Is it worth salary sacrificing into super?

Let’s explore the ins and outs of salary sacrificing into your super and help you determine if it’s worth considering as part of your financial strategy. We’re all familiar with the concept of super. It’s that portion of our salary that employers are required to contribute to a super fund on our behalf, with the … Read more

How to determine asset allocation

Asset allocation is the process of dividing funds between different asset classes including cash, bonds, property and shares. This takes place as spreading resources across different asset classes can help diversify the portfolio’s holdings, which is an important way to manage risk. In theory, asset classes rise and fall at different times. So, when one … Read more

Economic and market overview

Australian shares fared well in July, buoyed by suggestions that no further interest rate hikes will be necessary. With inflation coming off the boil, there was optimism that borrowing costs have peaked and could be lowered later this year. In turn, this could be beneficial for corporate earnings. Returns from overseas shares were positive too, … Read more

Decoding cognitive biases: what every investor needs to be aware of

Common human biases that investors should understand when it comes to investing is extremely important. These biases are ingrained in human nature, leading to tendencies to oversimplify, rely on quick thinking or exhibit excessive confidence in judgments, which may lead to investment mistakes. By gaining insight into these biases, investors may be able to make … Read more

Artificial Intelligence (AI): what does it mean for investing?

AI is revolutionising the world of investing in ways previously unimaginable. Technological advancements have continuously reshaped the way we invest and manage our money. One such example that has been gaining significant traction and attracting a large amount of attention in recent years is AI (Artificial Intelligence) investing. With its ability to analyse vast amounts … Read more

A guide to active and passive investing

Investment funds can be broadly split into two categories – active and passive. And while both options play a part in an investment portfolio, it’s important to understand how each works before allocating money to them. Basics of passive investing Passive investing has gained momentum in Australia, and beyond, over the last decade. It could … Read more

Federal Budget

How could the proposals impact you and your finances? May 2024 The 2024 Federal Budget provides cost of living relief through 1 July tax cuts, lower power bills, higher welfare payments and support for small businesses. Note: These changes are proposals only and may or may not be made law. You should speak to your … Read more

The First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS): a handy guide for homebuyers

The First Home Super Saver Scheme is a valuable initiative to help first time buyers overcome the challenges of entering the property market. Purchasing a home is a significant financial milestone, but the ever increasing property prices make it challenging for first time buyers in Australia to enter the market. To help ease this burden, … Read more

Millions to get more Age Pension starting from 20 March 2024

Government Age Pension payments increased on 20 March, so if you’re one of the millions of eligible Australians, you’ll have a little more to spend. The increases are designed to help address inflation and cost of living increases. Here’s what happened. Age Pension payments increase in March 2024 due to indexation Here are the maximum … Read more

Economic and market overview

Encouragingly the International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised its global growth forecast for 2024, following ‘surprisingly resilient’ economic conditions. IMF officials now expect global GDP growth of 3.2% this year. Despite this positive news, major share markets lost ground in April following five months of unbroken gains. Ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, particularly in the Middle East, was … Read more