Flying solo: Stories of the self-employed

Flying solo: Stories of the self-employed There are 2.1 million small businesses in Australia. Of them, just under 1.3 million are sole traders or partnerships. Making the decision to start your own business can be both exciting and terrifying. There are many perks to being your own boss but plenty of responsibilities too. We spoke to two Australian business owners to get their take on it. Go your own way Running your own business generally means working …

5 questions to ask your financial planner

5 questions to ask your financial planner Finding the right financial planner for your needs, goals and life stage is essential to help you achieve your financial goals. As a specialist profession, it’s important to check your financial planner is professionally licensed and qualified to provide you with advice. Equally important is the rapport you have with them – it should be comfortable and feel like the right fit from the start. Here are five …

Finding the right financial planner for you

Finding the right financial planner for you How should you start your search for a financial planner? There are some fundamentals you should look for in the first instance. A license to provide financial advice – Always look for a financial planner who works for a firm that holds an Australian Financial Services (AFS) License issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). You can verify the financial planner is licensed by checking ASIC’s Financial …

What should I expect when I see a financial planner? (Video)

What should I expect when I see a financial planner? (Video)   Brian May CFP® Brian May is a financial planning and wealth management specialist, with over 20 years’ experience in financial services and international merchant and investment banking. As part of the Financial Planning Association’s Ask a Planner video series, Brian May CFP® answers the commonly asked question, “What should I expect when I see a financial planner?” If you have a question you’d …

What to expect from a financial planner (Video)

What to expect from a financial planner (Video)  What to expect from a financial planner So you’re meeting with a planner. What can you expect to share and learn about your finances during your experience? Find out in our short video about what to expect. Not sure whether you’ve reached that life stage where you need support and advice from a financial planner? Discover 5 good reasons you might have for seeking financial advice. And if …

All gain, no shame: What to expect from a financial planner

All gain, no shame: What to expect from a financial planner So you’re a busy couple building careers and a better future for a young family. Getting professional financial advice might seem like something you’re not ready for yet. But what if seeing a planner could bring you wealth and peace of mind without distracting you from important goals? We all make mistakes with money from time to time. And most of us wish we …

Accountant or Planner – which do I need?

Accountant or Planner – which do I need? When it comes to sorting out money matters, where do you go to seek professional help? Can an accountant take care of your finances or should you be speaking to a financial planner? Discover more about the difference between these two support services and how you can benefit from both. Seeing an accountant is something that’s routine for most Australians. After all, lodging a tax return is …

Time for women to celebrate

Time for women to celebrate March 8 marks International Women’s Day – a good time for women to embrace opportunities to achieve financial independence. After more than 30 years in the money business I’ve seen women make great strides with their personal finances. The gender pay gap is narrowing, lenders no longer shun single women when they apply for a home loan, and little by little, women are gaining a larger slice of the superannuation pie. …

Protecting your family from an inheritance nightmare

Protecting your family from an inheritance nightmare Estate planning is a topic that many people would rather not talk about too often, but it’s an important part of the entire financial planning process for anyone with responsibilities, whether they are family or business responsibilities. With the current rate of divorce and people living longer, the number of blended families in Australia is increasing and family life is becoming increasingly complex. The need for comprehensive estate …