When life gets hectic – locking in financial stability when you’re time poor

When life gets hectic – locking in financial stability when you’re time poor Feeling time poor and overwhelmed by your finances? Our guest contributor, James Trethewie Financial Planner AFP®offers some good advice on how can you manage your money better without putting a lot of time into it. Financial stress is definitely something a lot of us are living with at the moment. According to a survey from Financial Mindfulness nearly 1 in 3 Australians …

The Retirement Series: longevity 

The Retirement Series: longevity  Australians are living longer, with men and women alike enjoying a life expectancy beyond their eightieth birthday1. According to the United Nations, we now have the third highest male and female combined life expectancy in the world, behind only Japan and Switzerland2. It’s great news for all of us hoping to enjoy life’s pleasures and passions during a long and healthy retirement. Provided we’re prepared for it, because we’re not …

Should I be more conservative with my super leading into retirement? (Video)

Should I be more conservative with my super leading into retirement? (Video)  Andrew Donachie CFP® Andrew Donachie is the National Financial Planning Manager at First State Super. Andrew has 12 years’ experience as a financial planner and is CFP® qualified. As part of the Financial Planning Association’s Ask A Planner video series, Andrew Donachie CFP® answers the commonly asked question, “Should I be more aggressive or conservative with my superannuation strategy in the lead …

5 lessons from a cash-only week

5 lessons from a cash-only week Will paying cash change my spending habits? What I learned when I could only pay with cash for a week. Firstly, an admission. I never – ever – have cash. I’m that annoying friend who doesn’t have cash to cover her share when spitting bills, that colleague who borrows money to chip into the birthday collection, the parent who gives her kids an IOU for their pocket money. It’s …

China’s economy is pretty stable – but what about high debt levels and other risks?

China’s economy is pretty stable – but what about high debt levels and other risks? Introduction It seems there is constant hand wringing about the risks around the Chinese economy with the common concerns being around unbalanced growth, debt, the property market, the exchange rate and capital flows and a “hard landing”. This angst is understandable to some degree. Rapid growth as China has seen brings questions about its sustainability. And China is now the …

What to consider when buying a car

What to consider when buying a car Here’s a list of questions to ask yourself when you’re on the hunt for a new set of wheels. Whether it’s new or used, buying a car isn’t something we do very often. It might be your first big purchase, so it’s something you don’t want to get wrong. Before you hit the dealerships or the internet, check out this list of what to consider when buying a …

5 ways to do more with less money in your relationship

 5 ways to do more with less money in your relationship We all want to live a good life with our partner, but does that have to include fine dining every night and travelling to exotic destinations? Guest contributor, James Trethewie Financial Planner AFP® brings you five tips for enjoying the best in life without blowing the budget. 1. Keep track of the little things Everybody’s idea of living well is going to be different. When …

Weekly Market Update 1 June 2018

Weekly Market Update 1 June 2018 Investment markets and key developments over the past week The past week saw financial markets dominated yet again by geopolitical developments with first the turmoil in Italy and then US trade announcements rattling share markets with most falling and driving down bond yields (except in Italy of course) as investors sought safe havens. Commodity prices were mixed with copper up slightly but oil and iron ore down. Despite the volatility …

Retirement travel: Holiday money saving tips

Retirement travel: Holiday money saving tips Ways to save when your bank balance doesn’t quite match your retirement travel goals. One of the great perks of life after work is your ability to travel whenever you like, but what do you do when your bank balance doesn’t quite match your retirement travel goals? Never fear, these five holiday hacks will help you tick off your bucket list and save money while you’re at it. Smart …

Money and other family values

Money and other family values At a time when spending is becoming ever more streamlined, it’s even more important for kids to understand the value of money. But how can parents and schools teach important money lessons without making kids feel anxious about not having enough or want more than they really need? Discover tools and concepts that can help with financial literacy, at home and in schools. As kids, we learn a great deal …