5 reasons to save for retirement

5 reasons to save for retirement Saving for retirement might not seem important, especially when there’s the super guarantee and aged pension to fall back on. But employer contributions and government benefits may not keep you as comfortable in later life as you’d like. Here are 5 reasons to make saving for your super a priority in the coming year.  Whether you’re near retirement or not, it’s important to get your head round what to …

All gain, no shame: What to expect from a financial planner

All gain, no shame: What to expect from a financial planner So you’re a busy couple building careers and a better future for a young family. Getting professional financial advice might seem like something you’re not ready for yet. But what if seeing a planner could bring you wealth and peace of mind without distracting you from important goals? We all make mistakes with money from time to time. And most of us wish we …

Where the money is: Jobs on the rise towards 2020

Where the money is: Jobs on the rise towards 2020 A new year can get you thinking about all sorts of lifestyle changes, including career direction. We look at the 5 industries expected to experience growth and offer the best in job opportunities in the next two years. Money isn’t the only reason we choose to work in the jobs we have. You might be following a personal passion or making the most of natural …

Plan more, worry less

Plan more, worry less Want to make money worries a thing of the past? A new year can be a great time to take control of your finances and enjoy greater peace of mind, now and in the future. New year, more stress Thanks to the post-spending hangover many of us suffer after buying big for the festive season, the new year can start with an unhealthy dose of financial stress. According to a 2017 survey …

7 budgeting apps to help you save

7 budgeting apps to help you save Where does all that money go? A host of apps are available to help you easily answer that question and even budget better, so you don’t get caught short in the event of a ‘rainy day’ and can feel more comfortable and in control of your finances every day. The best place to start is with your bank. Most major Australian banks offer their customers great tools to …

The best money blogs and financial advice for 20-somethings

The best money blogs and financial advice for 20-somethings  Are you a 20-something, a Millennial, a Gen Y or a Gen Next? Actually, it’s a trick question, as they’re all the same thing. Whether you believe such a label applies to you or not, you may think managing your money better isn’t something you should be doing until you’re 30-something and living in your own home with kids. Here we feature some money blogs to …

Is working more the answer to your financial problems?

Is working more the answer to your financial problems? When working more means earning more, it makes sense to take that promotion or extra shift to get ahead financially. But when expenses go up and quality of life goes down, is the price you’re paying for longer hours too high?  So you’ve been offered a pay rise at work that comes with more responsibilities. If that’s going to mean staying late at the office or …

The real cost of retirement

The real cost of retirement When you’re looking at saving and planning for retirement, it’s important to know how much you can expect to be spending. The latest retirement standard figures and other data sources can give you an idea of the cost of retirement, but what else do you need to take into account to ensure your financial wellbeing? Running the numbers – the retirement standard Since June 2006, the Association of Superannuation Funds of …

The future for working mothers

The future for working mothers On Mother’s Day 2018, we explore some of the challenges currently facing working Mums in Australia and whether they can expect better career opportunities, rewards and work-life balance in the future. Challenge 1: Mind the gap According to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, women take home on average $251.20 less than men each week (based on full-time adult earnings), creating a national gender “pay gap” of 15.3%1. This means that women, on …

7 steps to wealth and living well

7 steps to wealth and living well 1. Time is critically important When it comes to superannuation and savings it’s very important to remember that time waits for no one. So I’ll always encourage my clients to start saving right away, even if it’s just a modest amount. Compound interest is your best friend when it comes to saving but it needs time to work. Although starting to save early is the ideal, it’s never …