How my life changed when I became a carer

How my life changed when I became a carer Writer Ambra Sancin shares how her life changed when she became a carer for her mother. Many Australians will take on caregiver roles at some point in their lives. Mine came three-and-a-half years ago and it’s been challenging (but ultimately rewarding) on a number of levels. At 90, mum had a number of medical conditions including hypertension, atrial fibrillation (irregular heart beat), macular degeneration – as …

So, you’re starting a business…

So, you’re starting a business… Whether you’ve been plotting it for years or just recently decided to go for it, starting your own business is a big leap. Now that you’re taking the first steps, pause for a moment to consider some often-overlooked factors that will set you up for success. While these may not be as exciting as dreaming up your vision or designing your marketing, building these tasks into your planning will give …

Minimal vs FOMO: what are young people really up to with their money?

Minimal vs FOMO: what are young people really up to with their money? The spending habits of our younger generation show that experiences mean more to them than buying stuff. So are they better at managing money than their Boomer or Gen X parents? Or is FOMO leading them into the dangers of growing debt? Find out more about money habits of millenials. For some years, retail businesses have been in a tailspin about the …

What is a Power of Attorney?

What is a Power of Attorney? Just as having a Will ensures assets are managed properly when you die, a Power of Attorney allows someone else to look after your finances when you’re unable to. Phillip Richards, Director of Endorphin Wealth Management explains more about what’s involved in having a Power of Attorney and why you’d be wise to have one, just in case. What is a Power of Attorney? There are different types of Powers of Attorney you …

5 tips for getting on top of financial housekeeping

  5 tips for getting on top of financial housekeeping Remember the last time you did a good spring clean? It probably felt good. And guess what? Getting your finances in order feels just as good, and it’s even more rewarding. The start of a new financial year is a great opportunity to clean up your act with your finances. Here are five tips to make this year your best yet. Take a day Set …

Finding the right financial planner for you

Finding the right financial planner for you How should you start your search for a financial planner? There are some fundamentals you should look for in the first instance. A license to provide financial advice – Always look for a financial planner who works for a firm that holds an Australian Financial Services (AFS) License issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). You can verify the financial planner is licensed by checking ASIC’s Financial …

What’s an SOA?

What’s an SOA? When you’re presented with a Statement of Advice (SOA), it helps to know what to look for. Here’s our guide on what to expect from an SOA so you can be sure you’re getting advice and products to suit your needs. After meeting with a financial planner and discussing your goals and circumstances, they’ll give you a Statement of Advice (SOA). In a nutshell, it’s a summary of the strategy and products …

Why an emergency fund should be your first investment (Video)

Why an emergency fund should be your first investment (Video)  Saving money for a rainy day might not seem like the best start to investing for the future, but it’s actually a very important part of any plan to grow your wealth. Find out how much you need and how it could save you from unwelcome debt and stress in the future. Setup a Financial Safety Net. Online source: Produced by The Financial Financial …

Working after kids – is it worth it?

Working after kids – is it worth it? To work, or not to work? That is the question many Australian women (and some men) have to consider after having children. Sadly, both options can have long-term negative financial consequences. While it would seem obvious that not working is likely to set your bank balance back, going back to work can also be costly. Indeed, studies have shown that some mothers go back to work for …

Keeping success in your sights

Keeping success in your sights What’s the most important thing you should do to make a success of your life? We talked to singer and actress Charmaine Bingwa about the X-factor that gets her where she wants to be. Discipline from the very beginning I was born in Australia, but my parents moved here from Zimbabwe. They arrived with almost nothing, about $500 was all the money they had. And so they worked hard, saved …