Articles

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) – What does it mean?

What does Gross Domestic Product (GDP) mean? Well, it depends who you ask. If you ask the renowned artist Banksy, it is a means by which trademarks can be registered.

28 November 2019

Be conscious of how you invest in equities during the ‘retirement risk zone’

In the years just before and after your retirement is a period known as the retirement risk zone. It’s a decade when your nest egg is likely to be its highest.

28 November 2019

Two common errors investors make…and how to overcome them

Understanding compounding and portfolio rebalancing could have helped investors overcome emotion-driven decisions during a turbulent six months for stock markets. Duncan Lamont shares why.

28 November 2019

Economic update

Global economy The trade war between the United States (US) and China, fixed income and currencies, the impact of the Reserve Bank of Australia's rate cuts.

28 November 2019

How social media is affecting your spending

Social media use has been linked to our mood, self-esteem and even sleep. Research shows that it can also be linked to our spending.

17 September 2019

Get insurance while you’re still bulletproof

According to research by TAL insurance, the cost of personal insurance soars after the age of 35. This is also the time in our lives that you may be going through significant change such as marriage, children, a bigger mortgage and more responsibilities.

17 September 2019

Economic Update

In the US there are signs of slow economic growth this year. This is apparent from some leading indicators, such as the Markit Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) and, to an extent, official economic data. Slow economic growth is a global theme, with few exceptions. The Australian economy is not immune to this slowdown.

17 September 2019

What changes to the social security means test rules for lifetime income streams could mean for you

In February of this year the Government passed new law that changes the means testing rules for certain lifetime retirement income streams (super and non-super lifetime pensions and annuities). This commenced from 1 July 2019.

17 September 2019

Cash flow can make or break your business, so take time to safeguard it

So what might you do to improve your cash flow and sleep better at night? Here are five tips.

01 August 2019

Successful Investor Secrets

The investment world can change dramatically from one month to the next. But these secrets of successful investors never go out of style.

01 August 2019

Economic Outlook

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.

24 May 2019

Tax tips and tax return hints

As we come close to the end of June, here are some initial tips and hints to help you get started.

22 May 2019

Heart health by numbers

Some risks for cardiovascular disease can’t be changed, such as age and family history, but many are lifestyle-related, which is good news – you have the power to reduce your risk(1). This is vital given that heart disease is the single biggest killer of Australians(2). Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and eating well are some of the best ways to prevent heart disease. Keep the following numbers in mind.

22 May 2019

2019 Federal Budget announcement

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.

03 April 2019

7 technology disruptions happening now: Autumn 2019

Australia looks to be in the later stages of the business cycle, and is not alone here among its developed economy peers. In an environment of potentially slowing growth, we propose that a way forward is to invest in companies which are “share-takers” – companies that can gain market share from technology-enabled advances in their business model, and in changes in consumer behaviour.

22 March 2019

Bullet-proofing your equity income portfolio

It’s obvious, if you’re a retiree you need income. With cash and fixed interest offering low yields, equities are a good place to look for income.

22 March 2019

3 ways a financial adviser can help you plan for retirement

When it comes to creating the retirement lifestyle you dream of, a little support goes a long way.

22 March 2019

Economic update: Autumn 2019

In this issue 1. Economic update 2. 3 ways a financial adviser can help you plan retirement 3. Bullet-proofing your income equity portfolio 4. 7 technology disruptions

22 March 2019

The four principles of low-volatility equity investment

Recent market turbulence has heightened many investors’ interest in low-volatility equity strategies. While it’s well known that a portfolio of low-volatility stocks can potentially outperform the market over time (the “low-volatility paradox”), stock selection is important.

13 December 2018

The cost of retirement

Everyone has a different vision for their retirement. Yours might involve overseas and interstate travel and an active social life. Or perhaps you prefer spending time with family, working in the garden or volunteering.However, you choose to spend your time, it’s important to make sure you have enough funds to support your retirement lifestyle. Forward planning now can make all the difference in the future.

13 December 2018

Keeping up on your super contributions during volatility

After a downturn in share prices and higher market volatility, many super fund members may think twice about continuing to make voluntary contributions. In contrast, compulsory employer contributions power on – regardless of prevailing market conditions.

12 December 2018

Economic Outlook Summer 2018

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.

12 December 2018

How to become superhuman

A balanced diet and regular exercise have long been the bastions of good health, but more than ever, people are focused on raising the bar beyond simple living. Peak performance is increasingly the goal of ordinary people seeking to gain a competitive edge at work or to live longer. To reach those lofty ambitions, a holistic approach is required.

05 September 2018

Paving your path to financial security in retirement

Generally speaking, financial security is peace of mind that comes from having confidence you can attain all of your financial goals both now and in the future.

05 September 2018

Insurance: making sure what you have fits your individual needs

Whilst we all dream of retirement and look forward to the time when we can reap the rewards of a lifetime of hard work, we need to be realistic and consider the possibility of an untimely death or disablement prior to retirement.

05 September 2018

Economic Outlook Spring 2018

International share markets experienced major fluctuations during the June quarter owing to ongoing trade-tariff tensions. The Australian economy grew strongly, driven by strong Government spending on infrastructure and increased demand for Australian mining exports.

05 September 2018

Top five fitness tips

There’s no doubt that your financial wellbeing is important to ensure you have a comfortable retirement. But, to make the most of it, it’s just as important to have a healthy mind and body.

30 July 2018

Top five reasons to be cheerful!

Look beyond what the media calls news and you'll notice that there's a lot of things going right

29 May 2018

Understanding annuities

In its most basic form, an annuity is a promise to provide a series of regular payments in return for a lump sum investment.

29 May 2018

Tax tips and tax return hints

The End of Financial Year is almost upon us. To help you complete your tax return, we’ve provided an overview of the types of tax offsets and deductions you may be entitled to claim plus some handy tax tips and hints.

29 May 2018

Economic Outlook

The global economy looks strong for the next year but different risk factors may affect consumer and business confidence.

29 May 2018

How will the Budget affect you?

The Government played a pretty straight bat with this year’s Federal Budget, sticking closely to its pre-Budget announcement themes of infrastructure and housing affordability. On the whole, the proposed changes were expected and mostly welcome in a Budget that Treasurer Scott Morrison described as being about making the “right choices” and being “fair and responsible”.

09 May 2018

Bitcoin: emerging asset or speculative mania?

The launch of Bitcoin futures on some major US exchanges has been an important step in the development of the cryptocurrency, giving it greater familiarity and wider usage.

23 February 2018

Super opportunity for first home buyers and downsizers

Whether you’re buying your first home or you’re ready to downsize, you may be able to use your super to help make the most of your money. These two new schemes support the Government’s goal of reducing pressure on housing affordability in Australia.

23 February 2018

US inflation concerns drive volatility

Recent positive data on US jobs and wages has shifted investors’ thinking around inflation and the potential for a faster increase in the US Federal Reserve interest rate than previously expected.

23 February 2018

The Great Rotation

After almost a decade of underemployment, low rates and sub-optimal growth across the globe, it appears as if investors have formed the view that Trumpenomics will be the dawn of a new era.

22 November 2016

Financial planning process

Learn about the financial planning process, from initial consultation through to preparing and implementing the financial plan, and conducting ongoing client reviews.

08 September 2016

How to avoid investment behavioural traps

Many people don’t realise the greatest impact on their investment returns could in fact be their own behaviour.

08 September 2016

Estate planning triggers

Although it includes the preparation of a valid Will, effective estate planning goes far beyond one single document.

08 September 2016

Getting financially prepared to start a family

Having a baby is a wonderful experience, but are you financially ready for it?

07 September 2016

Federal Budget Q&A – Lifetime non-concessional contributions cap

One of the proposed changes announced in the May Federal Budget was to replace the annual cap for concessional contributions with a lifetime cap of $500,000.

07 September 2016

The secrets to a healthy work/life balance

Work life balance means different things to different people and for many of us it no longer means working nine to five.

07 September 2016

Trauma insurance fills the gaps

Heart disease and stroke continue to be the two most common causes of death in Australia for people over the age of 45, and accounted for over 30,000 Australian fatalities in 2012.

07 September 2016