News and updates about building wealth, retiring and achieving goals.

Learn more about market cycles, inflation, budget updates and much more in our monthly blog updates.

Lifestyle

Aged Care

Summer 2023

December 5, 2023

It’s December – the month that always seem to race by as we approach the end of the year and all the festivities it brings. We hope you all have a lovely, happy, and safe festive season.

On the economic news front, there was some good news. Consumer prices eased by more than expected in October. The news that inflation may have been tamed means interest rate rises may be behind us, for now. The positive data also led to a jump in the Australian dollar, taking it to a new four-month high.

Aged Care Challenges In The Home

November 8, 2023

Aging at home with government-subsidised funding is made possible through the Home Care Packages program. However, a crackdown on what the funds can be used for and a shortage of support workers, can make it challenging to understand the funding available.

A Positive Property Outlook For Some

November 8, 2023

Residential property investors have been on a wild ride in recent years as prices slumped during the pandemic then quickly skyrocketed before losing ground again. Now, with prices levelling out or slowly increasing, there is good news around the corner, according to some analysts.

Spring 2023

September 4, 2023

September is upon us, and spring is in the air. It’s time to shake off the winter cobwebs, get out into the garden or the great outdoors. Meanwhile, AFL and NRL fans will be hoping the sun shines on their team this finals season. After endless gloomy forecasts, there was a glimmer of hope last month that the cost of living might be easing.

How Iron Ore Plays A Big Part In Our Economy

August 1, 2023

Iron ore has been the backbone of the Australian economy and many investment portfolios for much of the 21st century. Export of the commodity saw Australia evade recession both in the wake of the Global Financial Crisis back in 2008 and the Covid epidemic.

Will These Super Changes Affect You?

July 3, 2023

As our superannuation balances grow larger, it makes more sense than ever to keep track of the many rules changes that have recently happened or are coming up soon.

Winter 2023

June 2, 2023

Concerns that the Reserve Bank may lift interest rates this month, along with the drama over the US debt ceiling and the worry that the US Treasury may run out of cash, have affected local markets and the Australian dollar.

Federal Budget 2023-24 Analysis

May 10, 2023

Treasurer Jim Chalmers bills his 2023 Federal Budget as an economic strategy to help ease cost-of-living pressures. He delivered a modest but welcome package of cuts to healthcare, housing and energy costs as well as boosts to welfare payments for single parents and the unemployed.

How Do Interest Rates Affect Your Investments?

April 5, 2023

Interest rates are an important financial lever for world economies. They affect the cost of borrowing and the return on savings, and it makes them an integral part of the return on many investments. It can also affect the value of the currency, which has a further trickle-down effect on other investments.

Autumn 2023

March 1, 2023

With Autumn underway, the changing season is a reminder to take stock and prepare for what’s ahead as the financial year heads towards its final quarter and the May Federal Budget. The gloomy prospects for economic growth, both in Australia and overseas, are occupying the minds of investors, businesses and political leaders.

8 Retirement Mistakes And How To Avoid Them

February 1, 2023

Retirement is a phase of life most of us look forward to. It’s a chance to pursue other interests, travel and maybe do some part-time work or volunteering. Thanks to more than 30 years of compulsory superannuation, we are also retiring with more savings than previous generations and have higher expectations of the lifestyle we wish to enjoy. But that also brings its challenges.

2022 Year In Review

January 17, 2023

The year began on an optimistic note, as we finally began to emerge from Covid restrictions. Then Russia threw a curve ball that reverberated around the world and suddenly people who had never given a thought to the Reserve Bank were waiting with bated breath for its monthly interest rate announcements.