payable to first home owners that satisfy all the eligibility criteria. In this article, we delve into the details for each state/territory.

The financial lifecycle provides a simplistic framework upon which to understand the path people travel during their lives. In this article, we unpack what this means for you.

Congratulations to Leonie Dawson on being awarded Finalist at the 2018 Women in Finance Awards.

The Economy The Reserve Bank of Australia (“the RBA”) held interest rates steady at 1.5% (consensus: 1.5%) as expected marking over 2 years now since the last change in interest rates during August 2016 (a 0.25% cut). The RBA statement noted positives in global inflation ticking up due to a mix of stronger oil prices and some evidence of wage growth, led by the US while noting caution on international trade given the ongoing trade war saga between the US and China.

The Economy The US and China trade saga continued with the expected tariffs, highlighted last week, being implemented on 24 September. In response as also telegraphed Chinese authorities have announced additional import tariff cuts against goods from other trading partners to offset the burden on consumers and businesses and bring China’s overall tariff rate from 9.8% to 7.5%. As part of these new policies the Chinese government has implemented regulatory reforms to attract foreign investors which received an additional boost this week with MSCI announcing changes to its index construction that will see more foreign investment allocated to Chinese companies, enhancing liquidity.

The Economy The Trump Administration followed through on its threats of additional trade measures with the implementation of a 10% tariff set to occur on 24 September which will be doubled to 25% in 2019 should the trade dispute with China remain unresolved. These tariffs are broader in their target base with both industrial and consumer goods from China being targeted. China has followed likewise targeting $60bn-worth of US goods with tariffs of 5-10% including US natural gas imports which face a 10% levy starting from 24 September.

For some of us, there can often be a ‘behaviour gap’ between what we should do and what we actually do. In this article, we discuss investment market cycles and investor sentiment.

“The most important investment you can make is in yourself.” (Warren Buffett). In this article, we explore this quote within the context of helpful spending suggestions for making the most of your tax refund this year; however, it also has broader application regarding how you may wish to approach life in general.

Each year, the ATO releases guidance on what they will be closely monitoring when tax returns are lodged. Claiming deductions for work-related self-education expenses is a regular area of focus for the ATO – this year is no exception. As such, we discuss the ins and outs of this type of work-related expense.

In our daily lives, we are constantly confronted with consumer-based distractions of a predominantly ‘want purchase’ nature. As a result, staying on the path towards the achievement of your financial goals and objectives can sometimes prove difficult. In this article, we discuss this further.

We are now into the 2018-19 financial year; there are several finalised (as well as pending) legislative updates that are due to take effect either from 1 July or later in the year. In this article, we briefly touch on the top 10 that may be relevant to your financial situation, goals and objectives.

Insurance, in general, can sometimes be seen as a ‘grudge purchase’ as there can be a perception of little tangible value (until claim time). In this article, we explore the risk probability/impact matrix to highlight the value of personal insurances when it comes to managing certain lifetime risks.

From 2 July 2018, the Child Care Benefit and Child Care Rebate will be replaced with a new financial assistance payment for eligible families, the Child Care Subsidy. In this article, we explore the Child Care Subsidy in more detail regarding eligibility, payments and transitioning/claiming.

The end of the financial year is nearly upon us. Where has the year gone? In this article, we discuss several end of financial year planning tips that you may wish to consider prior to 30 June – they may help in terms of minimising your tax liabilities and making the most of the money you earn.

Treasurer Scott Morrison delivered the 2018-19 Federal Budget on 8 May 2018. We provide you with a summary of the main proposed measures that may be relevant to you and your personal finances.

When it comes to recommending which insurer (and their offering) may be appropriate for you and managing expectations around potential outcomes of a formal insurance application, often an important step in the process can be the completion of a pre-assessment. In this article, we explain what one is.

Residential investment properties are assets purchased to achieve an investment objective, and their acquisition is based on financial benefit. Income-generation is an important part of the rate of return equation. As such, we explore some considerations regarding attraction and retention of tenants.

Perspective can be a powerful tool when used appropriately. Have you ever wondered how you compare to the average Australian in terms of financial attitudes and behaviours? We look at several of the findings from ASIC’s latest Australian Financial Attitudes and Behaviour Tracker (Wave 5).

For some retirees, travel can be a high priority, especially early on in retirement. You may want to capitalise on the time and resources available to you by travelling whilst you are still fit and healthy. Here are some savings tips to help with planning that next trip away (wealth accumulators may find it helpful too!).

The 2017 Budget introduced many proposed measures aimed at addressing the issue of housing affordability and several of these are now law. We will review the new laws and how they relate to a residential property investor, retirees wishing to downsize or a prospective first homebuyer.

By now, you may already have a fair idea as to which New Year resolutions were a little over-ambitious, and those that you may just see through to the end. In this article, we provide you with some helpful tips to succeed this year, as well as a few personal finance-related resolutions also worth considering.

Your will is normally the main document that facilitates the distribution of your assets to your intended beneficiaries upon your passing. In this increasingly digital age, your online ‘digital footprint’ or ‘cyber assets’, may also be an important inclusion worth considering.  

With the holiday period almost here, it can be easy to let your holiday spending get the best of you. In this article, we provide you with several saving tips to help keep your holiday spending in check, whilst still allowing you to have the well-deserved break that you have been looking forward to.

How we pay for goods and services has significantly changed over time. The most notable was the move away from a barter system to what we now know as the currency system. Recently there has been talk regarding cryptocurrency, Bitcoin and blockchain. In this article, we explain what they are.

Warren Buffett, known as the ‘Oracle of Omaha’, is arguably one of the most successful investors of all time. In this article, we take a look at some of his most famous quotes and apply the meaning behind them to certain areas of your personal finances, such as investing, risk management and philanthropy.

Given the continual changes, it can be easy to see why some wealth accumulators and retirees have become frustrated with super; however, it’s important to remember the key benefits that continue to make it such a powerful investment structure. In this article, we discuss several of these.

Depending on your personal circumstances, you may find that an investment bond forms a component of your overall investment portfolio. In this article, we take a look at what an investment bond is and some important considerations before investing in one.

One of the risks facing retirees is the potential of running out of money in your retirement savings by living longer than expected; this is commonly referred to as longevity risk. In this article, we discuss several considerations for retirees in regards to longevity risk.

To reach the finish line of a marathon, you need preparation, flexibility and perseverance. In many ways, retirement planning is the same, let’s consider some of the parallels between the two.

Whether you prepare your tax return yourself, or use a registered tax agent, it’s important to get your deductions right. In this article, we discuss several of the most common work-related expenses that you may be eligible to claim.

Returning to work after having a family may mean thinking about child care. In this article, we discuss the Child Care Benefit and Child Care Rebate provided by the Government to eligible families.

Your annual super statement has lots of important information to help you better understand your super. In this article, we cover some key things to check in your annual super statement before filing it away. 

When considering your personal finances, is there a battle between your present and future self? In this article, we look at the importance of aligning your present self with your future self.

The new financial year has ushered in many legislative changes when it comes to personal finances. These are most noticeable in superannuation, but also impact other areas. Read more about these changes and how they may affect you.

There are many benefits to holding Income Protection insurance. In this article, we discuss several supplementary provisions held within some Income Protection insurance policies that have a focus on enhanced coverage.

You’ve probably heard the saying, “Don’t put all of your eggs in the one basket”, but what does it mean? In this article, we explore the importance of diversification when it comes to portfolio construction.

The end of financial year is close. In this article, we look at end of financial year planning strategies that may be worth considering, when it comes to tax and superannuation.

If you or a loved one requires higher-level aged care services, but would still like to reside at home then a Home Care Package may be an option to consider. In this article, we take a closer look at how this service works.

Whilst on the path to financial freedom, occasionally it can be helpful to gain perspective along the way, by considering and then reflecting on the financial attitudes and behaviours of others. In this article, we look at several of the interesting findings from the 2017 Wealth Report.

The 2017-18 Federal Budget delivered on the 9 May 2017 was packed with several already anticipated moves, whilst also delivering a few surprises. In this article, we provide a summary of the main announcements that may affect you.

For the majority of people, being able to live independently in your home as you age is what you want, but the reality is that sometimes you may need some help. In this article, we focus on the Commonwealth Home Support Programme.

The foundation of goals-based investing lies in ensuring that there is alignment between your financial goals and objectives, tolerance for risk and the way your investment portfolio is ultimately invested. We explore this in a little more detail.

It is probably safe to say that at some point in your life you have opened your electricity bill and have been a little surprised with the total amount due – and, not in a good way. We charter our way through the ‘household-electricity-sphere’ to help you become a little more energy-savvy in the future.

The annual concessional and non-concessional contribution cap limits (and the maximum bring-forward rule) will decrease from 1 July 2017. We explore the opportunities to maximise your super contributions now and into the future.

According to recent research, approximately 45% of Australians pass away without a will, or intestate. We explore why DIY will’s may not be the solution to your estate planning needs.

A belief held by many economists is that there is at least one more interest rate cut expected from the Reserve Bank of Australia this year should employment, wages growth, and household spending continue to remain sluggish. We examine interest rate predictions and what they may mean for you.

When considering the potential for a future claim on our Trauma insurance, we often think about the big four traumatic medical events e.g. heart attack, stroke, cancer and coronary artery bypass. It is important to remember that contemporary trauma insurance policies now also provide greater protection with the provision of a much larger range of specified medical events.

For many of us that make resolutions, during or at the end of the year, we often unfortunately set ourselves up to fail. This may be due to a combination of factors such as unrealistic expectations, ill-defined goals and objectives, poor time management skills, the wrong mindset or simply just getting distracted with life. Find out about the SMART principle and its application to budgeting.

The dust has now settled, and several new tax and superannuation bills have been formally passed through the House of Representatives and Senate corresponding to the Government’s ‘Superannuation Reform Package’ announced back in the 2016 Federal Budget. The majority of the Government’s proposed changes have made it through parliament.

We generally expect that our wishes for medical treatment will be respected, but what happens when we are not able to make decisions, due to an accident, sudden illness, or a progressive disease.  Having an advanced care directive is a way to ensure that our preferences for medical treatment are considered at a time when we may be unable to express them. 

Wealth accumulation can be as simple as putting aside money each week into a high-interest savings account, paying down your debts, or building a diversified investment portfolio inside or outside of superannuation. Does the family home also come into mind when considering your personal wealth?

Have you ever sat around the dinner table with a friend or family member or attended an ‘investment’ conference or seminar and repeatedly heard someone say, “Now, this is not a pyramid scheme”? Pyramid schemes are illegal schemes under Australian Consumer Law.

There’s been recent cover in the news on how we are becoming increasingly exposed to gambling, due in part to the many options now available to us online. Being more informed can help you gain a better understanding of how gambling can impact you and your family.

Regardless of your age, one of the ways to help you grow your wealth and prepare for retirement is to take an active interest in your super sooner rather than later. A good place to start is with some simple housekeeping. If you have multiple super accounts weigh up the pros and cons and consider the impact this may have on your end ‘retirement nest egg’. 

In our busy lives, talking about money matters with our family may prove to be a daunting and sometimes emotional subject, especially around the dinner table. However, avoiding these often difficult conversations may have several drawbacks in the future.

When most people think about investing in property they tend to think about residential homes or commercial properties such as shops, offices or industrial buildings. But there is another way to invest in property through listed property securities often referred to as Real Estate Investment Trusts or REITS. What are REITS and how do they work?

Are you planning a renovation? Renovating a property is more than just a pure financial decision. It can have significant implications not only for your cash flow, but also for your lifestyle. So before you get going, take stock and make sure you’ve considered everything.

It’s that time of year again, it won’t be long now before your annual superannuation statements will arrive (if they haven’t already). Superannuation can be full of confusing terms. Deciphering the jargon can be a challenge. We explore some common terms to help you.

There is a common misconception that in order to give you need to be wealthy, and that the only thing you can give is money. But the truth is that there are many different financial and non-financial ways that you can give to others. See how you can bring philanthropy into your life and make a real difference.

The proposed changes to the Centrelink Age Pension announced in last years’ federal budget are now law, and will take effect from 1 January 2017. Two significant changes will be imposed, these may be good and bad news for Age Pensioners. It’s important to review these changes and understand how they may impact your or your family member’s entitlement.

A new financial year, just like a new calendar year is a great time to set new goals and make resolutions. For many people, setting resolutions is the easy part, but sticking to them can be quite difficult - some tricks on setting resolutions you can actually achieve.

In the current environment many investors are seeking additional sources of return for their portfolios, but with slower economic growth and low interest rates this can be difficult to find and can often lead to investing in higher risk strategies.

Breaking up is hard to do! Particularly when it comes to getting back in control of your finances. We outline some important steps that you’ll need to take following divorce or separation.

If the majority of a group is doing a certain thing, it becomes increasingly difficult not to follow the group. This pressure can affect many different aspects of behaviour, even decisions we make with our money. Understanding these biases can assist you in making better decisions.

Australians buy goods and services almost every day, but how many of us really understand what we’re covered for when it comes to making a purchase? It might surprise you, save you money and unnecessary headaches.

Insurance is one of those things many of us set-and-forget, but a quick review of your insurance policies at least once a year is a worthwhile exercise that can help save costs and ensure peace of mind. So where do you start?

Identity theft cost Australians in excess of $1.6 billion last year. In this article, we explore ways to protect your personal information and reduce the risks of falling victim to this serious crime.

The 2016 Federal Budget may impact you more than you think, mainly because your tax dollars go towards making it happen, but also because changes were announced that affect nearly every Australian.

There are many different ways to assist ageing parents in better managing their financial affairs and even small things can make a difference. We provide you with some useful tips to help you through this process.

With early diagnosis and advancements in medical treatment, the chance of surviving serious illnesses such as heart attack, stroke or cancer is much higher than in years gone by. However the process of recovery can be emotionally and financially draining. So how do we protect ourselves?

Tax time can be a breeze for some and a nightmare for others. As we are just a few months away from the end of financial year, now is the perfect time to organise your financial affairs with our end of financial year planning tips!

Different portfolio managers have different styles when it comes to how they invest. This article takes a closer look at active and indexed investing styles and the philosophies that guide them. Do you know the difference?

People often take a break from work to manage changes in their lives. When this happens, they’re also taking a break from receiving super contributions, which may affect their retirement savings. But there are things you can do to help manage this gap.

New changes to the Personal Asset rules for SMSFs will affect which assets count as investments and how they are to be treated if held by the SMSF. Review the changes to ensure you are across this before 1 July.

If you have a Gen Y in your family, you may have noticed that their attitude to money is different to yours. Here are some things you can do to help your Gen Y stay on track financially. 

Moving in with a partner can be an exciting time, but don’t just jump in. Take the time to think upfront about the financial practicalities and what it could mean if things don’t go according to plan. This might apply to you or a loved one.

You may have heard about investor bias, but do you know how it affects you? Have a look at these common investor biases and see how they may influence your financial decisions. Even having awareness of them can help. 

Making your home more energy efficient is a good way to save on bills and reduce environmental impact. Read more about what you can do here. 

The New Year is here! Perhaps you are considering some changes this year – a new job, business venture, study or even a sea change?  See our four steps to help you make it happen. 

Personal insurance plans include a range of different kinds of cover to protect you and your family’s lifestyle in case of an unexpected change to your health. Make sure you know what the terms mean for you. 

It’s nearly time to sign off from work and start the holidays. Give yourself a stress-free vacation knowing that your finances are taken care of by ticking off these financial ‘to-dos’. 

The holidays are nearly here! Maybe you’re planning a getaway? Make sure you get the most out of your budget too - here are some ideas to help you out at this time of year.

With so many decisions to make in life, we often forget to plan. But certain events are too important to gamble with - have you planned for the things that matter? 

These days there are many different ways people can change their living situation as they get older.  Are you thinking about your next move? Explore the different options that might be suitable to you.

Do you know what your credit score is? Have you seen your credit report? Get informed about your credit history and find out how it affects your access to financial services. A lot more affects your credit score than you might think.

Spring property season is here and many investors are on the hunt. Perhaps you are considering whether investing in property is the appropriate choice for you? Here are some things you might like to consider first. 

The investment markets are volatile once again. So what should investors do? It can be difficult to sit tight during turbulent times, but it’s important to maintain a balanced perspective. Perhaps these reminders can help. 

We are living longer than we ever had before and the expectation is our life expectancy will keep increasing. So what income will we need in retirement, it ultimately depends on our desired lifestyle. Here are the numbers…

You might have already received your superannuation statement, if not it will arrive shortly. It is a great time to review the important aspects of your statement and what they mean to you. Here are 5 things we believe it is important to understand.

Have you spent your tax refund yet or are you planning to? There can be a number of worthwhile options when it comes to spending or investing your tax refund. You might utilise a couple of different ideas. We explore a few.

There are many things to consider when returning to work after caring for young ones. There are both financial and non-financial considerations. This article explores the important things that need to be considered.

Credit Card balance transfers can be a little tricky, however they can be beneficial. It is wise to compare apples with apples and be clear on honeymoon interest rates, fees and repayment terms. Find out what the benefits are and what to watch out for.

In this article we explain that when taking out personal insurances you have the choice of how the premium cost is structured and how much you will pay for your insurance cover over the life time of your policy.

You may have heard of the term salary sacrifice before but are not sure what it means or how it works? In this article we take a look at salary sacrifice in more detail as it relates to superannuation.

When the unexpected happens and unplanned financial expenses occur do you have the funds at call ready to cover them or are you someone who uses credit to bail yourself out?

When it comes to retiring, there are a number of risks that retirees face that are specific to the retirement life stage. This article explores the most common risks retirees face and how to prepare for and manage them.

Trauma Insurance was first introduced in 1983. What’s the purpose and why is it needed?

Is your superannuation balance bigger than your spouse’s? In this article we explore 4 common ways you can boost your spouse’s super balance.

The 2015 Federal Budget was relatively tame, with a big focus on creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. Our article looks at what’s in it for you. From the changes for the young and unemployed, for families, business owners, to the over 50's and the already retired.

While most of us can’t wait to finish work and retire an increasing number of Australians are also opting to maintain an active lifestyle and career into their 70’s and beyond. Why are people choosing to delay retirement?

Knowing just what to do with surplus cash can be difficult. How do you figure out whether it’s better to invest in your own name, pay down your mortgage or put more in your super fund?

The end of another financial year is fast approaching and now is a great time to think about the ways you can build and protect your wealth. Here are some great ideas in the lead up to 30 June.

Due to technology and social media, the boundaries are blurring between work and home and it?s becoming hard to separate work and non-work. What are the secrets to a healthy work / life balance?

Are you leaving an inheritance or a legacy? What’s the difference? We explain in this article.

How do you work out the value of your home when you want to put it on the market? Do you leave it up to the real estate agent to tell you what they think it’s worth, or should you set the price? 

Parents want lots of things for their children. They have dreams for them from the moment they are born. We explore the financial cost of a happy life, a good education and plenty of opportunities for your kids.

If an early retirement is something you aspire to, here are five things you need to know.

If you’re looking to go broke then here are a few tried and tested money mistakes that people make and which can put you on the road to financial distress, fast! If you don’t want to go broke, avoid these.

For most Australians, superannuation represents their largest single investment after buying their own home. The more you know about your super and the more control you have over it, the greater your chance of reaching your retirement income goals.

According to the 2013 Norton Cyber-crime report, around 5.4 million people in Australia were targeted by online criminals in the last 12 months at an estimated cost of $1.65 billion. Worldwide, around 556 million people were affected by cyber-crime at a cost of around $113 billion!

You may be aware that in the event that you are to pass away, your superannuation benefits will not automatically form part of your estate assets. Instead, superannuation death benefits are normally distributed via a beneficiary nomination.

When a marriage, or a de-facto relationship breaks down, the task of separating finances can be very difficult and stressful. This article looks into the financial implications of divorce with regards to asset splitting.

What if you could reduce the interest on your home loan without making extra repayments on the loan? An offset account may enable you to do just that.

The Christmas season - a time for giving, is fast approaching. Donating to charity is a wonderful way to support the wider community and those in need. This article takes a look at the ins and outs of donating to charity.

If you’re earning less than $37,000pa and you or your employer make concessional (before-tax) contributions to your superannuation fund then you may be eligible for a refund of up to $500pa. Our article explains how.

The benefits of a well-planned and executed home renovation are both financial and personal. Whilst renovating can be very exciting, it can also be quite stressful if not managed or budgeted properly. Here are our top tips to for planning a renovation:

Given the complexities of retiring, even with a plan, you can sometimes make mistakes.

But the good news is that we can learn from some of the more common mistakes that retirees make, in the hope that we may be able to avoid making them ourselves.

There are a few rules and limits with Non-Concessional Super Contributions. We explore the age-based contribution limits and the Bring Forward Rule and how they might apply to your situation.

There are fundamental differences between Joint Tenants VS Tenants in Common, we review the importance of getting it right when purchasing assets with other people.

This month we highlight the concept of 'real rate of return' and its importance when investing, particularly in low interest rate and high inflation environments.

It’s never too early or too late to start planning for your retirement. We investigate what an average retirement income looks like and how much you might need to save in order to live a comfortable retirement.

Investing in commercial property can be via direct investment or through a more diversified approach such as property syndicates or Australian Real Estate Investment Trusts (A-REITs). This article discusses the benefits and risks of commercial property investing.

Do you know if you are an Executor of somebody’s will? Before appointing an Executor in your Will, or agreeing to be an Executor of someone else’s estate, it is important that you understand the implications of this decision and the roles and responsibilities that come with the title of Executor.

In this article we explore the concept of imputation credits, also known as franking credits and how they can benefit Australian investors.

Money is often referred to as wealth and people measure wealth in different ways. Some think of wealth as being their total assets, whilst others use their annual salary and some their hourly wage. But what exactly is money and what does it represent to you?

You don’t need to be an economic whiz to understand the Federal Budget, just take a quick look at our “Jargon Buster – Federal Budget Edition” for explanation of key terminology used by politicians, economists and the media when talking about the budget.

The Treasurer Joe Hockey announced the toughest Federal Budget since 1996 with the tightening of the nation’s belt and a focus on cost cutting to lower the nation’s $49.9 billion deficit. The budget measures announced propose a reduction in the deficit next year to $29.8 billion and a gradual decrease over the next 3 years following to an estimated $2.8 billion in 2017/18.

As it has been said, there are two certainties in life – Death and Taxes. Death can be a little out of our control, however taxes can be something that we can proactively make a difference with. Kerry Packer was clear on tax minimisation...

From 1 July 2014, the non-concessional (after-tax) and concessional contributions limits will increase as a result of indexation in line with average wages (AWOTE). Find out more here.

Self Employed with no super. For 25% of self-employed Australian’s this is the reality they are currently facing. Just because super isn’t compulsory for the self-employed doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be a priority. Our article explains why.

Recent changes to the Privacy Act have changed what information is recorded in our credit reports. Failure to pay our bills on time could now have significant consequences on our ability to secure finance in the future.

The decision on whether to give children pocket money, at what age, and how much will largely depend on your family values and financial position. What benefit does a little pocket money have in teaching children how to manage money?

We may not like to think about it – but when it comes to our death, it pays to plan ahead. Here are some steps you can take to reduce the financial stress that result from poor estate planning.

This article explains in brief some of the key concepts relating to currency, currency risk and what changes to currency means for investors in international funds.

Did you know that there’s a simple way to work out how long it will take you to double your money? You might not even need a calculator!

Did you know that 88% of New Year’s resolutions don’t stick? Understanding why we so often fail at sticking to our New Year’s resolutions helps us construct a plan that will actually increase our chances of sticking with these resolutions.

It seems almost every second day the financial media is discussing Self Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs). Over the past decade SMSFs have become very popular, although they are not necessarily well understood. So, what is a Self-Managed Superannuation Fund, and what makes them different from a “standard” superannuation account?

According to a recent survey and campaign by Foodwise, it is estimated that Australian Households throw out approximately $7.8billion worth of edible food each year.

There is a range of concessions available to Senior Australians. The type of concessions that apply will largely depend on your age, location and whether you're eligible for a pension from Centrelink, Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) or are considered to be a self-funded retiree.

Understanding just when you are entitled to access your superannuation benefits can be confusing. Superannuation is designed to help you fund your retirement; therefore there are specific rules...

In this article we look at ways of managing debt.

In this article we look at the role of the RBA and the different types of interest applied to loans as they reach each of us as consumers.

With the end of the financial year having just passed, it means it's now time to get ready to lodge your 2012/13 tax return! This article provides our top tips to help you prepare and get the most from your 2012/13 tax return.

When we were children, our parents spent a good deal of time taking care of us – and reminded some of us that one day, we would return the favour.

If you feel like you’ve run out of time to get your affairs in order, the good news is there’s a few considerations which can help minimise your tax, and make the most of the money you earn.

This year’s Federal Budget has been quoted as the Treasuer’s Swan Song. This article will briefly review the main points within the Budget.

If you've been following the news over the past month, then you may have noticed the increased discussion taking place about proposed changes to the superannuation system announced by the Labor Government in April 2013.

If your budget points to there being surplus income left over each pay, it helps to have a plan for these savings.

If you currently or previously have had a share portfolio or an investment property outside of super, you would usually be interested in how the investment is going. So where is your Super invested?