With the new financial year comes a fresh wave of superannuation changes that could make a real difference to your retirement savings.
Let’s unpack what’s changing - and how to make the most of it. (read more…)
Federal Election 2025
During the Federal Election campaign, the Government made a number of election promises, which may impact finances. There were also a number of support measures proposed in the recent Federal Budget. What could this mean for you? (Read more..)
Shaky Markets, Steady Mind
Markets are up and down, and everywhere you look, there’s talk of panic. Some investors expect a quick rebound. Others picture worse declines. Neither camp is guaranteed to be right, but both are at risk of letting emotion override logic.
The best tool we have during times like these isn’t a crystal ball - it’s a clear head. (Read more…)
Investor lessons from past market crashes and recoveries
Turbulence in markets is nothing new. From Tulip Mania to the GFC and COVID crash, history reveals critical lessons for investors navigating today’s market turbulence. (Read more…)
Federal Budget 2025 - 26
Much of the 2025 Federal Budget was already known, after a volley of pre-election spruiking for votes. But Treasurer Jim Chalmers had one surprise up his sleeve - $17 billion in tax cuts. The first round of cuts will kick in on 1 July 2026 and second round on 1 July 2027, saving the average earner $536 each year when fully implemented. (Read more…)
March 2025 - Snapshot
As we say goodbye to the heat of summer, we can look forward to enjoying the cooler days ahead. Along with the drop in temperature, the RBA brought much relief to mortgage holders and dropped the cash rate by 2.5 basis points in February. The cash rate is now sitting at 4.10 per cent following the first rate-reduction since November 2020. Read more….
February 2025 - Snapshot
As investors grapple with uncertainty, keeping a cool head has never been more important.
“Time in the market, not timing the market" is a popular investment philosophy that emphasises the importance of staying invested over the long term rather than trying to predict short-term market movements. While markets can be volatile in the short term, historically, they tend to grow over time. (Read more…)
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.
Federal Budget 2024 - 2025
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has high hopes that his 2024 Federal Budget will rein in inflation earlier than expected, ease cost-of-living pressures and build a stronger economy in the future. (read more)
The five best ways to prepare for retirement
Over the next five years, more than 670,000 Australians intend to retire, taking the total to almost five million retirees, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). A check of how often the word ‘retirement’ is searched for on Google over the past 10 years has shown a recent and sustained spike. (read more)
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.
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
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.
Federal Budget October 2022 - 2023
Budget October 2022: sign of the times In his first Budget, Treasurer Jim Chalmers emphasised the three Rs – responsible budget repair and restrained spending, right for the times. For good measure, resilience also got a mention with spending targeted at building a more modern economy to deal with the challenges ahead. This...(read more)
Three reasons to stay the course
Markets have moved with such speed and velocity in both directions since the beginning of the COVID outbreak it has been difficult for investors to adjust with so much conflicting information being circulated. (Read more)
Winter 2022 - Newsletter
June has arrived and so has winter, as the financial year draws to a close. Now that the federal election is out of the way, it’s time to focus on planning for the future with more certainty. (Read more)
Federal Budget 2022 - 2023
A balancing act
Billed as a Budget for families with a focus on relieving short-term cost of living pressures, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg’s fourth Budget also has one eye firmly on the federal election in May. Read more
2021 Federal Budget Summary
In his third and possibly last Budget before the next federal election, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg is counting on a new wave of spending to ensure Australia’s economic recovery maintains its momentum. Read more:
