Should you make your kids pay rent?

Should you make your kids pay rent? Either way, some form of agreement should be reached so that what everyone wants is considered, and it’s not a one-sided affair. When your kids grow up, at least enough to hold down a steady job, one question many parents and carers might ask themselves is, should I charge my kids board? Some people will tell you yes, some people will tell you no, but at the end …

There’s been a ‘changing of the guard’ among sustainable dividend earners

There’s been a ‘changing of the guard’ among sustainable dividend earners Dividend lovers: we’re witnessing a bit of a changing of the guard when it comes to the performance of ASX listed companies. Financials and in particular banks – where investors have traditionally looked for their sustainable dividend growth – are beginning to be threatened for the mantle of sustainable dividend earners by so-called cyclical stocks, according to Dermot Ryan, AMP Capital’s Australian Equities Income …

Econosights – The end of Japanese stagnation?

Econosights – The end of Japanese stagnation? Key points Years of low growth and inflation are gradually turning around in Japan thanks to the slow-moving impacts of Abenomics combined with a strong global economy. A lift in growth and employment reforms are increasing participation in the labour market, adding to an already tight labour market. Recent wage agreements will add to inflation. The solid economic cycle and good corporate health is positive news for Japanese …

Share market volatility – Trump and trade war risks

Share market volatility – Trump and trade war risks Key points Worries about the Fed, trade wars (the risk of which has been significantly exaggerated) and President Trump generally have increased the risk around the global outlook but are unlikely to drive a major bear market. The key issue is whether the US is about to enter a recession and our assessment remains that a US recession is not imminent. The key for investors is …

Australian men are spending more on looking good

Australian men are spending more on looking good Research shows men aren’t far behind women when it comes to what they fork out on appearances. Once upon a time, male grooming was generally limited to a shave and few slaps of aftershave, whereas today, bathroom sinks around Australia are accumulating more tubes, tubs and pump packs, with a growing number of blokes keen to put their ‘best face’ forward. If it’s an all-too-familiar scenario at …

How would your superannuation stack up if paid as a monthly salary?

How would your superannuation stack up if paid as a monthly salary? Your super balance might look good as a lump sum figure, but would it suffice if divided into regular monthly repayments in retirement?  Superannuation is likely to be one of the biggest assets most of us will ever own, with expectations it could become the average Aussie’s greatest asset, overtaking the family home, in the coming decades1. If you checked your super balance …

Do you make up the age group with the most lost super?

Do you make up the age group with the most lost super? With almost $18 billion of super money unclaimed in Australia, it’s worth knowing if any of it’s yours and how to go about getting it. If you noticed cash was missing from your wallet, it’s more than likely you’d look for it. But, what if the money you lost track of was your superannuation? Would you notice it was gone? Would you know …

Simple steps can have a big impact on your money situation

Simple steps can have a big impact on your money situation Doing nothing may be the path of least resistance, but it could cost you in the long run. Taking a few simple steps can be the difference between forging ahead financially and merely coasting along. And, action – rather than inertia – can pay off in regard to both saving, and making money. Take a closer look at key service providers On the savings …

Where are we in the unlisted commercial property cycle?

Where are we in the unlisted commercial property cycle? Key points Australian unlisted commercial property returns have been very strong this decade thanks largely to the “search for attractive yield” by investors. This return driver is expected to start to fade but rising rents, particularly in the south-east office markets, will provide an offset keeping returns solid for now. Commercial property yields still offer a strong premium relative to bonds suggesting we are a long …

Lessons from the Blue Zones: how to live longer – secrets of a long life

  Lessons from the Blue Zones: how to live longer – secrets of a long life The parts of the world where people live longest may hold the key to the fountain of youth. We explore how to live longer and uncover the Blue Zones’ secrets of a long life. There are five global hotspots where researchers have identified that people live longer, healthier lives than the rest of us. Known as the Blue Zones they are: …