Handy hints to create a better budget for you Nearly two out of five Aussies believe budgeting is too much effort, but these quick tips could make it a simpler task. Around 75% of Aussies will be going into 2018 with no specified budget, according to a survey by AMP, which—reality check—is probably going to make achieving financial goals, whether it’s getting out of debt, going on that long-overdue holiday, or saving for something big, a little …
Will you be renting in retirement? Is owning your home the best option for your senior years? Discover why renting in retirement could be on the rise and explore some advantages of being a tenant in later life. Being secure in a home you own is usually part of the picture – and costs – of life in retirement. In fact, Retirement Standard figures published by the Association of Superannuation Funds Australia (ASFA) are based on the assumption …
Australians reveal their priority goals Most Australians indicate their biggest life goal is a financial one, but many admit failing to plan is a roadblock. Increased household debt, record-high property prices and the aftermath of the global financial crisis have not impeded Australians’ belief in their ability to achieve their goals. In fact, an August 2016 research paper by The Financial Planning Association of Australia and McCrindle, showed four in five Australians were confident they could turn …
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 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? 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 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 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? 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? 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 …
