The power of financial planning As father to his two beautiful children, a 21 month-old son and a new baby daughter, Dante De Gori has a whole new perspective on his priorities in life. Here he talks about how he’s preparing for the future and just how important a financial plan is to achieving important goals for him and his family. A different lens on life Two years ago Dante De Gori took on …
What if interest rates rise faster than expected? The US Federal Reserve may raise interest rates twice as often as the market expects in 2018, according to AMP Capital Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist Shane Oliver. “This year we think the Fed is going to raise rates more than the market is allowing for,” says Oliver. “Market expectations are factoring about two and a half hikes and we actually think they will do …
Add some extra cash to your New Year We all dream of an unexpected windfall, and there may be no better way to kick start 2018 than with some extra cash to your name. With a bit of digging around, it can be possible to find some forgotten funds you’re entitled to. A treasure trove of forgotten cash To begin with, many state government treasuries are filled with a trove of refunds and overpayments, unpresented …
Do parents make good employees? Research reveals surprising correlations between productivity and parenthood. It’s official: Australia is the most expensive country to live ini. So it’s no wonder that more and more parents are working while raising a family. In fact, recent media reports say Aussie parents work more than parents in other countriesii and 90% of Australian mothers always or often feel rushed or pressed for timeiii. But what’s the impact on the work …
Blinded by optimism We’re designed to believe bad things won’t happen but it pays to think clearly and put plans in place, ahead of time. Behavioural science reveals that it’s in our nature to believe bad things won’t happen to us in the future, even if we’re accustomed to bad things occurring in the past. It may be illogical but it’s something we’re hardwired for according to the experts—it’s a phenomenon known as the human …
Save for something big. Using goals to achieve your dreams Many people don’t find budgeting and saving easy, nor is it on top of their priority list. Most of us are programmed to look for short cuts, or believe that with a bit of luck – and rising house prices – ‘we’ll be right’. But in reality, saving for the lifestyle we want does require a degree of discipline and an active interest in looking …
All aboard – The popularity of cruising continues to rise Pulling into the sparkling waters of Sydney Harbour has to be one of the highlights of any cruise, and it seems Australians agree – according to industry experts it’s predicted that one million Australians1 will hit the high seas next year. The growth in the Australian cruise industry shows no sign of slowing down – rising by an average of 20 per cent each …
Phone security: get switched on Keep your money, identity and personal information safe Have you ever left your phone behind? It’s an odd feeling – like part of you is missing. And even though you’ll only feel right with it back in your hand, if your phone’s secure you’ll have peace of mind that your money and identity are safe in the meantime. Make sure your phone’s not susceptible to viruses and, if lost or …
