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 …
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 …
New rules to benefit those downsizing for retirement Downsizers can now make an after-tax contribution to their super of up to $300,000, using the proceeds from the sale of their main residence. Australians aged 65 and over who are downsizing for retirement can now contribute the proceeds from the sale of their main residence (up to $300,000) into super1. We take a look at what this could mean for you, bearing in mind that like with …
Seniors are doing it for themselves Newcastle-based lawyer Lyn Lucas has been practicing family law for 25 years. She is also 76. Lucas studied law as a mature age student, and seven years ago created an online legal practice, Online Divorce Lawyer. This came about as she was looking to lessen the stress of practising law full time. Creating such a unique practice resulted in her being invited to present to the NSW Law Society in …
Five good reasons for seeking financial advice Financial advice isn’t just for people with wealth. Whether you’ve set your sights on owning a home or retiring early, advice from a financial planner can help you make it happen. Buying a home Managing your budget and cash flow to save for a deposit are key to getting you into your first home. A financial planner can help you simplify and prioritise your finances and manage existing …
Econosights – Should we worry about emerging markets? Key Points Emerging market equities have performed poorly since the beginning of the year. More recently, trade tensions between the US and China, a rising US dollar and issues in individual emerging market economies have hit emerging markets. The last emerging market downturn was in 2015 on the back of Chinese growth concerns, a devaluation in the Chinese Yuan and Fed interest rate hike fears. Emerging market …
Affordable school holiday activities We asked our readers for their top tips to keep the kids entertained during the school holidays without blowing the budget. AMP News&insights ran a competition on Facebook asking our readers for budget-friendly ways to keep the kids busy in the school holidays. Art and craft, board games and movies at home all proved popular, as did visits to the park, playground, picnics, riding bikes and camping. And perennial favourites such …
What to consider when making a sea change Retirement is a major life change, as is moving to a new place when you retire. Even though you might have previously visited the area you plan to go to, it may have been during a holiday, which is not a realistic test of what living in the area permanently will be like. Lacey Filipich is a Perth-based independent financial educator. Through her business, Money School, she …
Get back what you put in – the power of investing in yourself What do you really want out of life? Investing in yourself is an important way to prepare for achieving your personal goals. Here are 5 ways to make sure you’re ready to meet the future as your very best self. 1. Take care of your body and mind Being in poor health can make almost anything feel like an impossible challenge. That’s …
Philanthropy – not just for millionaires. A win for your health! You don’t have to be Mark Zuckerberg or Bill Gates to be a philanthropist or to enjoy the benefits of altruism. Even if you don’t have much money to spare, you might make a bequest in your will for your favourite charity or other causes you believe in. You could also lend your time, knowledge or expertise to a worthy charity, or donate items …
