Latest news

Here’s why you need to consolidate your super now / What is ‘stapled’ super?

New super rules introduced in November of 2021 mean employees are now ‘stapled’ to their existing superannuation fund, unless they choose otherwise. That’s why it’s more important than ever to consolidate your super and take control of your retirement savings. Here’s what you need to know about the super stapling rules. From 1st November 2021, workers …

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Everything you need to know about medical examinations for life insurance

When you take out an insurance policy, the provider will determine how much you’ll be required to pay in premiums. This process, called underwriting, assesses the insurance risk, and usually requests information about occupation, medical history, pursuits, hobbies and financial situation. Essentially, it means you’ll only be paying the premiums that are required for the …

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Budget smarter with the 50/20/30 rule

New to budgeting? You may know how much money you make and have a rough idea of how much you spend. But do you know what you’re actually spending it on, or if your spending patterns will benefit you in the long run? The good news is, you don’t need complicated spreadsheets and formulas to …

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The escalation in Ukraine tensions – implications for investors

Key Points Ukraine tensions have escalated with Russia ordering troops into Ukraine regions already occupied by Russian separatists. Share markets are at high risk of more downside on fear of further escalation and uncertainty about sanctions/gas supply to Europe. The history of crisis events typically shows a short term hit to markets followed by a …

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What you should know about creating your will and estate plan

If you want to protect your family and assets, it’s worth documenting what you’d like to happen if you can’t make your own decisions later in life or if you pass away. If you’ve got people in your life who you love and assets you’d like to be distributed in a certain way, you might …

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Reducing financial stress

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare recently released a report covering the impacts of COVID-19 on Australians during the first year of the pandemic. The report highlights that many of the measures necessary to contain the spread of the virus, have had a negative impact on mental health. Among these measures, restrictions put in place to protect …

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5 minutes for 5 days – get your finances in order

New Year’s resolutions are such a drag, right? Whether it’s fitness, family or finances, the best laid plans rarely last beyond the first week of January. Life has a habit of getting in the way, especially these days with so many demands on your time. Instead of making ambitious resolutions you don’t have the time …

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What is equity and how can I use it to invest?

Whether you’re looking to invest in property, renovate or pay off something big, borrowing against the equity in your home may be helpful, if you’re across the risks. The equity in your property can be a valuable resource, as it may allow you to borrow money to achieve your goals, whether they be investment or …

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Should you use property to fund your retirement?

Superannuation, shares, property, cash, other investments; a dizzying number of options are available when it comes to living comfortably through retirement. Financial advisers often promote a diversified portfolio to reduce the risk of concentrating ‘all eggs in one basket’.  Still, Aussies love their property, with more than 2.2 million of us opting for investing in …

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How does your pension live on after you die?

Account-based pensions offer a flexible and tax-effective method of drawing a regular income stream from superannuation. They are an essential part of your overall retirement strategy and are usually used from retirement until death. But what happens to your tax-free account-based pension when you do die? Superannuation does not automatically form part of your Will …

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