Pre-federal Budget 2018 commentary

Pre-federal Budget 2018 commentary Winners and losers from the pre-election budget AMP Capital’s Senior Economist Diana Mousina gives a rundown of what you can expect from this year’s budget. View the video below. Diana Mousina, Senior Economist, Multi Asset Group, AMP Capital Our overall expectation for this year’s budget is that it will look and feel like a pre-election year budget. What that means is it will have plenty of good news for the household hip …

Investment bonds – a possible alternative to superannuation

Investment bonds – a possible alternative to superannuation Because many people can no longer put as much money into super, an investment bond may provide another way to save for retirement. On 1 July last year, the amount of money many Australians could put into superannuation was reduced as a result of the introduction of more restrictive contribution caps. Consequently, some people were left asking the question – I have money or I expect to …

Living the good life in your 20s, 30s and 40s

Living the good life in your 20s, 30s and 40s Whether you’re twenty-something and single or married with kids, life is full of challenges and opportunities. How can you handle money better so you’re not held back by debts and financial stress? New guest contributor, James Trethewie Financial Planner AFP®,  AKA “Tarzan with a calculator” as dubbed by Sophie Monk on the last season of The Bachelorette, shares his tips for managing your finances for a …

Why does insurance matter? The importance of insurance

Why does insurance matter? The importance of insurance If you’ve ever wondered about the value of insurance, find out about AMP’s approach to claims and what we paid in 2017. If you pay your insurance premiums and never get anything in return – other than the peace of mind of knowing you’re protected – you’re one of the lucky ones, blessed by good health and wellbeing. But for those that find themselves having to make …

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 …

Beware of money envy

Beware of money envy  We might think that having more money will solve our problems. But by spending less time and energy sizing up our situation against how others live, we can get clear on the goals that matter and take steps towards a better financial future. Stealing happiness According to Theodore Roosevelt, “comparison is the thief of joy.” And although he served the USA as president at a time when movies had only just …

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 …

What are “returns”?

What are “returns”?  You’ve heard people brag about the great “returns” they may be earning, but there is more than meets the eye when it comes to talking about returns. Just as the word suggests, returns are what comes back to you from your investments or savings. So if you’ve put money in the bank, your returns will include the interest you’ve earned over and above the money you invested. Total returns If you have successfully …