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…
For many, the goal of investing is about creating wealth for a comfortable financial future, as well as a legacy that supports your children and grandchildren for decades to come. But one of the greatest risks to that legacy can be the challenge of dealing with sudden wealth. When adult children inherit large sums or…
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…
Life is a series of chapters, each with its own hopes, challenges, and priorities. From starting your first job, welcoming a family, navigating separation, caring for ageing parents, transitioning into retirement, or embracing life on your own terms each stage brings new decisions that impact your long-term financial wellbeing. That’s why your financial strategy shouldn’t…
What role will an inheritance play in your long-term wealth strategy? If the ballpark numbers are at least remotely close, the amount of assets set to be transferred from one generation to the next in Australia over the coming decades will amount to trillions of dollars. According to estimates within a 2021 Productivity Commission report, Australians…
As we tick over into a new year, many of us feel the instinctive pull for change – a desire to feel better, do better and make life feel more aligned to our values and goals. While this wave of motivation is in full force, it can quickly fade if you don’t have direction and…
You make countless decisions about your money every day — some are small, others life‑shaping. But how often do you take a step back and ask: “Are my financial choices aligned with what truly matters to me?” “Financial planning isn’t just about figures — it’s about purpose. When you connect your money to what matters…
It’s the season for gifts, sharing meals and spreading cheer. But what if your festive generosity could do more? What if it could ripple through generations, perhaps shaping futures and maybe reduce your tax bill? Giving isn’t just an act of kindness; it can also be a smart financial move. From helping loved ones today…
Retirement has often been seen as a time to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of daily life. And for many, that’s the dream. But retirement is no longer defined by one image or one path. In fact, it can be something much more expansive. Today, retirement is increasingly viewed as a time of…