What a banking Royal Commission means for investors and superannuants

13 December 2017 What a banking Royal Commission means for investors and superannuants A dip in the value of listed financial stocks including Australia’s Big Four banks the day the federal government announced a Royal Commission into the banking, superannuation and financial services industry, could be a sign of things to come for shareholders in the country’s most widely held institutions. The long heralded Royal Commission into the banking industry could have the effect of …

How to pick the top of the real estate market

How to pick the top of the real estate market Strong demand for the broader real estate segment is likely to help prices remain strong for at least another year as the aging population seeks regular annuity in a low interest rate environment, says Luke Dixon, AMP Capital Head of Head of Real Estate Research. “Real estate is still fairly priced,” Dixon says, a view informed by a detailed analysis published in the latest AMP …

What could trigger a property price correction?

10 November 2017 What could trigger a property price correction? The shift of mortgagees to “principle and interest” from interest only loans is one of the things to watch when considering the potential for a price correction in some of the more highly-valued residential property markets, Dr Shane Oliver, AMP Capital’s Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist, says. “When they [mortgagees] do that, they face a big increase in their debt servicing costs,” Oliver …

Can refinancing my home loan save me money?

Can refinancing my home loan save me money? By replacing your existing loan with a new one, you could take advantage of a better deal. Even if you secured a competitive package when you first took out your home loan, it’s worth reviewing each year1 to ensure the interest rates, fees and features continue to meet your needs. With interest rates also at an all-time low in Australia2, now may be an opportune time to …

Saving in a material world

  Saving in a material world It’s not easy to be thrifty in our consumer society. We’re surrounded by so much temptation that it can be difficult to avoid spending money. So why not try taking a break from spending? If you can tighten your belt on the little things, it can help ensure you have enough for the odd splurge, that well-earned holiday, or for unforeseen expenses. Here are some creative ways to cut …

Love and money

Love and money – safeguarding relationships Are you or your partner making sneaky ATM trips? Engaging in late-night online banking sessions? If so, you – or they – could be guilty of ‘financial infidelity’. Forget sex, religion or politics, the experts all agree that money is the most common cause of relationship tension. “We think about relationship compatibility from just about every angle except money, yet finances are a top cause of divorce. Many people …

Let’s talk about money

  Let’s talk about money When it comes to analysing the state of Australian relationships, you can forget the bedroom. The really revealing behaviour takes place behind closed bank accounts. Let’s talk about money.. It is no secret that money is often at the heart of divorce and family disputes. Money has certainly not bought love for Australia’s richest person, Gina Rinehart who is locked in a bitter court battle with her children for control of …

Paying your bills in retirement

  Paying your bills in retirement Retirees and those nearing retirement have learned the hard way the importance of holding a portion of their nest egg in low-risk fixed income investments. During the financial crisis cash and bonds not only outperformed shares and property, they helped investors protect their capital and pay the bills.1 Now that interest rates on most term deposits are below four percent 2 and the official cash rate is at record …

How can I own my home sooner?

  How can I own my home sooner? It doesn’t have to be the stuff of dreams. There are several strategies that could help you pay off your home loan sooner. And it doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing the things you love doing today. The first step towards paying off your home sooner is to understand your loan—how much you owe, how much you are paying and what other financial commitments you have. Once you know …

Where Does All My Money Go? Time to Learn Money Management!

Where Does All My Money Go? Time to Learn Money Management! Ever get frustrated that why the money you earn is never enough to satisfy your needs? If yes, then you are not alone. Almost every other person is wondering where on earth do they spend all their money. If you don’t want to be bothered by this question ever again, then you need money management! You might have come across the term a million …