What it means to retire and live the dream When you’re no longer working and chasing dollars, you may have a different perspective on what you value most about your life. Take a look at how our current generation of retirees measure their success and what “living the dream” means to them. “Living the dream” in retirement? How likely are retirees to be “living the dream” Just 22% of boomers are living the dream compared with 27% of …
Weekly Market Update 15 June 2018 Investment markets and key developments over the past week The past week saw most share markets gain as strong US data more than offset worries about a more hawkish Fed and tariffs, the ECB remained dovish, Italian risks receded a bit and the US-North Korean summit was seen as successful. Chinese shares were not helped by soft economic data but gains in global shares generally and lower bond yields helped …
The many risks of gearing If you are you borrowing money to invest, or considering it, it’s important to ensure you aware of the many risks involved. Gearing, or borrowing money to invest, can be a great way to grow your wealth, but it isn’t for everyone. The aim is to borrow money at a lower rate of interest than the return you will earn by investing that borrowed money – to make a profit. …
5 things you should know about Bitcoin If you have the technology needed to read this article, you’ve probably heard a lot about Bitcoin. Perhaps you think you’ve missed out on an easy way to build your wealth. We bring you a quick introduction to Bitcoin and share five important things you should know before deciding whether to invest. Although the media has been having a Bitcoin frenzy in recent months, the first and best-known …
What can I do in my 30s to prepare for the future? (Video) Louise Lakomy CFP® Louise has a wide range of experience and depth of knowledge in all facets of financial planning providing advice over 15 years specialising in retirement strategies. As part of the Financial Planning Association’s Ask a Planner video series, Louise Lakomy CFP® answers the commonly asked question, “What can I do in my 30s to better prepare for the …
Time for your next pay rise? It’s important to get paid what you’re worth, for your self-esteem and your bank balance too. Find out what’s going on with wages and jobs in Australia and whether you should ask for a raise. Haven’t had a decent pay rise in a while? If you work in Australia, chances are you’ve seen very little change in your basic wage in the last few years, regardless of what industry …
Structural flaws in super system losing Australians $billions. The Productivity Commission has recommended sweeping changes to the superannuation system, highlighting key flaws that are costing members nearly $4 billion a year. The Commission, set up by the federal government as part of its response to the Financial System Inquiry has named multiple super accounts and underperforming funds as the key reasons why members are losing out. A key recommendation for tackling the problem is the …
How global trends are creating infrastructure opportunities The rise of emerging Asian economies, climate change, technological disruption and the ageing demographic, are among trends creating massive opportunities for investors. Understanding these trends is key to getting involved. The Asian Century The middle class in China has expanded enormously in recent years. As much as 75 percent of China’s population is expected to be classified as middle class in 2022, up from just 4 percent in …
How to save money by reviewing your providers Review your utility and other service providers regularly to make sure you’re getting the best deal. I’m not someone who enjoys listening to hold music and I’d rather spend my time online shopping than checking out gas and electricity offers, so as long as the lights switch on, my shower is hot and I can stream Netflix, contacting my utility and other service providers is something I …
How are Australia’s states and territories tracking? An end to the fall in mining investment is helping to stabilise growth in Australia’s mining states and territories (WA, Qld and NT to a lesser extent) while a slowing housing sector is starting to act as a drag on NSW and Vic. Tas is benefitting from a lift in population growth and housing “refugee” demand from Sydney and Melbourne. Growth in SA and the ACT has been …
