Articles
Our advisers and support team are here to help you, every step of the way.
What’s the best way to manage retirement funds?
The superannuation environment is a very competitive industry. Understanding the best vehicle to manage your retirement capital can be complex and confusing.
Please take some time to view our brief video that outlines two of our preferred Superannuation vehicles.
Make your money grow: your year round financial management plan
As the saying goes, money doesn’t grow on trees. But, just like nurturing a beautiful garden, if you give your nest egg the right attention throughout the seasons, it will grow into a substantial asset. Let’s take a look at what you need to do throughout the year to cultivate a great financial future.
The front-foot approach to aged care
Right now, residential aged care costs are heavily subsidised by the Federal Government. But, with the Government’s aged care costs estimated to double from $13 billion now to $26 billion by 2023/24, there will be substantial changes to the aged care system.
What is in your worry bag right NOW?
Investments, insurance and superannuation are some of the “things” people suggest are the main roles of what a financial planner can offer. In a transactional model, this would be a fair assumption. Generally, when the relationship with a financial planner is transaction based, there is less substance to the personal relationship.
A common sense approach to financial freedom
In case you didn't know, I am a massive fan of Twitter. Unlike other social media platforms, Twitter is simple and effective. I can obtain information and communicate with all types of people without getting their permission and I can get most of my news from there. It really is a fascinating concept.
50% return guaranteed (read the fine print)
The Government co-contribution is an initiative that gives eligible low income earners the ability to boost their superannuation savings by matching personal non concessional contributions up to $1,000.
Covering all bases with income protection
Income protection insurance comes across most people’s radar when they’re starting out in their career. Often, people take out this type of policy when they buy a house, so if a serious illness or a bad accident strikes, your children and your spouse are covered.
Choosing aged care: what you need to know
There are lots of things to consider when you’re looking at aged care.
You’ll need to think about the type of care that’s available, depending on how healthy you are. You’ll also need to factor in different options for paying for your accommodation, based on your means.
End of year financial year planning starts now
1 July 2014 marks the start of a new financial year. But it’s important not to leave wealth accumulation and wealth protection until the last minute. There are many things you can do in the lead up to the end of this financial year to prepare for the new one.
Getting it right for the grandkids
Grandparents really are the jewels in the crown of our community. Having raised their own children, many are now helping raise their grandchildren. This often extends to providing financial support to the grandkids. If you’re in this situation, how can you make sure your generosity is as financially effective as possible?
Sticking to your financial plan: a how-to guide
One plan of particular importance regardless of your life events is your financial plan. This living document helps you map out your income against the investment milestones you would like to achieve to help you reach and maintain your desired lifestyle.
Which comes first – saving or investing?
As a nation, both our level of savings, as well as our level of investment, are higher than many other developed countries. But over the last five years there has been a shift in the relationship between how much we save and how much we invest.
Renovating tips for flipping property for profit
Sydney’s property market may be running hot but there are still ways to buy real estate “trash” and turn it into real estate “cash”, according to celebrity home renovation queen Cherie Barber.
Most people believe you can make money on property but it’s usually through capital growth, which you often have to wait for the market to deliver.
What makes a confident investor?
When you read headlines about Australia’s rising unemployment or the slowdown in the mining boom, it’s easy to lose confidence in investment markets. But there’s a lot to be gained from ignoring the background noise and sticking to your long-term goals.
10 things to consider in your estate planning
Do you know what's going to happen with your estate? Here are 10 things to consider in your planning.
Do's and don'ts of property investing
Low interest rates are giving many investors an added incentive to look at investing in property – either directly or through their SMSF. We look at some of the things you should look out for before you sign on that dotted line.
It's not just a house
When buying a house, it is standard to consult the help of a local real estate agent and a home loan specialist because you want expert help with one of the biggest financial decisions in your life.
Why then wouldn't you also enlist the services of a financial adviser?
Financial management for Gen Y
Planning for the future while you are still young can have a lot of benefits for you in the long term, particularly when it comes to your retirement. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), in 2006, 31% of young people in their twenties were still living with their parents, mainly for financial reasons.
Is your insurance structurally sound?
When you take out life insurance, it’s an investment for your future. With that cover in place, you know that if you ever experience a serious accident or illness, you have financial support to help pay your medical bills and maintain your lifestyle.
How to poach the perfect egg
I have been trying for years to poach the perfect egg. Don't get me wrong, nobody does an Eggs Benedict better than Sirocco in Ballina, but to be able to cook a couple of poached eggs on toast on a Sunday morning has always eluded me.