INSIGHTS

As advisers we often field a range of queries from our valued clients, so we thought to summarise a few of them for your interest that hopefully adds some value.

Interest rates have increased over 4% in the past couple of years following the dramatic inflation spike in the US on 15 June 2022 (9.1%), causing cash flow pain and much uncertainty in certain areas of the market and economy affecting individuals, households and small business. However, a certain asset class has returned to significance and relevance, that is fixed interest. Fixed interest is around 10 times the size of the equity market so is meaningful, although widely misunderstood.

Retirement planning is an investment advisers so called “bread and butter”, with resources, research and technology available to help manage a client’s retirement journey. Retirement advice and an acceptable drawdown rate has become a more topical discussion point where more Australian retire without advice, and in a shrinking pool of advisers locally. Unexpected events have wreaked havoc on individuals and families, such as flood, covid and an inflationary event in Europe all affecting asset values, performance, income and diverging risks sped up by ever-changing technology and the looming need for better security.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS, 2020), 16% of Australia’s population are retirees or 4.2 million (as at 30/6/20) whose average retirement age is 55, equal to superannuation preservation age that is increasing depending on your date of birth, to age 60. In terms of longevity, females live to 85 on average and 81 for males. So, this means your retirement savings may need to last from 20 to 30 years time.

On the evening of 9 May 2023, the Government delivered its second Budget in the current parliamentary term.

It is quite clear central banks are more concerned about their goals of inflationary control than the folding of some smaller US banks, Credit Suisse (now known for poor quality management) than your personal goals.

This blog provides an update on the SMSF sector, and given its considerable size and representation, it is worth providing some factual information. There has been some mis-information distributed by the media of late so we have sought to clarify where things stand today.

Welcome to 2023. Hope you and your families had an enjoyable & refreshing Festive season break.

As we begin of the year, our third and final Estate & Succession Planning topic concentrates on future planning and charitable giving.

Here we are again
Does not seem long ago then
But something feels different
In what shape is this predicament

As you may recall, we previously launched the first part in our commentary on Succession Planning and the importance of establishing the right strategies, which accurately reflect your wishes.