How to prepare financially for starting a family

How to prepare financially for starting a family Starting a family is exciting, but it can also mean big changes to your lifestyle and your finances. As expecting parents, it’s natural to have questions around family finance planning. One of the main questions you may have when starting a family is “how much do babies cost?” According to research, it costs an average of $140-170i. It could help to plan and have a family budget …

The importance of starting point valuations for investment returns – and where are we now? | AMP Capital

The importance of starting point valuations for investment returns – and where are we now?   Key points Starting point valuations – like yields and price to earnings multiples – are a key driver of potential medium term investment returns. For growth assets it’s often more complicated with, eg, the level of interest rates playing a big role. At present valuation starting points for term deposits and bonds suggest low medium-term returns. For shares they …

Budgeting tips for students

Budgeting tips for students Starting or returning to study is an exciting time! But let’s be real, unless you’re also working full time, you’ll have less income while you complete your studies. That’s where a little planning can help make the most of your student budget. Surviving on a student budget isn’t easy, but don’t worry, it can be done. Whether you’re studying remotely this year, or returning to campus, we have some great tips …

Should your investment journey start with property?

Should your investment journey start with property? When you’re priced out of owning a home in your neighbourhood, is property investing a good solution for growing your wealth? Will renting for the rest of your life cost more and make you more vulnerable? We talked to CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional Rebecca Fergusson, financial planner at Main Street Financial Solutions, about the pros and cons of property investing as a strategy for securing your financial future. …

So, you’re starting a business…

So, you’re starting a business… Whether you’ve been plotting it for years or just recently decided to go for it, starting your own business is a big leap. Now that you’re taking the first steps, pause for a moment to consider some often-overlooked factors that will set you up for success. While these may not be as exciting as dreaming up your vision or designing your marketing, building these tasks into your planning will give …

Getting in shape to start your own business

Getting in shape to start your own business Many of us dream of starting our own business, but to most it remains just that, a dream. We fantasise about what “being our own boss” would be like, after another run-in with the boss at work, or just the tedium of being in the same job, year-in, year-out, and starting to loathe every minute of it. To turn your dream into reality, there is much preparation …