Prepare for retirement……without missing out today

Prepare for retirement……without missing out today If you’re looking for a way to start saving for your retirement, but still enjoy your lifestyle today, you’re not alone. Recent research shows 54% of Australians aged 55-64 want the same thing.i No doubt you already have a cashflow system in place, but perhaps it’s time to revisit it. It could be the first step to achieving your retirement goals, and really can make a difference to your …

China’s consumers swapping Christian Dior for campuses and kangaroos

China’s consumers swapping Christian Dior for campuses and kangaroos Big-ticket acquisitions of Australian resources, office towers and luxury homes by Chinese corporates and billionaires are grabbing headlines. However, it’s the country’s middle class that is powering a spending shift set to benefit Australia longer term, says AMP Capital Chief Economist and Head of Investment Strategy Shane Oliver. “Chinese consumers are showing signs of shifting their focus from status-linked luxury goods like a Christian Dior handbag …

4 steps to help protect portfolios against political risk

08 November 2017 4 steps to help protect portfolios against political risk When Australia’s High Court ruled deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce ineligible to sit in Parliament because of his dual New Zealand citizenship, the decision briefly sent tremors through equity and currency markets. It was a clear reminder that political risk matters to markets. We face troubling political and geopolitical risk across the world: Trump, Brexit and, above all, the risk of nuclear confrontation …

Eight steps to improved cashflow… and lifestyle

  Eight steps to improved cashflow… and lifestyle Imagine feeling on top of your finances. Knowing you’re in a position to enjoy your life today, while also saving for tomorrow. If that sounds good to you, you’re not alone. In a recent survey, 54% of Australians aged 55-64 strongly agreed they’d like that too.i Yet, many of us don’t feel like we’re in that position. Financial stress is actually so common that 24% of Australian …

Money mistakes people make in their 50s and 60s

Money mistakes people make in their 50s and 60s Avoid these common money traps to make sure you have enough put aside for a comfortable retirement. When you’re in your 50s and 60s, you know you’ve worked long and hard for what you’ve achieved in life and probably have a fair idea of how you want to live in your future retirement. But it’s important not to become complacent and ignore the warning signs of …

Should you lend money to family?

Should you lend money to family? What you should consider before handing over your hard earned savings You’re probably fairly used to helping your family out with a little extra cash here and there. Whether it’s pocket money for doing chores, or money to pay phone bills, go see a movie or buy clothes, for example. But what happens when they put their hands out for help to buy the big ticket items? They might …

5 ways Australians will use their tax return this year

5 ways Australians will use their tax return this year With nearly one in three people planning to save their tax return, have you considered what you might do with yours? This year more than 75% of Australians expect to receive a tax return, with a large portion of the population planning to use the money they receive to take the edge off their financial commitments.i We look at the most common ways people intend …

Aussie banks are OK but there’s better value overseas

Aussie banks are OK but there’s better value overseas 04 October 2017 Banks globally are better value than local banks for share market investors but our “big four” still don’t look overvalued, says Shane Oliver, AMP Capital head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist. “Going forward in an absolute sense the banks look ok. P/Es [price earnings] multiples are a little under the market average multiples in Australia and dividend yields are still good.“There is …

10 experiences for $10

10 experiences for $10 For the next time you’re itching to get out, but don’t want to spend a fortune, here’s a list of 10 things to do for about $10 (or less). 1. Get near some water If you live in Australia, you probably live within 50km of the coastline.i And if you don’t, there’s a good chance you live near another type of water source – a river, dam, lake or even the local …