How much do I need to start investing? Far from being the realm of the rich, building an investment portfolio is something that most people can do. It can start as a simple savings plan – a few dollars in the bank – before expanding into a diversified portfolio containing […]
How to ask for a pay rise You seem to have the perfect job: the people are great; the location is convenient; and the hours suit your lifestyle. So why are you checking the online job ads? For many, the belief that we’re not paid what we could, or should, […]
Personal Insurance FAQs Personal insurances are designed to provide protection from the financial consequences of death or disability. They therefore form an important part of most financial plans. Here, in brief, is how they work. What are the different types of personal insurance? Life insurance. This pays a lump sum […]
The cost of owning a pet Australians are a nation of animal lovers. According to the Australian Companion Animal Council, we have one of the highest incidences of pet-ownership in the world! Dogs and cats are our favourites; around 36% of Australian households own a dog, and 23% own a […]
Frequently Asked Questions About Super If the ins and outs of superannuation leave you confused, the answers to these frequently asked questions will help you understand the basics. How much do I need to retire? According to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), a couple requires savings of […]
The basic function of a trust is to separate control and ownership. The result of using a trust is that assets are protected and profits are distributed in the most tax-effective way. There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ type of trust. The trust you use depends on many factors, such as the […]
Many people eagerly anticipate retirement. Others view its approach with trepidation, worried over how they’ll fill their days. Bob retired from work in his early sixties and, deciding he was way too young to retire from life, downsized his suburban home for a country lakeside retreat. He bought a little […]
Financial planning. That’s for people with lots of money to invest, isn’t it? Not necessarily. Sure, investment planning is an important part of financial planning, but underpinning the whole process of creating wealth in the first place is having a good financial strategy. For many people that strategy is taking […]
Climbing the career ladder, perhaps buying a home and starting a family – the 30s are an exciting stage of life. However, the decisions made now can make a big difference to future financial wellbeing, and with so much going on it is understandable, even inevitable, that the best decisions […]
