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 …

The power of financial planning

  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 …

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 …

Australians reveal their priority goals

Australians reveal their priority goals Most Australians indicate their biggest life goal is a financial one, but many admit failing to plan is a roadblock. Increased household debt, record-high property prices and the aftermath of the global financial crisis have not impeded Australians’ belief in their ability to achieve their goals. In fact, an August 2016 research paper by The Financial Planning Association of Australia and McCrindle, showed four in five Australians were confident they could turn …

The outlook for real assets in 2018

The outlook for real assets in 2018 Adjustments to monetary policy by Central Banks globally, along with the technological change sweeping through and changing the shape of industries, emerge as the two pervasive themes likely to define real asset valuations in 2018 and beyond, according to leading real estate and infrastructure experts. The favourable outlook for real assets is set to continue in 2018, with interest rates globally set to stay at historically low levels, …

How to invest here and now in the driverless car future

How to invest here and now in the driverless car future Investors might be looking in the wrong place for exposure to the revolution in driverless cars if they’re pouring over previews of the A$110,000 Tesla Model X. But the trend has prompted other compelling investment opportunities. Investors might be looking in the wrong place for exposure to the revolution in driverless and electric vehicles if they’re pouring over previews of the A$110,000 Tesla Model …

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”, …

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 …

Can delayed gratification help you with your finances?

Can delayed gratification help you with your finances? The benefits of delayed gratification and how it can help you achieve your financial goals. Are you the type of person who always has to have the latest clothes, smart technology or gym gear? If you answered yes to this question, you could be a person who likes instant gratification, that is, you like to indulge in instant reward now, rather than exercising self-control1, in return for a …