Mind over matter
Overloaded with deadlines, information and responsibilities, it’s little wonder that we sometimes end up on autopilot. Mindfulness can help us overcome the struggle and improve our physical, emotional and even our financial wellbeing. Have you noticed how busy everybody is nowadays? It doesn’t make for a relaxing life and it isn’t healthy either. Stressed out […]
Salary sacrifice into super or tax deductible contributions?
It’s a known fact, Australians, on average, are living longer. Retirees commonly spend over twenty years in retirement and the need to accumulate savings while they are still working to fund this retirement period has never been greater. Using a salary sacrificing strategy where your employer contributes some of your salary into superannuation before tax […]
Cash flow can-do
There’s more to managing your cash flow than skimming through your monthly bank statements. New technology is making it easier to track your spending, putting you back in the driver’s seat. Historically low interest rates combined with the ongoing housing affordability crisis add up to Australians being in more debt than ever before. Whether you’re […]
Digital dangers: How to protect yourself online
Take only photos and leave only footprints. It’s been the advice to travellers for decades. But as we navigate the digital landscape, both hold the potential to expose us to risk. From paying bills to playing games, shopping to socialising, we’re online more than ever before. And this activity can leave a trail leading to […]
New digital payments: Convenience or over-spending?
Almost three centuries ago, Benjamin Franklin said “time is money”. Fast forward to today and digital payment technology has turned that advice squarely on its head. Contactless and mobile payment technology speeds up our ability to spend money but with that convenience often comes temptation. Research suggests that the psychological and emotional impact of handing […]
Market update: Spring 2017
ClearView investment analyst Jessica Schlosser looks at what happened in global markets in the June quarter and considers the outlook for Australian shares. Global markets felt the impact of political uncertainty in the June quarter. In Europe, the election of French president Emmanuel Macron and the strong performance of Angela Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union in […]
Bridging the gender financial gap
When Aretha Franklin and Annie Lennox belted out the hit song, “Sisters are doing it for themselves”, it was a bold declaration of how far women had come in society, in terms of taking the initiative and fighting for equality. Thirty years on, however, there are still many areas where women struggle for equality. Financial […]
Is ethical investing right for you?
The concept of ethical investing is on the rise and is now an important option for many personal investors. There is a growing awareness in society about the impacts our lifestyle and our consumption have on environmental and social welfare. This concern now extends to personal investment and many investors are keen to explore ethical […]
Warm up for winter
The colder months are nearly upon us and for many of us this can be a real downer for our mood and our general health. Rather than just resigning yourself to a season of hibernation, there are some simple things you can do to stay happier and healthier.
Is your most valuable asset exposed?
Imagine owning an asset that is more valuable than your house, car and other possessions put together. Wouldn’t such an asset be worth insuring? Remember buying your first car or some other object that excited you? The sense of achievement and the pride of owning something of great value is a feeling that few would […]
Market update: Winter 2017
Most share markets experienced strong performance over the March quarter. Investors remain positive about prospects for stronger global economic growth, particularly in the US.
Time management tips
Feeling stressed about not having enough hours in the day to get things done? Try these tips to get in control. Plan ahead Many of us never bother to plan the day ahead and wait until the day is upon us before deciding what they will do. Inevitably ‘stuff’ happens and we end up being […]
The financial stages of life
While no two people will have identical life experiences, it is possible to follow some general guidelines on how our financial lives will progress through different stages.
Buying insurance: Mistakes to avoid
Taking out cover can be a difficult and confusing experience given the plethora of products available. Here are some tips on how to avoid common traps and pitfalls.
Life events can impact your super
Superannuation is often a part of our financial planning that is left in the background, but certain life events may mean you need to make some fundamental decisions about it. Here are some key tips on what you may need to consider.
Market update: Autumn 2017
Cash The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) left the overnight cash rate at 1.5% at its final meeting for 2016 in December and did the same in the February 2017 meeting. Market expectations are that the RBA continues to sit pat throughout 2017. Bonds A sharp move in bond yields in November was moderated in […]
The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old but on building the new
Protecting the value of a homemaker
When it comes to personal insurances and protecting the family unit financially, most of the focus is usually on the value of the breadwinner. A deeper analysis, however, shows that a homemaker’s contribution is sometimes undervalued and consequently left underinsured. A significant proportion of families still choose to have one partner remain as a full […]
Never too old to learn
Many people who reach middle age will often discover a hunger for a new challenge in their career direction, but is it too late to take the plunge? In days gone by, having the same job for life was quite commonplace. Not so today. Career flexibility and job hopping are the new norm for those […]
The window of opportunity looms
A range of superannuation changes are proposed to commence from 1 July 2017. While at the time of writing they are yet to be passed into law and may still change, you may want to discuss concerns on these issues with your adviser. Non-concessional (after tax) contributions Under current rules, an annual cap of $180,000 (or […]
Refresh your financial goals
A financial plan should never be a ‘set and forget’ exercise, but rather a dynamic and flexible tool that adapts to your changing circumstances and goals.
Market update: Summer 2016
Cash Cash rates have stabilised at low levels. The RBA has lowered overall cash rates in order to support the post mining boom adjustment of the Australian economy. The RBA has cut the target cash rate twice this year by 0.25%, in May and then in August, bringing it to a new historical low of […]
The missing link in financial planning
Creating an investment portfolio with the potential to build some genuine financial independence can be a stimulating journey, but your personal insurance must be part of your strategy. The idea of creating financial independence and a comfortable lifestyle through a successful investment portfolio is a compelling one. The missing link in many financial plans, however, is a contingency strategy that will help you protect the lifestyle […]
Life insurance and mental health
Thanks to concerted public campaigns, the awareness of mental health in our society has increased greatly in the last decade or so. This change is also being reflected in the way life insurers are dealing with the assessment of applicants who have a history of mental health issues. The personal and financial cost of mental illness in our community is staggering, but fortunately it […]
Market update: Spring 2016
Cash Cash rates keep falling in Australia, with another interest rate cut in May. It seems likely that this will not be the last rate cut with the RBA widely expected to cut again possibly in August. Bonds Fixed interest markets recorded strong returns for the year. The economic environment remains supportive of bonds, with modest levels of economic […]
Raising stroke awareness
Stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases account for 1 in 18 deaths in males and 1 in 12 deaths in females, making it one of the most significant diseases in Australia*. In 2013 there were 51,000 strokes causing about a $5 billion loss to the economy, $3 billion in lost productivity and $1 billion in lost wages**. Almost 440,000 Australians now live with the […]
Boost retirement income
How can you access extra cash in retirement beyond your super and pension? Once we finally cease work and earned income stops, most of us will be reliant on our super and investments to fund our retirement income, with some help from a full or partial age pension. But what if we have an unexpected need or opportunity arise and need some extra […]
A focus on men’s health
Australian men are more likely to get sick from serious health problems than women. This is due to a range of factors, including a tendency for men to be more reluctant to get simple health checks and to ask for help.
