All gain, no shame: What to expect from a financial planner

All gain, no shame: What to expect from a financial planner So you’re a busy couple building careers and a better future for a young family. Getting professional financial advice might seem like something you’re not ready for yet. But what if seeing a planner could bring you wealth and peace of mind without distracting you from important goals? We all make mistakes with money from time to time. And most of us wish we …

Plan more, worry less

Plan more, worry less Want to make money worries a thing of the past? A new year can be a great time to take control of your finances and enjoy greater peace of mind, now and in the future. New year, more stress Thanks to the post-spending hangover many of us suffer after buying big for the festive season, the new year can start with an unhealthy dose of financial stress. According to a 2017 survey …

The best money blogs and financial advice for 20-somethings

The best money blogs and financial advice for 20-somethings  Are you a 20-something, a Millennial, a Gen Y or a Gen Next? Actually, it’s a trick question, as they’re all the same thing. Whether you believe such a label applies to you or not, you may think managing your money better isn’t something you should be doing until you’re 30-something and living in your own home with kids. Here we feature some money blogs to …

All about annuities

  All about annuities  All about annuities Offering a secure income for as long as you need it, annuities are often seen as a safe, but not very sexy option for investing your retirement savings. This animation unpacks the pros and cons of annuities.   Online source: Produced by The Financial Financial Planning Association of Australia and published on 25 January 2018.  Original article.    

The true value of financial advice

The true value of financial advice Does investing in a financial planner really pay off? According to the latest research from Sunsuper you could be thousands of dollars better off when you make choices based on professional financial advice. Plus you’ll take more family holidays, have greater peace of mind and more confidence in your financial decisions. Teaming up with research experts, Core Data, Sunsuper have released The Value of Advice Report. Insights include financial forecasts …

Can you afford a divorce?

Can you afford a divorce? With divorce happening later in life[1], Australians are taking the financial hit that comes with the end of marriage at a time when they’re at the peak of wealth accumulation. While saving money may not be a reason to stay together, it’s worth knowing what kind of impact divorce can have on your financial position. And if separation is on the cards, how can you limit the financial and emotional …

Borrowing money: When and how to do it right

Borrowing money: When and how to do it right We all know getting into debt isn’t really desirable. So are there times when borrowing is justified? And what’s the best approach to keeping repayments within reasonable limits? We spoke to CFP® Sandy Hopps  to get expert advice on smart ways to borrow money. Recent reports and statistics show we’re no strangers to debt in Australia. According to OECD data from 2015, Australia is 4th in the world …

What tap-and-go means for our teens

What tap-and-go means for our teens A survey of 1100 high school students suggests many are confused about how credit cards work. Are new technologies making it harder for young people to understand what money management is all about? And what can we do about it? Understanding what happens when you spend money on your credit card seems to be something of a blind spot for young people living in the 21st century. When asked how …

Is this your year to retire?

Is this your year to retire? If you’ve got retirement in your sights this year, we’ve got the ultimate checklist to help you retire in style. Discover how to prepare for this exciting new chapter in your life, safe in the knowledge that your finances will be taking care of you. 1. Explore your goals and make plans Enjoying retirement to the full isn’t just a matter of money. It’s just as important to have …

The blended family balancing act

The blended family balancing act When one family becomes two – or more – financial stress can multiply too. Get expert tips from CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional Fran Hughes about how blended families can work together on a straightforward and fair approach to managing money. Whatever your marital status, your 40s can be a challenging time financially. Growing kids are costing more, especially if you have to factor in school fees. And on the other side of the equation, …