There is something deeply hopeful about the fact that we are living longer than previous generations. Advances in medicine, safer living conditions and better healthcare have given many of us more time than our grandparents could have imagined. But alongside that good news is a quieter reality that deserves attention. Researchers now talk about the…
Every month, Ursula Boorman’s Focus magazine column, Need2Know, helps readers achieve clarity and confidence in their financial future. Every year, around this time, I find myself wishing clients a ‘happy new financial year’. I get some funny looks. But I genuinely think 1 July deserves more credit than it gets. We mark birthdays. We mark…
Tax time is just around the corner, so now is the time to get ahead and find out what strategies may be available to you before 30 June. Time for a portfolio review A good first step is to review your investment strategy. With recent market volatility, things may have shifted and your risk tolerance…
As the end of the financial year approaches, it’s a busy time for preparing your taxes, reviewing super, and getting your finances in order. Unfortunately, it’s also a peak period for scammers looking to take advantage of people and businesses who are focused on deadlines and end-of-year financial tasks. EOFY creates the perfect environment for…
Going through a divorce or separation is one of life’s most significant transitions. Whether you’re in the early stages of separation or rebuilding after a settlement, understanding the financial implications and taking proactive steps can make all the difference. “Life’s Transitions don’t just happen to others, they can happen to any of us. When a relationship…
Few investment sectors combine geopolitical intrigue, technological innovation and long-term growth potential quite like rare earth elements (REEs). For Australians, the recent deal with the United States to supply rare earths to seed US$8.5 billion worth of new projects, has thrust the sector into the spotlight.i What are rare earths? Rare earth elements are a…
Ways of contributing to your spouse’s super There are 2 ways of contributing to your spouse’s super: Splitting your contributions with your spouse Some super funds allow you to split your contributions with your spouse. When and how to apply You can generally apply to split your contributions with your spouse after the end of the…
In a world full of financial noise—market forecasts, interest rate speculation, economic headlines—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and steady the ship by doing… nothing. But as Ursula Boorman, Managing Director of Direct Advisers, puts it: “Inaction feels safe, but it’s often one of the riskiest choices you can make. Let your money work for you—not…
The bad news for savers relying on income returns is set to continue Australia’s underlying level of inflation is continuing to fall, and which paved the way for another official interest rate cut when the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) board met earlier in the month. It was welcome news for borrowers, but not for…
For clients holding older, asset test-exempt superannuation pensions, known as legacy pensions, there are significant changes ahead. These pensions, once popular for their generous Centrelink treatment, have long been difficult to alter without risking unintended financial consequences. But recent government updates have created a window of opportunity, along with a clear warning: don’t move too…