Are you mentally ready for retirement?

Are you mentally ready for retirement? The first thing on most peoples’ minds when they think of retirement is: “When can I afford it?” and “How much money will I need?” But the question often not considered is: “Am I mentally ready for retirement?” Financial planners often bring this to the attention of their pre-retirement clients so they can help them make the transition. Chris Giaouris, CFP® and principal advisor at Chronos Private says the main points …

Blog / FP - Pre - Retirement Planning / FP - Retirement / Money & Life - Work & Retirement / Money & Life by FPA   / / / / / / / / / /

EOFY super returns: how have markets fared?

EOFY super returns: how have markets fared? The last financial year has been a strong period for super fund portfolios. Equity markets posted solid gains both in Australia and offshore, up 13.7% and 15.4% respectively. Returns were also positive across other asset classes such as direct property and infrastructure, and bond returns, although modest, were much stronger than the previous year. Overall, global growth conditions helped to drive earnings and although the US Fed continued …

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11 wedding budget planning tips

11 wedding budget planning tips The happiest day of your life doesn’t need to be the most expensive.  For some couples, the most expensive day of their life will be when they tie the knot, with around 35%1 of newlyweds blowing their wedding budget before they even walk down the aisle. With the average Aussie wedding costing $36,200, and more than half of that money going toward food, drinks and the venue2, we check out some …

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What are the traits, behaviours and attitudes that lead to success?

What are the traits, behaviours and attitudes that lead to success? “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail,” said Benjamin Franklin over 200 years ago and countless others since. When it comes to financial planning, the three top regrets of Australians who don’t have a financial plan are: not saving enough; poor decisions; and not taking care of themselves. But the good news is research has found that one in four Australians …

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Dealing with debt: finding smarter ways to live with your liabilities

Dealing with debt: finding smarter ways to live with your liabilities Not all debts are created equal, as any good financial planner will tell you. Unsecured debt such as credit card debt – as opposed to a mortgage or car loan – generally has the highest interest rates and if you don’t pay the account off every month you are paying up to 25 per cent extra for anything you purchase with the card. Getting …

Blog / FP - Credit & Finance / FP - Financial Planning / Money & Life - Grow Your Wealth / Money & Life by FPA   / / / / / / / / / / /

Get social to boost your savings

Get social to boost your savings Want to get on the fast-track to your financial goals? Partner with a money buddy or join a support group and you could find yourself saving more and getting closer to your goals. When you’re making a firm commitment to boosting your savings, getting help doesn’t have to mean cutting up your credit card or keeping away from shopping malls. With support and encouragement from your financial allies, you could …

Blog / FP - Investment / FP - Saving / Money & Life - Grow Your Wealth / Money & Life by FPA   / / / / / / / / / / / / /

Super Investment Options – What’s Right For You?

Super Investment Options – What’s Right For You? Choosing the right super investment options at the right time could make a difference to how much money you have when you retire. When it comes to your superannuation, the investment options you choose today and in future may impact how much money you retire with. If you haven’t selected an investment option within your super, you’re probably invested in your fund’s default option, which will generally …

Blog / FP - Financial Planning / FP - Pre - Retirement Planning / FP - Super - Accumulation   / / / / / / / / / / / / /

Superannuation stumbling blocks

Superannuation stumbling blocks What’s stopping you from saving for a retirement you can really look forward to? Take a look at these four common barriers to saving more super and make a plan for having all your goals and financial priorities in order. 1. Enjoying life to the full Living for the moment is something that may come very naturally to you. Perhaps you’ve always been comfortable living month to month on your salary, seizing …

Blog / FP - Pre - Retirement Planning / FP - Super - Accumulation / Money & Life - Work & Retirement / Money & Life by FPA   / / / / / / / / / / / /

Why you might need a will (Video)

Why you might need a will (Video) Maybe you think it’s too early to plan what will happen to your money when you die. But if you’ve got a new job, bought a house or started a family, it’s time to start getting your affairs in order. If you have a question you’d like answered by a professional financial planner please email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you. This video contains general financial …

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The 5 big bills you need to save for (Video)

The 5 big bills you need to save for (Video)  Some major expenses just can’t be avoided. If you can build up a savings buffer for these 5 big bills, you’re less likely to suffer from financial shockwaves, a big credit card balance and hardship when it’s time to pay up. If you’d like to get in the habit of saving more for those big bills, get some tips with our savings and budget checklist or team …

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