Honey, the kids shrunk my retirement An increasing number of Peter (and Peta) Pans are refusing to fly the coop, staying in the family home well into adulthood. It’s estimated that in the next five years, more than one million 18 to 29-year-old Australians will still be living with their parents. Put another way, nearly a third of people close to retiring will still be supporting their adult children at the end of this decade.i …
Are we becoming a cashless society? Australians are edging towards a cashless future, as consumers use debit cards or other electronic payment methods in preference to cash at the checkout and online. But whether we will entirely shun notes and coins in the future is not certain. For one thing, cash has its benefits. It’s easier for small transactions such as buying a coffee or tipping a waiter. However, the rise of contactless, credit …
The demand for global infrastructure …and what this means for investors An estimated US$78 trillion will be required for global infrastructure investment over the next two decades. The majority of infrastructure requirements are dominated by the core sectors of transport, energy, water and communications. Additional infrastructure requirements outside of these sectors include roads, airports, port and loading facilities, health, education and other community service provisions.1 Regional spending requirements Infrastructure requirements in North America, Europe and …
Like to work overseas? Here are some things to consider before making an international move. When it comes to working overseas the options can be endless. You may be considering teaching English in Italy or taking a job that’s very similar to the one you’re doing now, only in New York City! Earn more than just money Where ever you’re planning to go, you could find there’s more to be gained by working overseas than …
It must be true, I saw it on the news “Good evening and welcome to the evening news. Our top story – the All Ordinaries rose by one point on limited trading with little economic data of any consequence released today”. That’s a line viewers are unlikely to hear when they flick on the 6pm news. It’s not very dramatic, and it’s not bad news. A more realistic lede might include details of “billions …
The wealth in health Now that people are living longer, the cost of staying hale and hearty is rising at the same time that governments are trying to claw back spending on medical care. But good opportunities remain to make sound investments in health care sectors at home and abroad. In Australia and around the world, healthcare funding is being scrutinised by governments concerned about the big slice of gross domestic product (GDP) being …
Property Myth Busting If you’ve always thought property prices only go up… With so much emphasis on property in the media, it can be difficult to sort fact from fiction. But before investing in any type of asset—including property—it pays to consider the pros and cons, and any commonly held misconceptions. We bust 3 property myths. Myth 1: Prices always go up Believing that property always goes up is understandable—especially given prices have dramatically increased …
How to Get Yourself Independent from Credit Cards Credit cards have almost become a necessity in today’s world for most people. They have made the use of hard cash a little less important in society while simultaneously becoming something on which people seem almost hooked up. Credit cards can be used constructively to have a positive impact on your life. However, there may be times when they cause a negative financial situation in your life. …
Sun shines on local holidays No matter how far and wide they roam, Aussies still love to call Australia home. Increasingly we are seeing this Great Southern Land as an attractive alternative to holidaying overseas. For a while, the lure of exotic destinations was enhanced by the Aussie dollar’s buying power as it soared against foreign currencies. Value for money That was then. From its high of US$1.10, the Aussie dollar has dipped below …
Downsizing – is it right for you? If you are heading towards retirement, or perhaps already in it, downsizing may have crossed your mind. And you might have some questions – does it make sense financially? Is a smaller home better suited to my situation? At first glance, it would seem that downsizing is a popular choice amongst older Australians. However recent research (Downsizers and Other Movers – The Housing Options Choices and Dilemmas …
