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Interest rates are officially on hold, but unofficially they’re not. Don’t expect an official rate cut anytime soon. That was the latest message from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) as it kept its policy cash rate on hold at 4.35% and ruled out any near-term prospect of an official rate reduction. There’s even a...Read More
Is a retirement village right for you?
December 9, 2024Retirement Planning
The retirement living sector is growing rapidly in Australia as the population ages and demand increases for a spot in a retirement village. For many people, the idea of having someone on site to help with property and garden maintenance is enough for them to make what can be a major change later in life....Read More
The end of hybrids. What that means for investors
December 9, 2024Wealth Creation
Why high-quality bonds are a logical alternative to hybrid securities. Some of the biggest changes on financial markets that are likely to have a profound impact on many retail investors can occur without attracting too much attention. The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), the regulator of banks, superannuation funds and other financial institutions, flagged such...Read More
There is no debate that Australians love investing in property. The value of Australian residential real estate at the end of August 2024 was an estimated $10.95 trillion.i Some love it so much that they believe property is a better option for providing a retirement income. They see a bricks and mortar investment as a...Read More
Online shopping
December 9, 2024Debt Management & Budgeting
Online shopping can be a convenient way to buy the things you want. Get the most out of internet shopping by staying safe online. How to protect yourself online Not sure if you should trust a website with your personal information? Here are some things to look out for. Check the website Before you enter...Read More
The global 60/40 portfolio: Steady as it goes
December 2, 2024Wealth Creation
Returns for the global 60/40 portfolio are positive again, reaffirming its benefits. A globally diversified portfolio of 60% stocks and 40% bonds declined by about 16% in 2022—a painful period for balanced investors that raised doubts about the viability of this strategy.1 Some commentators even declared the old standby dead. Yet, by the end of...Read More
The biggest assets growth areas for SMSFs
December 2, 2024Superannuation
What five years’ worth of SMSF asset allocation data reveals. The Australian Tax Office (ATO) releases quarterly data showing where self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) are parking the retirement savings that they have invested within the super system. The data for the three months ended June 30, 2024, which was released in September, shows there were...Read More
Choosing a credit card
November 25, 2024Debt Management & Budgeting
If you’re struggling to pay your bills, a new credit card may not be the best move. See managing debt for other options. How to get the best credit card for you Thinking about how you will use your credit card will help you compare the options and get the best card for you. Work...Read More
We’ve all heard about downsizing and upsizing, but what about rightsizing? ‘Rightsizing’ is used for when you find the right fit for you. In property terms, this means a property that best suits your circumstances and lifestyle. What is rightsizing? While upsizing and downsizing are largely focussed on the size and financial commitment of the...Read More
Estate planning gives you a final say
November 25, 2024Estate Planning
Planning for what happens when you pass away or become incapacitated is an important way of protecting those you care about, saving them from dealing with a financial and administrative mess when they’re grieving. Your Will gives you a say in how you want your possessions and investments to be distributed. But, importantly, it should...Read More