Managing your money when you move in together

Managing your money when you move in together Living together is a big step. You may be merging your lives more closely, but should you merge your finances?  So you’ve taken the leap and decided to move in together.  It’s an exciting time which can take your relationship to a new level, but it can also add new pressures as you address practical matters such as how you divide the chores and the costs.  Set …

Why Wo/ Man and machine is the future of finance

Why Wo/ Man and machine is the future of finance Dr Bernard Meyerson, IBM’s chief innovation officer, was in the room in 2011 when his company’s powerful artificial intelligence (AI) computer, Watson, famously won Jeopardy, defeating the game show’s two most successful contestants. “There was an incredible euphoria,” Meyerson said in a presentation at AMP’s recent Amplify program. “Watching the system do that was mind blowing.” Watson’s historic win was victory of “machine” over “man”, …

Finding the winners from new technology

16 August 2017 Finding the winners from new technology A revolution happening in the energy industry and there will be winners (and losers). That’s the word according to AMP Capital Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist Shane Oliver. “The massive reduction in the cost of generating sustainable energy, together with energy that can be stored in batteries as battery technology evolves… is revolutionising things,” says Oliver. The rise and rise of sustainable energy sources …

Planning is the key to making it financially

Planning is the key to making it financially If you’ve paid off your home, have a healthy stash of super and take an overseas holiday each year, you’ve made it financially. That’s the view of many Australians according to recent research.  A study by comparison site Finder found paying off the mortgage is the financial milestone 74% of Australians value most.  Having enough in super to retire comfortably comes a close second for 59% of …

What to do when you come into money

What to do when you come into money Whether you’re faced with an inheritance, redundancy package or winning lottery ticket, it’s wise to consider your financial situation and future goals. For most of us, a financial windfall isn’t something that comes around very often. And while the extra cash is welcome, money matters may be the last thing on your mind if you’re also dealing with the emotions of losing a loved one or being …

How to make the most of investment and economic research

16 August 2017 How to make the most of investment and economic research In a world where people can be bombarded with information, AMP Capital Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist Shane Oliver recommends taking a strategic approach to investing. “If you are to be a successful investor you have to have an investment process,” says Oliver. The trick, he says, is cutting out the noise and sticking to the fundamentals. AMP Capital’s approach …

Six traits of Australians living the dream

Six traits of Australians living the dream Almost one in four Australians (23%) believe they are definitely or mostly ‘living the dream’, according to recent research from the Financial Planning Association.iHere are six traits that have helped them to achieve their dreams. 1. Strong personal habits Australians living the dream are family oriented, spending more quality time with their family during the week than the average Australian. And they’re five times more likely to meditate …

Bubbles mean trouble

16 August 2017 Bubbles mean trouble What is a bubble? AMP Capital Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist Shane Oliver puts it down to two main factors. “The first thing is a degree of over valuation. That is a situation where the price of an asset has diverged dramatically from the underlying fundamentals of the asset. Share prices have risen dramatically relative to earnings and dividends, or property prices have risen dramatically compared to …

Reduce your bills with these household items

Reduce your bills with these household items See what things you might have at home that could deliver you cost savings later on. We all enjoy the odd bargain and inexpensive label that delivers quality at a fraction of the price; however, sometimes shelling out a bit more up front can mean greater cost savings down the track. Check out these seven things that could provide you with financial benefits over the long term. 1. …

Money can buy you happiness – if you spend it right

Money can buy you happiness – if you spend it right At AMP’s recent Amplify program, high-profile Harvard Business professor and behavioural finance expert, Michael Norton, asked the crowded room a question. If you found $20 in the street today, how would you spend it to make yourself happiest?  Norton, whose TED Talk on money and happiness has attracted almost 3.5 million views, followed up with another question: Think of the last $20 you had …