Make a plan for your tax refund

Some ways to use your tax refund for a stronger financial future Not sure what to do with your tax refund? Strategic financial decisions for your tax return begin with a strong plan. Whether you breeze through tax time or dread the extra admin, receiving a tax refund makes the effort worthwhile. For many of us, getting a financial boost will be even more welcome this year, and you might be looking around for the …

What is a term deposit and how does it work?

  What is a term deposit and how does it work? Term deposits offer certainty of return, with a fixed interest rate for a given length of time. Here’s how they work and how they compare with other ways to save. Term deposits are a type of savings account where you commit your money for a fixed period of time. They can be useful when you’re looking for certainty about what interest rate your money will earn. …

5 ways to help prepare your finances for a recession

5 ways to help prepare your finances for a recession If you think storms may lie ahead, it makes sense to prepare your craft for choppy waters. With Australia facing continued economic uncertainty, it may be time to take stock of your finances and get in the right shape. First the good news. The Australian economy fared better in the first quarter of 2020 than many other countries¹. To the end of March, the economy …

Essential checklist for the end of financial year

Essential checklist for the end of financial year The end of financial year on 30 June is a good time to take stock and get your finances in order. This is an end of financial year like no other. Being prepared, reviewing your super contributions and submitting your return on time are good policies every year, but the shadow of COVID-19 (coronavirus) means many of us face unexpected pressures in a changing economic environment. Many …

Deferring gratification

When it comes to teaching kids about healthy money habits, there are few lessons more important than being able to defer gratification. By helping kids learn to put off what they want right now and save instead, they’ll be better equipped with the skills to be financially secure adults. Deferring gratification While it is possible to help kids have a money-saving mindset by teaching them to delay gratification, it’s a lesson that can take time …

Money Saving Mindset – How to encourage a money-saving mindset in your kids

Money Saving Mindset – How to encourage a money-saving mindset in your kids The right time to teach kids about saving money might be sooner than you think. The surprising truth is, kids form their money habits very early on. Behaviour experts at Cambridge University1 found children’s money habits are formed by the age of 7.     With that in mind, it’s never too early to start teaching your kids how to make good decisions about …

Teaching your kids to spend wisely

Teaching your kids to spend wisely There are many reasons we fall into the trap of overspending. One reason is we get bombarded with very effective advertising on social media where data scientists and algorithms seem to know what we will be tempted by before we do. Perhaps we are emotional spenders and buy things because it feels good. Maybe we’re trying to keep up with the Joneses, or perhaps we lose track of how …

Covid-19: Early Access to Super and FAQs | Q&AMP

Covid-19: Early Access to Super and FAQs The federal government is allowing early access to super funds for Australians impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19). AMP Capital senior economist Diana Mousina and financial adviser John Dani share the pros and cons, plus what you need to know before accessing your super. Watch to find out if you’re eligible for a lump sum payment under the Australian government’s new early access to super scheme and what the early …

Dividends explained

Dividends explained If you are a shareholder of a company, you may receive payments known as dividends. These payments represent your share of the company’s profits and are your reward for investing. Dividends may be a great way to boost your income and are often considered tax effective. Find out exactly how they work and how often you’ll get paid. Why and when companies pay dividends When a publicly listed company makes a profit, its …

Make Australia Save Again

Make Australia Save Again Are you one of the 20 per cent of Australians with less than $250 in their savings account?i Recent research from AMP Bank has found that one in five Australians isn’t saving any of their monthly income. And we’re all different when it comes to saving. People in Tasmania and Western Australia have the least amount of savings, while men on average have nearly 20 per cent more money saved than …