The ‘how to’ for buying property

The ‘how to’ for buying property

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make. Once the inspections are complete and you’re ready to proceed to purchase, it’s recommended to contact your broker or lender. The next step depends on whether the property is being sold at public auction or private treaty (a sale negotiated with the … Read more

Managing the costs of raising children

Managing the costs of raising children

It is a special feeling to welcome a new child or grandchild into the world and watch them grow. Sharing their joy as they reach new milestones is priceless. Of course, there is a real cost – raising a child is expensive, particularly now as the cost-of-living spirals higher. Estimates vary widely from the few … Read more

Sowing the seeds for a happy retirement

Sowing the seeds for a happy retirement

The thought of retirement is an enticing one for many of us. Imagine throwing off the shackles of the workforce and being able to do whatever you want, whenever you want. But why wait until you are retired to do the things you love?  Retirement is a time where we finally have the space to … Read more

5 ways to boost your super

5 ways to boost your super

Did you know it’s likely you’ll spend up to two decades or more in retirement? It’s a long time, so will you be able to afford all the things you’ve thought of doing in retirement, before your savings run out? By starting now and making small changes to how you approach your super savings, you can … Read more

Freebies to help you save

Freebies to help you save

Everyone loves a bargain, but as cost-of-living increases continue to put pressure on budgets, tracking down a freebie or two can also take some pressure off. Getting things for free that you would otherwise have had to fork out for, also means you can save while still having some room to splash some cash around … Read more

Why young investors are more risk averse

Why young investors are more risk averse

The ranks of young Australian investors have swelled over the last two years. And many have very different investment objectives and strategies to older investors. Young Australian investors aged 18 to 24 are likely to be more risk averse than their older counterparts and least likely to tolerate moderate or high variability in their investment … Read more

Buying a house

Buying a house

Buying a house is an exciting time. These steps will smooth your way through the house buying process. 1. Save for a house deposit The first step is to get your finances sorted. Do a budget to identify how much you can afford to save for your deposit. Next, do some house price research. Getting a general … Read more

Australians need a retirement confidence boost

Australians need a retirement confidence boost

Giving Australians better access to high-quality and more affordable financial advice is imperative. One of the fundamental principles for achieving long-term investment success is planning. In fact, the importance of having a clear financial plan, whether it’s formal or informal, can’t be overstated. As is the importance of sticking to it. Without a well-documented, detailed … Read more

Hedge funds

Hedge funds

Hedge funds use investment strategies that are more complex than other managed funds. Many aim for positive or less volatile returns, in both rising and falling markets. A hedge fund is a complex investment and risks vary. Read the product disclosure statement and consider getting financial advice before you invest. How hedge funds work Hedge … Read more

Use your super to save for your first home

Use your super to save for your first home

Use the new First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSS) to save your first home deposit faster If you’re saving for a deposit on your first home, the Federal Government’s First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSS) could help you reach your target sooner, by allowing you to save for your deposit inside your super. A government initiative introduced in late … Read more

Why an emergency fund delivers peace of mind

Why an emergency fund delivers peace of mind

When life tosses up an unexpected event – such as retrenchment, a medical emergency or even just a big bill to fix the car – it can be nerve-wracking worrying about how to deal with the crisis. And, if funds are short, that just adds to the stress. But imagine that you have a secret … Read more

Adding bonds to your investment mix

Adding bonds to your investment mix

Bonds can play an important role in investment portfolios, but what exactly are they, what are their benefits, and how do you invest in them?  What are bonds? Bonds are a type of investment security that enable investors to lend their money to a bond issuer for a set term in return for regular income … Read more