Working after kids – is it worth it? To work, or not to work? That is the question many Australian women (and some men) have to consider after having children. Sadly, both options can have long-term negative financial consequences. While it would seem obvious that not working is likely to set your bank balance back, going back to work can also be costly. Indeed, studies have shown that some mothers go back to work for …
Keeping success in your sights What’s the most important thing you should do to make a success of your life? We talked to singer and actress Charmaine Bingwa about the X-factor that gets her where she wants to be. Discipline from the very beginning I was born in Australia, but my parents moved here from Zimbabwe. They arrived with almost nothing, about $500 was all the money they had. And so they worked hard, saved …
Nine key rules to successful investing Key points Investing during times of uncertainty can be nerve wracking, but even in good times it can be problematic. For this reason, it’s useful for investors to keep a key set of things – call them rules – in mind. The key rules I think are to: make the most of the power of compound interest; be aware that there is always a cycle; invest for the long …
Weekly Market Update 3 August 2018 Investment markets and key developments over the past week US shares rose 0.8% over the last week, helped by strong earnings results, a bounce back in tech stocks and another“Goldilocks” jobs report. However, Eurozone shares fell 1.1%, Japanese shares lost 0.8%, Chinese shares fell 5.9% and Australian shares lost 1% as trade war fears continue to escalate. Despite this, bond yields were flat to up. Iron ore prices rose but …
5 money mindsets that hold you back What’s holding you back from taking control of your financial future? Discover the five mind tricks that can stop you from achieving financial success and what you can do to avoid them. Fear of failure Earning and saving money from your salary is all very well. But setting up an alternative income stream from an investment portfolio can help you make the most of your personal wealth potential. …
What’s happening to oil prices? Australians can expect to pay more for petrol at the bowser as oil prices move higher in the short-term. Yet the price rises won’t force the Reserve Bank to hike rates as a significant acceleration in inflation is unlikely. Do I see the oil price continuing to surge higher? Short term, yes it could go a bit higher as global demand remains strong. The cost of oil has risen …
What is an index? When people talk about the share market having gone up or down, what they are usually are referring to is an index. But what is an index and why is it important? An index measures how a certain part of the share market is performing. Typically, each index consists of the shares that make up that part of the market. By combining these shares together, the index will give you a …
What is diversification? Diversifying your investments will reduce their risks and volatility, but what does it involve? Often described as “not putting all your eggs in one basket”, diversification is crucial to reducing the volatility of investing. It’s about spreading your risks. We know that the markets for different asset classes – such as bonds, shares, property or infrastructure – can go up and down for many reasons, but they usually don’t move in exactly the same way. While one market …
What should I expect when I see a financial planner? (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 should I expect when I see a financial planner?” If you have a question you’d …
Insurance 101: what do you need and when? There is a dizzying array of types of insurance available in Australia, although the average person probably won’t be needing aircraft or defamation insurance. But like death and taxes, the majority of people won’t be able to avoid getting at least some of the basic types of insurance such as motor vehicle, house and contents and health cover. Motor vehicle insurance Financial Planner AFP® Amanda Cassar of Wealth …
