INSIGHTS

In my experience as a financial planner, around 10% of Australians prepare and stick to a personal household budget. However, budgeting is the first step in establishing a good financial plan and achieving your financial goals.

I know it’s hard to do, especially when unforeseen expenses occur like blown air-conditioners in summer, car registration, insurance and Christmas gifts crop up; but in the current climate of lower investment returns and a slowing domestic economy, we should all be reigning in our spending habits.

Topics: budget, household budget, saving in 2017

Trump won ... it happened ... so now what?

Does this election really impact us as investors? Yes. The ASX and the world markets will be affected as Trump's campaign policies go to the heart of globalisation.

Topics: US election

With holidays fast approaching for most and Christmas on the horizon, have you stopped to think how you will fund your additional expenses during December and January?

Topics: savings, holiday savings, christmas savings

The reporting season is over and the Federal Reserve meeting for September has past. Footy finals have concluded ... so what's next to keep us interested on the news-front?

Topics: investment portfolio, reporting season, financial planning

During August (which is when Australian companies report their profit earnings), the results have revealed, on average, solid health and this has helped support the local economy.

Topics: earnings investment review, financial planning

We are delighted to have our business and planners profiled in Professional Planner Magazine.

Topics: financial plan, professional planner magazine

In the Budget released in May, there were a few lesser known changes that apply to aged care. In particular, the government has proposed to save $1.2 billion over the next four years through changes in the Aged Care Funding Instrument (ACFI).

Topics: investment planning, aged care

Risks of superannuation fund policies

Unfortunately for consumers, industry superannuation funds do not specialise in insurance and do not always provide a dependable or compelling insurance solution. Insurance is often a convenient add-on for large superannuation firms, but this can cause risks - policy holders may not receive the proceeds from a claim or the amount is less than expected or wanted.

Topics: insurance, financial plan, superannuation

Different ways to own your insurance premiums

Did you know that life, TPD and income protection policies can be owned personally or thorugh a superannuation fund? And that trauma insurance can be owned personally?

Topics: insurance, financial plan, superannuation, taxation

How do you know whether to invest into a trust or superannuation? Is it better to pay off some loans or invest that inheritance? How will you ensure you have enough when you retire? Will your assets be protected if you die?

Topics: financial plan