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…. Maintaining your income What is transition to retirement? Transition to retirement is a strategy that can help you reduce your working hours while maintaining the …
An introduction to ‘ethical investing’ Growing concern about a range of environmental and social issues is fuelling a rise in ethical investing in Australia. Here’s a look at this fast expanding sector. For many personal and financial reasons, a growing number of investors are seeking to apply an ethical lens to their decision making. For some it’s about using their funds to drive change on issues like the climate, animal cruelty or human rights abuse. …
Making the most of record low interest rates The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) took the cash rate to a record low of 1% in July, bringing mortgage rates to their lowest level in more than half a century. However, the low cash rate also means your money in the bank could be earning less interest. Why did the RBA cut rates? Rate cuts are a way for the RBA to help stimulate the economy. …
25 million & growing: What to make of Australia’s pop milestone On 7 August 2018 the Australian population has edged past the 25 million mark. What could this mean for the future financial wellbeing of everyday Australians? Hear from CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional Tony Sandercock of wetalkmoney about the potential impact of a bigger population on finances and retirement outcomes. According to McCrindle Research, the Australian population reached the 25 million mark earlier this month[1]. If you were …
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 …
Is your growing family stretching your budget? Here are seven tips to help you stay on top of your finances as your family grows. Growing your family can be one of life’s greatest joys, but if you already have one or two children, you’ll understand that raising kids can be costly. To cope financially with having more kids you’ll need to balance your income with the increasing expenses. Take a long-term view When you understand …
Growing your wealth What is gearing? In simple terms, gearing is borrowing money to invest. The investment could be in direct shares or managed investments, such as an equity trust, balanced fund or property. Gearing is, in essence, directed towards producing a larger investment return by using borrowed funds, often in addition to your own funds, so that financial goals can be achieved more quickly. Gearing can be used as part of the overall investment …
Budgeting on a growing family Having children is a rite of passage that brings a mix of joy, fulfilment and anxiety when the financial realities of raising kids become apparent. Parents must make difficult decisions about housing, education and lifestyle to keep the family budget in the black and to give their kids the best start in life. The cost of raising children rose 50 per cent from 2007 to 2012, outpacing growth in …
Super in a nutshell If your super’s in the too-hard basket, read on so you can take control and make the most of your money. The Australian superannuation system comprises money from working and retired Australians. All up, it’s projected to total $8 trillion by 2033[1] and some of that is likely to be your money. If you take an interest in your super today, you may have more in your hand down the track. …
