Get your new financial year game on

Get your new financial year game on We’re about three quarters of the way through this financial year, but don’t worry, you’ll be wearing a confident grin by June 30 with this list of eight things to do now to get new financial year ready. Download our checklist and tick them off as you go. 1. Check in on your goals There’s no point doing anything until you know what you’re doing it for.  Write down your …

Investing for kids – ways to save for their future

Investing for kids – ways to save for their future Whether you’re thinking about childcare, education or beyond, saving even a bit now could make a big difference later. It’s natural to want the best for the children in your life, whether you’re their parent, step-parent, carer, aunty, uncle, grandparent or even godparent. And, while money won’t be the be all and end all when it comes to raising happy little humans, you’d probably agree …

Millions but not all to benefit from 2017 super changes

Millions but not all to benefit from 2017 super changes With changes to super now in effect, numerous Australians will get a leg up, many being low-income earners. According to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), more than four million Australians will benefit from the super changes that came into effect on 1 July 2017.i The industry body said while many would be impacted by new rules and restrictions, millions would benefit from …

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 …

Five tax deductions to know about

Five tax deductions to know about You’re probably well aware you can claim a tax deduction for general work-related expenses. But did you know you may be able to claim if: 1. You take a course or study. You may be able to claim a portion of self-education expenses if it’s related to your ability to earn an income. 2. You travel to inspect your investment property. You may be able to claim for expenses …

Is it better to buy an investment property or home first?

Is it better to buy an investment property or home first? There’s a lot to consider when making such an important purchase, especially for the first time. Have you been saving up for a long time and finally feel ready to get into the property market? Maybe you’re considering either buying a home to live in or investing in a property you can rent out. Either way, it’s worth knowing some more about both options …

Diversifying inside super

Diversifying inside super Find out what it is, how it works and why it matters to you What is diversification? Diversification is a risk strategy that lets you ride the ups and downs of investing. It reduces your exposure to risk, so your investments won’t be as affected by fluctuations in markets. How do you diversify? Investment diversification can be achieved by choosing a mix of: asset classes (cash, fixed interest, bonds, property and shares) …

What to consider when investing in a low return world

What to consider when investing in a low return world Identifying market dislocations is something that requires investment expertise For some investors, volatility matters. When approaching retirement, volatility tends to matter more owing to sequencing risk. In the video below, we assess some considerations for investing in low return world. Share market volatility is expected to remain elevated Investment market volatility is essentially triggered by uncertainty around market fundamentals such as economic growth, earnings, dividends …

Act quickly before June 30

Act quickly before June 30 – to reap the benefits The recent Budget announcements could reduce your ability to contribute to super and its associated tax benefits. This time next year, new laws may have passed as a result of the recent Budget announcements. That means, super will more than likely be a different environment than it is today. The bottom line is you may not have the tax advantages or financial opportunities that are …

Protecting your wealth

Protecting your wealth What is insurance? Insurance is a form of protection – a way to protect yourself, your family and the things you own if something goes wrong. It enables you to replace or repair your assets, whether those assets are your belongings or your capacity to earn income. Everybody’s circumstances are different, but insurance is important for everybody. Your need for insurance will change as you move through the different stages of your …