Taking control of your finances starts with your super. As we battle rising interest rates, cost of living pressures and a general COVID-related economic hangover, it’s fair to say that financial stress is affecting most Australians, regardless of age, background or gender. But the reality is that Australian women are feeling the pinch more than…
Second marriages may present additional financial challenges when balancing day-to-day expenses with implications for aged care funding. You may not share finances equally, but Centrelink/DVA will assess your obligations as if you do. Life is full of ups and downs. You might have been unlucky and lost a spouse but then been lucky to find…
If you’d like your money to make a difference to the world as well as your future, responsible investing may be for you. Almost 9 in 10 (89%) Australians feel it’s important their financial institution invests responsibly and ethically across the board1. Ethical, social and governance (ESG) investments accounted for $1,281 billion, or 40%, of…
The recently released Intergenerational Report highlights trends and impacts over the next 40 years and highlights the significant impact of an ageing population. A major theme in the recent Intergenerational Report was the impact on Australia’s economy and society of an ageing population, which will lead to a rising demand for aged care over the…
Wills aren’t just for later in life and you should really have one when you start earning. And as money and family matters can be complex, it makes sense to get help. Who needs a will anyway? A will is something you might think you only need once you’re a millionaire or close to retirement…
It has been a wild ride for the Australian dollar since the Covid-19 pandemic struck and that could mean good news or bad news for your investment portfolio. In March 2020 the Aussie dipped below US58 cents for the first time in a decade. Since then, a high of just over US77 cents in 2021…
With the life expectancy of Australians increasing over the years, most of us can assume we’re going to live longer than previous generations. But are our expectations on the money, or way off the mark? We bring you five important facts everyone needs to know about life expectancy. Back when compulsory super started in 1992,…
Giving Australians better access to high-quality and more affordable financial advice is imperative. One of the fundamental principles for achieving long-term investment success is planning. In fact, the importance of having a clear financial plan, whether it’s formal or informal, can’t be overstated. As is the importance of sticking to it. Without a well-documented, detailed…
Ensuring you’ve structured your finances tax-effectively is always a concern, but with new tax rules for super on the horizon, many people with large balances are considering alternative vehicles to save for retirement. Unsurprisingly, this has sparked a renewed interest in an old favourite – trusts. Trusts have always been popular in Australia, with the…
No-one wants to be living with dementia. Keeping an active brain may reduce your risks and promote good cognitive health for longer. With an increasing number of people living with dementia in Australia and around the world, research activities aim to understand how the brain works and look for ways to reduce or slow the…