Quarterly Economic Update: October to December 2025
The December quarter has been defined by unexpected twists. Just as we thought inflation was under control, it kicked back up. Just as rate cuts seemed certain for 2026, we’re…
You Don’t Need High Risk Debt to Become Wealthy
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.
How to build a diversified portfolio with ASX ETFs
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.
Setting SMART financial goals that actually stick
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.
Unlisted Property Trusts: The Risks, Limitations, and the Alternatives
Over the last few years, I’ve taken on the management of many self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs), and in doing so, I’ve encountered a particular investment type that often causes significant…
Should you downsize to boost your super? Pros, cons, and tax implications
The idea of downsizing can be very appealing to empty-nesters. There will be less cleaning, gardening and maintenance, more time for hobbies and travel, and the icing on the cake comes if you can use the cash surplus you created to give your super a significant tax-effective boost.
But is the picture totally rosy, or are there some drawbacks to downsizing?
Investor Psychology: The Key to Making Smart Decisions in the Market
When it comes to investing, most people focus on picking the right stocks, finding the best superannuation fund, or minimising their tax bill. And don’t get me wrong, these things…
Quarterly Economic Update: Feb-Apr 2025
A client once shared a poignant regret:
“When I was working and the kids were young, I saved too much. It restricted what we did when the family was together.”
This simple reflection struck a chord with me. It got me thinking about the delicate balance between saving for the future and living fully in the present. While we all know the importance of financial security, is it possible to save too much—at the expense of the moments that matter most?
Spending a Dollar to Save 30 Cents: The Risk of Tax-Driven Investment Decisions
Australians love a good tax deduction. It’s almost ingrained in us—if there’s a way to pay less tax, we’re all ears. But what happens when tax savings become the main…
Numbers vs. Emotions: The Real Game of Investing
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…
Navigating the reality of divorce after 50
Adjusting to life after divorce, particularly later in life, is akin to navigating through some of life’s most challenging events, psychologists say. It’s a journey comparable to coping with loss,…
Building financial resilience
Resilience is the ability to quickly recover from setbacks, and while setbacks can come in many forms most of them will have a financial component. So what can you do…
Your recession survival guide
In the ever-fluctuating world of economics, recessions are an inevitable part of the financial cycle. While they can be daunting, understanding their nature and preparing for their impact can make…
4 Time-Tested Investment Strategies for Young Investors
The newest generation of young investors were raised during the Age of Information. Growing up alongside the internet, this generation has been exposed to more information and technological advancement than…
The Wealth of Gold: Investing in a timeless asset
As investors navigate through unpredictable and volatile economic times, it is essential to consider asset classes that can provide a level of stability and protection against market fluctuations. One such…
Retirement wrongs that could send you broke!
While retirement should be the best years of your life, many Australians make simple, avoidable mistakes with their finances that can leave them without the funds to really enjoy life….
Giving the gift of investing
Did you have a savings account when you were young? It wasn’t uncommon and those old Passbook accounts funded many a first car. Now you’re a parent, are you thinking…
Mistakes new investors should avoid
You’re young, expecting a satisfying future brimming with friends, family and a comfortable lifestyle. You’re a Next Generation Investor, likely aged between 18 and 25, and you’re starting to think…
It’s not too late for super planning in your 60s
For most Australians, their 60s is the decade that marks retirement. For some this means a graceful slide into a fulfilling life of leisure, enjoying the fruits of a lifetime…
Unlocking financial secrets for different phases of life
One of the keys to financial success is to adopt the right strategy at the right time. As you move through the stages of life, here are some tried and…
Are you investing or gambling?
The potential financial results of investing can feel limitless, and it can be tempting to think that just one stock pick could make you an overnight millionaire. Yes, stock-picking can…
End of content
End of content