Structural flaws in super system losing Australians $billions.

Structural flaws in super system losing Australians $billions. The Productivity Commission has recommended sweeping changes to the superannuation system, highlighting key flaws that are costing members nearly $4 billion a year. The Commission, set up by the federal government as part of its response to the Financial System Inquiry has named multiple super accounts and underperforming funds as the key reasons why members are losing out. A key recommendation for tackling the problem is the …

How global trends are creating infrastructure opportunities

How global trends are creating infrastructure opportunities The rise of emerging Asian economies, climate change, technological disruption and the ageing demographic, are among trends creating massive opportunities for investors. Understanding these trends is key to getting involved. The Asian Century The middle class in China has expanded enormously in recent years. As much as 75 percent of China’s population is expected to be classified as middle class in 2022, up from just 4 percent in …

How to save money by reviewing your providers

How to save money by reviewing your providers Review your utility and other service providers regularly to make sure you’re getting the best deal. I’m not someone who enjoys listening to hold music and I’d rather spend my time online shopping than checking out gas and electricity offers, so as long as the lights switch on, my shower is hot and I can stream Netflix, contacting my utility and other service providers is something I …

How are Australia’s states and territories tracking?

How are Australia’s states and territories tracking? An end to the fall in mining investment is helping to stabilise growth in Australia’s mining states and territories (WA, Qld and NT to a lesser extent) while a slowing housing sector is starting to act as a drag on NSW and Vic. Tas is benefitting from a lift in population growth and housing “refugee” demand from Sydney and Melbourne. Growth in SA and the ACT has been …

Best places to retire in Australia and overseas

Are you seeking better value for money, or a better lifestyle, in retirement? If so, here’s some retirement locations to consider.

How can I make sure I have enough Super to retire on? (Video)

How can I make sure I have enough Super to retire on? (Video)   Alexis Wheatley CFP® As Principal of Wheatley Wealth Management, Alexis provides high-quality strategic advice to help her clients create and preserve their wealth. As part of the Financial Planning Association’s Ask a Planner video series, Alexis Wheatley CFP® answers the commonly asked question, “How can I make sure I have enough Super to retire on?” If you have a question you’d …

10 negotiating tips for your next conversation about pay

10 negotiating tips for your next conversation about pay Do your homework for your next pay rise conversation with these ten tips to help you prepare your case and boost your chances of getting the right result. In 2017, even Reserve Bank Chief Philip Lowe was encouraging Australians to be more confident and courageous in asking for a pay rise.  Although the current outlook for wage growth in our job market is pretty flat, there isn’t any harm in …

When to charge your kids board

When to charge your kids board It’s not just those aged 20 to 24 living at home – about 5% of people 40 and over are also sharing a roof with mum and dad. I recently came across a news story about a hapless New York couple, who have taken their 30-year old son to court in a last-ditch effort to get him to move out of home. My first thought was “only in America”. …

How can I protect my super in retirement? (Video)

How can I protect my super in retirement? (Video)  Andrew Donachie CFP® Andrew Donachie is the National Financial Planning Manager at First State Super. Andrew has 12 years’ experience as a financial planner and is CFP® qualified. As part of the Financial Planning Association’s Ask a Planner video series, Andrew Donachie CFP® answers the commonly asked question, “What are some of the options to protect my super in retirement?” If you have a question …

Has the housing bubble burst?

Has the housing bubble burst? In some states the property market is up, while in others it’s down – if you’re confused by what’s really happening to Australian house prices, read on. Driven by falling markets in Sydney and Melbourne, national house prices fell 0.1% in May, according to figures from property analytics group Core Logic. For the year from 31 May 2017 to 31 May 2018, prices were down 0.4% marking the first annual fall …