Money is one of the most common sources of stress in relationships. Whether it is with a partner, family member, or even a business partner, the way we think about and manage money can have a big impact on how we relate to each other.
There’s a growing issue facing families today, and it spans three generations. At the heart of it is the younger generation—the first-time homebuyers—who are struggling to break into the property market. This challenge isn’t just theirs to bear; it’s one that also involves their parents and grandparents, who want to see them succeed but are grappling with how to provide the right kind of support without overstepping or creating dependency.
Many Australians find themselves in what is called the “sandwich generation.” This is the stage of life where you may still be supporting children while also stepping in to care for ageing parents. It can feel like you are being pulled in two directions, both emotionally and financially.
From early November retailers have been telling us what we can’t live without and what our kids must have if they are to still love us on Christmas Day. It’s easy to get caught up in the momentum. Of course, the downside is you end up with the post-Christmas blues when the credit card statements arrive. This may mean that wealth plans get scrapped because you have to pay off the debt first.
Life does not always go to plan. Illness, job loss, accidents, or unexpected expenses can arrive without warning. While we cannot prevent these events, we can prepare for them. Having the right protections in place provides peace of mind and ensures your family is supported when life takes a turn.
There’s no shortage of financial advice out there. Everywhere you look—social media, news articles, investment forums—you’re bombarded with strategies, opinions, and predictions.
Despite the temporary, sudden downturns caused by the 2007-2009 global financial crisis and the 2020-2021 COVID pandemic, the value of the ASX increased by more than 160% between 2000 and 2024, as evidenced by the growth in the ASX 200 market index. This demonstrates that it’s better to invest in a variety of shares rather than sticking to just a few.
When most people think about retirement, they picture a dollar figure. How much super will I need? Do I have enough investments to last? While money is important, true retirement planning is about much more than a number on a page.
Discover why Charlie Munger’s quote, ‘The big money is not in the buying and selling, but in the waiting,’ holds the key to investment success through patience, compounding, and investor psychology.
When it comes to money, it is often the small, consistent steps that make the biggest difference. You do not need to make dramatic changes overnight. Building good habits and sticking with them over time can transform your financial future.
In the context of your personal finances, SMART refers to setting clear, quantifiable, feasible and appropriate financial objectives, to be carried out within a defined time frame. You’re much more likely to succeed if you avoid vague, non-measurable, unrealistic and inappropriate aims with no actual deadline. Relying on SMART goals will help you stay on track as you shape your financial future.
It is natural to want to enjoy the rewards of hard work. A new job, a pay rise, or a bonus can make it tempting to upgrade your car, move to a bigger house, or start spending more on dining and holidays. This is called lifestyle creep, and while it feels good in the short term, it can quietly slow down your long-term financial goals.
If you’ve ever dreamed of setting up your own business you’re not alone.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, (ABS), in the financial year 2023 – 2024 over 400,000 Aussies did just that!
Over the same period, almost 363,000 small businesses called it quits.
When people think about investing, they often focus on the numbers: analysing balance sheets, forecasting earnings growth, understanding sectors, and evaluating dividend yields and price-to-earnings ratios. While these elements are…
As a financial adviser, one of the most common discussions I have with clients is about helping their children financially. For those with the means, the question isn’t if they…
Planning for retirement can be challenging enough, but when there’s a significant age difference between partners, it adds another layer of complexity. Different life stages often mean differing priorities, timelines,…
The final quarter of 2024 reflected a mixed economic landscape. While consumer spending and equity markets showed resilience, persistent inflation, cost-of-living pressures and a cooling housing market have tempered optimism….
Struggling to keep track of multiple debt payments each month? For many Australian homeowners, juggling different debts—whether it’s credit card balances, personal loans, or mortgage repayments—can become overwhelming. Debt consolidation…
Financial advisor Robert Goudie has warned Aussies about the extra costs involved in owning a home and that renting isn’t always dead money. You might have heard the phrase that renting…
Inflation is a slow force working against your financial goals. It can quietly erode the purchasing power of your money over time. While it’s tempting to see cash as a…
The Australian economy is still growing, but things are moving slower than usual, and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is being cautious with any changes to interest rates. They’re…
FORO – the fear of running out. I’d never heard the expression until I met Mark and Susan. Of course I’d heard of FOMO, the fear of missing out, but…
For many Australians, particularly young Australians, the dream of home ownership is often accompanied by the reality of carrying student loans, known as HECS-HELP debt. Understanding the impact of HECS…
The economy continues to slow, with inflation remaining sticky, the new federal budget making waves, and global events that may have a significant impact. Uncertainty at home and abroad The…
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