October 2024 - Snapshot

It’s October and, as Spring delivers a bracing mix of weather events from rain and wind to snow and hail in some parts, we’re looking forward to the longer, warmer days ahead.

Estate planning is something that’s easy to put off and can be a complex and tricky task for some, but it’s always worthwhile. Most importantly, it is a way of safeguarding your loved ones from financial and administrative chaos if the worst happens to you.

Considering around 60 percent of Australians without a valid will – it's a topic that we all need to consider. Organising your Will along with your enduring powers of attorney and an advanced healthcare directive ensures your wishes are met and your loved ones are protected if the worst happens.

This month’s snapshot looks at the importance of estate planning to give you and your loved one's peace of mind.
 
You can read our October snapshot here. 

August 2024 - Snapshot

Most of us have been experiencing unexpectedly cold temperatures and high rainfall lately but the good news is that spring is on the way. As the days grow longer and warmer, there can be a sense of optimism and a feeling of renewal.

This month’s snapshot looks at the often-dizzying performance of leading tech stocks which provides a real-time lesson in market dynamics and cycles.

You can read our August snapshot here. 

July 2023 - Snapshot

Welcome to our July newsletter and, with a new financial year underway, it might be a good opportunity to review some of the recent changes to business and investment rules to make sure you’re on the right track.

Whether you’re an employee or now retired, the latest super changes are likely to affect you.

In a round-up of the new and upcoming changes we look at the Superannuation Guarantee payment for employees, the minimum pension drawdown, the transfer balance cap, the ‘downsizer contribution’ when you sell your home and the First Home Super Save Scheme.

Keep your super on track with our guide to the new rules.

You can read our July snapshot here.

Federal Budget 2023 - 2024

In his second Budget, Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced the first budget surplus in 15 years along with a plan for security, prosperity and growth. With a focus on providing support to those struggling with cost of living pressures, he has aimed to balance the need for immediate support for those who need it most, while keeping an eye on the future particularly as we face stormy global economic outlook. (Read more…)

April 2023 - Snapshot

April 2023 - Snapshot

Welcome to our April snapshot and, as the days are getting shorter, there’s definitely a bit of a nip in the air.

While temperatures may be cooling, the financial markets are continuing to generate some heat as investors keep a close eye on activities in Australia and overseas.
 
In particular, the regular increases in official interest rates are causing major concerns for those with mortgages and loans. On the other hand, some investors are cheering the rate rises such as those with significant cash investments who are now seeing larger returns.
 
In this snapshot, we take a look at the inside story of interest rates and how they affect your investments.
 
You can read our April snapshot here. 

Volatility: Seven Simple Lessons

Volatility: Seven Simple Lessons

Renewed volatility in markets has awoken the media from its  slumber. News directors drag out dated file footage of frantic traders and summon talking head experts to explain to ‘mums and dads’ what it all means. Well, what does it mean? More importantly, does it matter?

But the key point for long-term investors is that markets are volatile by nature. Stocks go up and down as information and expectations change. Sometimes, this happens very gradually. Other times it happens more suddenly.  Volatility is the price we pay to gain access to longer term higher returns than those associated with so-called safe assets such as cash.  Volatility is a normal and expected part of the market.

Is Bitcoin all it's cracked up to be?

Is Bitcoin all it's cracked up to be?

It seems everyone is excited about Bitcoin at the moment – in either a positive or negative sense.  For as many out there espousing it’s virtues there seems to be just as many labelling it as a bubble and as an accident just waiting to happen.

Whilst the underlying technology is potentially game changing and worthwhile, its other attributes do concern me.  The exact things that make bitcoin attractive – anonymity, ease of transfer from one party to another, lack of government oversight, accessible in any country without capital controls, not subject to banking regulations – are denounced by national governments.  Think of everything governments stand to lose.

2017 Federal Budget

2017 Federal Budget

I hope this post budget morning finds you well.  Please find the attached summary of the major announcements from last nights Federal Budget.  As always, the devil is in the detail and so we will be reviewing the budget more closely over the coming days as more information is made available.  We will also cover off on any issues that we believe will impact on your financial situation and advise accordingly.