So you’re… starting a family Starting a family will bring you plenty of joy, but it will also create many challenges. In addition to possible sleepless nights and changes in your lifestyle, it could also affect you financially. First, there are the costs of raising a child. Research published by the Australian Institute of Family studies in April found the minimum weekly cost of one child in unemployed and low-income families ranges from $140 to $170 a …
Are you mentally ready for retirement? The first thing on most peoples’ minds when they think of retirement is: “When can I afford it?” and “How much money will I need?” But the question often not considered is: “Am I mentally ready for retirement?” Financial planners often bring this to the attention of their pre-retirement clients so they can help them make the transition. Chris Giaouris, CFP® and principal advisor at Chronos Private says the main points …
What are the traits, behaviours and attitudes that lead to success? “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail,” said Benjamin Franklin over 200 years ago and countless others since. When it comes to financial planning, the three top regrets of Australians who don’t have a financial plan are: not saving enough; poor decisions; and not taking care of themselves. But the good news is research has found that one in four Australians …
Dealing with debt: finding smarter ways to live with your liabilities Not all debts are created equal, as any good financial planner will tell you. Unsecured debt such as credit card debt – as opposed to a mortgage or car loan – generally has the highest interest rates and if you don’t pay the account off every month you are paying up to 25 per cent extra for anything you purchase with the card. Getting …
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 …
Superannuation stumbling blocks What’s stopping you from saving for a retirement you can really look forward to? Take a look at these four common barriers to saving more super and make a plan for having all your goals and financial priorities in order. 1. Enjoying life to the full Living for the moment is something that may come very naturally to you. Perhaps you’ve always been comfortable living month to month on your salary, seizing …
Why you might need a will (Video) Maybe you think it’s too early to plan what will happen to your money when you die. But if you’ve got a new job, bought a house or started a family, it’s time to start getting your affairs in order. If you have a question you’d like answered by a professional financial planner please email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you. This video contains general financial …
The 5 big bills you need to save for (Video) Some major expenses just can’t be avoided. If you can build up a savings buffer for these 5 big bills, you’re less likely to suffer from financial shockwaves, a big credit card balance and hardship when it’s time to pay up. If you’d like to get in the habit of saving more for those big bills, get some tips with our savings and budget checklist or team …
Seniors are doing it for themselves Newcastle-based lawyer Lyn Lucas has been practicing family law for 25 years. She is also 76. Lucas studied law as a mature age student, and seven years ago created an online legal practice, Online Divorce Lawyer. This came about as she was looking to lessen the stress of practising law full time. Creating such a unique practice resulted in her being invited to present to the NSW Law Society in …
Five good reasons for seeking financial advice Financial advice isn’t just for people with wealth. Whether you’ve set your sights on owning a home or retiring early, advice from a financial planner can help you make it happen. Buying a home Managing your budget and cash flow to save for a deposit are key to getting you into your first home. A financial planner can help you simplify and prioritise your finances and manage existing …
