Spread your money, reduce risk

  Spread your money, reduce risk Six out of ten Australians own investments outside of the family home and super. That’s good news. The only problem is that many people are still putting all their eggs in one, or just a few, baskets. The latest investor study by the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) found 40% of investors admit they don’t have a diversified portfolio. Almost one in two investors think their portfolio is diverse, yet …

The pros and cons of investment bonds

The pros and cons of investment bonds Also called insurance or growth bonds, investment bonds can be a tax-effective way to save for something big. If you’re saving for a particular goal, looking for an alternative to super, or want to ensure those who matter most are taken care of after you’re gone, investment bonds (also known as insurance or growth bonds) may have benefits while potentially reducing what you pay in tax. If you’re wondering how …

Managing your money when you move in together

Managing your money when you move in together Living together is a big step. You may be merging your lives more closely, but should you merge your finances?  So you’ve taken the leap and decided to move in together.  It’s an exciting time which can take your relationship to a new level, but it can also add new pressures as you address practical matters such as how you divide the chores and the costs.  Set …

What to do when you come into money

What to do when you come into money Whether you’re faced with an inheritance, redundancy package or winning lottery ticket, it’s wise to consider your financial situation and future goals. For most of us, a financial windfall isn’t something that comes around very often. And while the extra cash is welcome, money matters may be the last thing on your mind if you’re also dealing with the emotions of losing a loved one or being …

Why tax aware investing can help boost retirement income

Why tax aware investing can help boost retirement income With the huge bulge of baby boomers entering retirement, and yields at near-record lows, there is an emerging rediscovery of the vital role equities can play in delivering retirement outcomes. Equities provide retirees with a regular and reliable income that grows over time. They not only generate income and strong expected returns, but also protect against inflation risk and longevity risk (the risk of outliving your …

Diversified funds’ performance – how did they do that?

Diversified funds’ performance – how did they do that? 12 July 2017 Comparing managed funds can be confusing because, contrary to current practices, evaluating performance is not all about returns – it’s also about how much risk you as the end investor took to get there. So how can you measure your fund’s level of risk? Below are four broad indicators to watch for: Exposure to growth assets – this is the most common method of …

How to make technology work for you

How to make technology work for you Automate the boring things Set up direct debits so your bills are paid on time without having to remember all the due dates. And if your credit card is weighing you down, set up a regular payment and pay the full amount each month if you can to avoid more interest. Or at least pay the minimum monthly amount before the due date rolls around. You’ll have peace …

How to take the tension out of your building project

How to take the tension out of your building project Building projects generally are not easy to get right, so it’s important to set the right framework from the start. Proper planning is the key to getting a project done on time and close to budget, and that hinges on laying some basic foundations. You can take some of the stress out of your project, whether you are renovating or creating something from scratch, by …

What to consider when investing in a low return world

What to consider when investing in a low return world Identifying market dislocations is something that requires investment expertise For some investors, volatility matters. When approaching retirement, volatility tends to matter more owing to sequencing risk. In the video below, we assess some considerations for investing in low return world. Share market volatility is expected to remain elevated Investment market volatility is essentially triggered by uncertainty around market fundamentals such as economic growth, earnings, dividends …

How do transition to retirement strategies work?

How do transition to retirement strategies work? A transition to retirement strategy could allow you to work less, or work the same hours and increase your superannuation, without reducing your take-home pay. Even if you’re nearing retirement age you mightn’t be looking to leave the workforce just yet. Maybe you want to save more money or perhaps you enjoy the interaction and mental stimulation. Whatever the reason, a transition to retirement (TTR) strategy could provide …