A modern-day myth exposed: multi-tasking

A modern-day myth exposed: multi-tasking If you have little faith in your ability to do more than one thing at a time, science reveals you’re onto something. Cognitive behavioural researchers shine a light on our inability to multi-task. We simply cannot perform multiple tasks with the same level of skill as when performing one task at a time.i The old adage that women are better at multi-tasking may after all be untrue—or more accurately reflect …

Don’t want to work fulltime?

Don’t want to work fulltime? What are the pros and cons of going part time? If you’re a fulltime worker you may be considering joining the multitude of Aussie part-timers, and having more time to do what really matters to you. Maybe you’re a parent who wants to spend more time with your family, an executive who wants to put an end to too-long hours at the office or perhaps you’re working your way towards …

Is that a driverless car in the next lane?

Is that a driverless car in the next lane? As technology forges ahead, we’re all but chasing after it. Life as we knew it in the 80s and 90s is now ancient history. Today, digital devices in Australia have made the way we communicate, socialise, work and behave just about unrecognisable. The fact is Aussies are so screen-obsessed that we’re walking and texting, talking and browsing, eating and researching, reading and driving—all at the same …

Time to upgrade your ideas about retirement living?

Time to upgrade your ideas about retirement living? A lot has changed in recent years, especially when it comes to your living options in retirement. Retirement living can offer much more than it once did. One thing’s certain: you don’t have to feel as though you’re losing your independence and freedom when you move on from the family home. Imagine your own precinct where you can get good coffee at the nearby café before a …

Blinded by optimism

Blinded by optimism We’re designed to believe bad things won’t happen but it pays to think clearly and put plans in place, ahead of time. Behavioural science reveals that it’s in our nature to believe bad things won’t happen to us in the future, even if we’re accustomed to bad things occurring in the past. It may be illogical but it’s something we’re hardwired for according to the experts—it’s a phenomenon known as the human …

What’s your biggest obstacle to financial success?

What’s your biggest obstacle to financial success? Science reveals how our human-hardwiring can get in the way and cost us much more than we think. As humans we have changed a lot over time. Vast periods of time have seen us adapt and evolve—from hunting for food to ordering online and as our behaviour has changed, our brains have developed. But even though we no longer live in caves, some of our ancient hardwiring still …

Should you own the roof over your head?

Should you own the roof over your head? When it comes to the rent-versus-buy debate, like many of our clients you may be weighing up the pros and cons. You might be thinking that you’d love to buy a house but it all seems out of reach right now. Are you asking whether it’s still a good idea to invest in property at all? You’re not alone. In today’s housing market, many people are considering …

Remember to factor in parental subsidies at tax time

Remember to factor in parental subsidies at tax time While you’re sorting your income and expenditure at tax time, make sure you know what you’re entitled to as a parent, carer or grandparent. When the cost of raising kids is ever-increasing, every little bit helps and a bigger tax return is generally welcome. These days just sending a child to school comes with mounting costs, regardless of the type of school they go to. It’s …

Preparing for the time of your life

  Preparing for the time of your life The choices we make in life have a big influence on our personal happiness and also on the wellbeing of those we love. Sometimes we anticipate choices with a sense of excitement. And sometimes life throws us curve balls in the form of unexpected events and important decisions.   Perhaps you are thinking about a career change or how to achieve a better work/life balance? Maybe you …

Be clear on investment goals

Be clear on investment goals by Jeff Rogers Retirees concerned about cuts to the official cash rate need to clearly identify their investment goals to help clarify whether capital stability or income sustainability is of greater importance. In this article, we discuss how a well-managed portfolio of select corporate bonds, equities, property and infrastructure can deliver attractive and predictable income streams that can be expected to rise over time. Sustainable income in a low-rate environment …