Key Points Despite rising GDP per person, measures of happiness have been flat to falling in western countries including Australia.. Key drivers are likely to be rising expectations, the rise of social media and falling housing affordability. It may be driving the rise of extreme political parties. Some suggest we are on an “hedonic treadmill” … Read more
Pros and cons of investing in property Property investment is often seen as being less risky than other forms of investment. However, while it may seem more straightforward, there are pitfalls to be aware of. Here’s what you need to consider about investing in property. Pros Less volatility – Property can be less volatile than … Read more
Downsizing at a glance Downsizing your home can reduce the size of your mortgage and ongoing running costs in some situations, but buying and selling costs can add up. Your equity and loan to value ratio (LVR) can affect your next loan options and costs, including whether lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) applies. If you’re 55 … Read more
Understanding financial health Financial health is an important part of our lives. When we take care of our financial health we can better manage financial stress and achieve our financial goals. Financial health is made up of three components: the ability to meet everyday commitments like paying your bills and making loan repayments the resilience … Read more
Key Points The first half of this year saw good share market returns despite the oil supply shock on the back of the US/Iran War. We remain upbeat on a 12-month view but see a high risk of another correction in the short term. Nine key charts worth watching are: business conditions PMIs; inflation; inflation … Read more
Even investors who bought at the worst possible moments over 25 years still more than tripled their money One of the most common fears investors face is putting money into the market today, only to see asset prices fall significantly tomorrow. It’s understandable; when headlines are dominated by war, tariffs, inflation risks and AI spending … Read more
If you’re buying a rental property, it’s important you get the right advice from the very beginning. Before you buy your rental property When you’re preparing to buy a rental property, there are a few important things to think about to make sure you start off on the right track. Get the right information Whether … Read more
If your profit lives in your head, not on a spreadsheet, we need to fix that. The thing most soloists learn the hard way is that being busy is not the same as being profitable. You can have a full calendar, happy clients and money coming in… and still be going backwards. What you need … Read more
If you’re a temporary resident of Australia, how to claim your superannuation when you leave. Eligibility for Departing Australia superannuation payment (DASP) If you’ve worked in Australia on a temporary visa, you may have accumulated superannuation that has been paid by your employer under the compulsory super guarantee. You may be eligible to have this … Read more
Key Points Falling real wages and a surge in tax and interest payments over the last five years have led to a slump in Australians’ living standards. But a broader driver of the malaise in living standards has been a slump in productivity growth from over 2% pa in the 1990s to near zero … Read more
As women enter their mid-career years, many begin to earn more and have greater capacity to invest. Making the most of this window can play a crucial role in building long term financial security. The mid-career phase is a critical opportunity for women to get their financial house in order and build their … Read more
Here are some ways to help you get the most out of any retirement savings. Do a retirement budget When you retire, some of the things you spend your money on will change. Having published by the Association of Super Funds of Australia (ASFA). Check out the current spending levels of retirees, published by Super … Read more
