Can you afford a divorce?

Can you afford a divorce? With divorce happening later in life[1], Australians are taking the financial hit that comes with the end of marriage at a time when they’re at the peak of wealth accumulation. While saving money may not be a reason to stay together, it’s worth knowing what kind of impact divorce can have on your financial position. And if separation is on the cards, how can you limit the financial and emotional …

What tap-and-go means for our teens

What tap-and-go means for our teens A survey of 1100 high school students suggests many are confused about how credit cards work. Are new technologies making it harder for young people to understand what money management is all about? And what can we do about it? Understanding what happens when you spend money on your credit card seems to be something of a blind spot for young people living in the 21st century. When asked how …

Beware of money envy

Beware of money envy  We might think that having more money will solve our problems. But by spending less time and energy sizing up our situation against how others live, we can get clear on the goals that matter and take steps towards a better financial future. Stealing happiness According to Theodore Roosevelt, “comparison is the thief of joy.” And although he served the USA as president at a time when movies had only just …

The blended family balancing act

The blended family balancing act When one family becomes two – or more – financial stress can multiply too. Get expert tips from CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional Fran Hughes about how blended families can work together on a straightforward and fair approach to managing money. Whatever your marital status, your 40s can be a challenging time financially. Growing kids are costing more, especially if you have to factor in school fees. And on the other side of the equation, …

Mini-retirement – where do I sign?

Mini-retirement – where do I sign? Think a mini-retirement sounds like a pipe-dream? If you daydream about having the time and energy to get through your bucket list while you’re still young, it could be time for the blue-sky thinking and practical planning that can make it happen. A retirement shake-up? According to leading research agency McCrindle, adults from Generations Z and Alpha can expect to have 17 jobs, 15 homes and five careers in their lifetime[1]. …

Share financial goals to make your relationship stronger

  Share financial goals to make your relationship stronger When money can be such a big source of stress and conflict in relationships, it makes sense to get on the same page with finances. Our guest contributor, James Trethewie Financial Planner AFP®offers some important advice to help couples succeed in sharing and achieving their financial goals. So you’re convinced that love conquers all and money matters can’t possibly come between you and your partner. Some …