Looking for higher returns than cash in the bank with less volatility than shares and property? With interest rates generally considered to be at or near their peak, fixed interest investments, such as bonds and other credit investments, may offer an attractive ‘middle ground’. Interest rates represent the cost of borrowing money. They affect how […]
It’s lucky Aussie homeowners are a pretty resilient bunch. All the interest rate rises over the past couple of years have delivered a serious reality check, leaving variable rate home loans higher than they’ve been for a generation. So you need to get your home loan working as hard as possible particularly if your fixed […]
While cash is often viewed as a safe haven, it does have investment risks. Australian households are collectively sitting on close to $1.5 trillion in cash, which for the record is substantially more than the total value of Australian bank notes in circulation. This vast sum represents the amount of cash deposits that were being […]
You’ve waited a long time to reach retirement, so how do you make sure your hard earned savings go the distance with you? There are a range of steps you can take before and after retiring to make the most of your retirement income. Getting in training For many people, switching to retirement can mean […]
Thanks to the evolving rules and additional tests, the world of superannuation contributions continues to be a source of confusion, resulting in misunderstandings and genuine errors. Whether it’s the work test, work test exemption, downsizer rule, bring forward rule, or carry forward rule, the area is a never ending array of snappy titles that are […]
When it comes to investing, you have two options – inside or outside of super. Super, being a longer term investment designed to fund your retirement, comes with a number of advantages such as being lightly taxed (which can mean, more money to invest in your financial future) but does have some constraints including not […]
The reality for investors is share markets have been on a record run for decades. It’s very easy to get caught up in the hype whenever share markets hit record highs. That was the case again last week as media coverage around the world celebrated global markets reaching new heights, in some cases incorporating images […]
They say nothing is certain in life except two things – death and taxes. Australians can probably add a third – the knowledge that come the end of financial year, the rules around superannuation and taxation will inevitably change. It can be hard keeping up with all the latest super and tax rule tweaks so […]
Retirement is a major milestone in life, representing the end of years of hard work and dedication. It’s a time to enjoy the freedom to pursue your passions and interests without being tied to a work schedule. However, to make the most of your retirement years, careful planning and consideration is key, particularly when it […]
Investing your money may be an effective way to help you build long-term wealth. While it can seem overwhelming at times, given the breadth of options available, you don’t need to be a financial expert to be successful at it. But as Warren Buffet says: “Risk comes from not knowing what you’re doing.i So understanding […]