How to retire early Whether you choose or need early retirement, having a plan can give your money the best chance of lasting the distance. Whether lifestyle preferences or circumstances beyond your control are behind your decision to retire early, you’ll need to make a plan to help your retirement savings last, while still enjoying a few of your favourite comforts in life. Here are some retirement planning tips to consider when thinking about retiring …
Our Top 10 lifestyle costs Six out of the top 10 categories relate to just two things. Can you guess what they are, and could you be cutting back? As a nation, Aussies aged 18 and over spent approximately $145 billion on lifestyle costs over a 12-month period, with the average spend per person around $7,800, according to research1. While clothing and footwear took out the number one spot by a country mile on the …
What’s an SOA? When you’re presented with a Statement of Advice (SOA), it helps to know what to look for. Here’s our guide on what to expect from an SOA so you can be sure you’re getting advice and products to suit your needs. After meeting with a financial planner and discussing your goals and circumstances, they’ll give you a Statement of Advice (SOA). In a nutshell, it’s a summary of the strategy and products …
Environmental and financial costs of fast fashion Avoid becoming a fashion victim by understanding the real cost of fast fashion. You might have a friend who wouldn’t be caught dead in the same outfit twice. But what’s the real cost of fast fashion – the buy it, wear it once, throw it away culture of cheap clothing that has hit the mainstream? What is fast fashion? Not dissimilar to the fast-food movement, fast fashion is …
Borrowing money: When and how to do it right We all know getting into debt isn’t really desirable. So are there times when borrowing is justified? And what’s the best approach to keeping repayments within reasonable limits? We spoke to CFP® Sandy Hopps to get expert advice on smart ways to borrow money. Recent reports and statistics show we’re no strangers to debt in Australia. According to OECD data from 2015, Australia is 4th in the world …
What is the cost of raising a child? We take a look at the costs that come with raising kids through the different stages of their life. Laughter, joy and fun are some of the words associated with having kids, but there’s another word that often gets overlooked – expensive. Whether you’re just starting to think about having a family, have a baby on the way, or are already in the trenches with one – …
The top 10 lifestyle costs draining Aussies of cash Six out of the top ten categories relate to just two things. Can you guess what they are, and could you be cutting back? As a nation, Australians aged 18 and over spent approximately $145 billion on lifestyle costs last year, with the average spend per person around $7,800, according to research by comparison site Mozo1. While clothing and footwear took out the number one spot …
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. …
A growing family doesn’t have to blow the budget If you’re thinking of expanding your family, be sure to keep on top of things financially. Having a family usually comes not just with extra expenses but also a drop in income as one or both of you take time off work. Raising children and growing your family can be one of life’s greatest joys. But it can also be costly. You’ll need to plan ahead …
Purchasing a property Finding the right property and making all the arrangements to buy it can take time. It’s a big financial decision so it’s important to look at as many properties as possible and make the right choice. It’s also a good idea to speak with property experts such as real estate agents, bankers and mortgage brokers. Before buying a home you should: consider the financial costs involved find the right lender and home …
