Get social to boost your savings

Get social to boost your savings Want to get on the fast-track to your financial goals? Partner with a money buddy or join a support group and you could find yourself saving more and getting closer to your goals. When you’re making a firm commitment to boosting your savings, getting help doesn’t have to mean cutting up your credit card or keeping away from shopping malls. With support and encouragement from your financial allies, you could …

Your money goals and how to reach them

Your money goals and how to reach them It’s easy to have big ideas about your financial future, but harder to achieve them. As most dieters know, you can follow the best dieting program, but struggle to stick to it. The same is true for your financial goals, whatever they include, and the plan you draw up to achieve them. Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to fall “off the wagon”. Life is full …

The lowdown on rentvesting

The lowdown on rentvesting It’s been a hot topic for the media in the wake of our property boom. But is rentvesting really a magic bullet for securing your financial future? Find out if this rent-for-life and get rich strategy is all it’s cracked up to be. When dinner party discussions get around to the subject of getting rich, property investing is bound to come up. Thanks to a sustained boom in property prices in Australia[1], real …

How should I approach investing at each life stage? (Video)

How should I approach investing at each life stage? (Video)  Brian May CFP® Brian May is a financial planning and wealth management specialist, with over 20 years’ experience in financial services and international merchant and investment banking. As part of the Financial Planning Association’s Ask a Planner video series, Brian May CFP® answers the commonly asked question, “What approach to investing is optimal at each life stage?” If you have a question you’d like …

How important is saving vs investing at each life stage? (Video)

How important is saving vs investing at each life stage? (Video) Alexis Wheatley CFP® As Principal of Wheatley Wealth Management, Alexis provides high-quality strategic advice to help her clients create and preserve their wealth. As part of the Financial Planning Association’s Ask a Planner video series, Alexis Wheatley CFP® answers the commonly asked question, “How important is saving vs investing at each life stage?” If you have a question you’d like answered by a professional …

Fixed Income view: It’s the End of the World as we know it, and I feel fine

Fixed Income view: It’s the End of the World as we know it, and I feel fine Economic momentum has gathered pace over the past 12 months, whilst the compensation for risk, known as risk premium, has deteriorated across asset markets. Valuations are expensive leaving investors highly susceptible to any macro-economic shifts, a tightening of financial conditions, and geopolitical shocks, according to AMP Capital’s Global Fixed Income Head of Macro, Ilan Dekell. “It’s critical to …

Should I buy or rent? (Video)

Should I buy or rent? (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, “Should I buy my own home, or continue to rent and put my money towards other investments?” If you …

How can I decide what level of risk is right for me? (Video)

How can I decide what level of risk is right for me? (Video)  Brian May CFP® Brian May is a financial planning and wealth management specialist, with over 20 years’ experience in financial services and international merchant and investment banking. As part of the Financial Planning Association’s Ask A Planner video series, Brian May CFP® answers the commonly asked question, “How can I decide what level of risk is right for me?” If you have …

Investment bonds – a possible alternative to superannuation

Investment bonds – a possible alternative to superannuation Because many people can no longer put as much money into super, an investment bond may provide another way to save for retirement. On 1 July last year, the amount of money many Australians could put into superannuation was reduced as a result of the introduction of more restrictive contribution caps. Consequently, some people were left asking the question – I have money or I expect to …

Investing for kids – ways to save for their future

Investing for kids – ways to save for their future Whether you’re thinking about childcare, education or beyond, saving even a bit now could make a big difference later. It’s natural to want the best for the children in your life, whether you’re their parent, step-parent, carer, aunty, uncle, grandparent or even godparent. And, while money won’t be the be all and end all when it comes to raising happy little humans, you’d probably agree …