Money shapes almost every aspect of adult life—from managing household budgets to saving for retirement to teaching children good financial habits. Yet many Australians enter adulthood without the financial literacy needed to make sound decisions. A 2022 survey by the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey showed that around 35% of Australians…
Market volatility is an unavoidable part of investing. Prices of shares, property, and other assets rise and fall based on economic conditions, investor sentiment, company earnings, and global events. For Australians, the last decade has seen several shocks—from the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis to COVID-19 and ongoing global geopolitical uncertainty. Each period has…
Retirement decisions are some of the most significant financial transitions in life. For Australians, preparing well means not only building sufficient savings but also making several critical decisions that directly shape the quality of life after finishing full-time work. Among the most important decisions are determining the desired retirement income, managing superannuation effectively, and deciding whether…
Why Retirement Planning Matters Retirement usually means switching from accumulating assets (earning, saving, investing) to decumulating them (drawing income, preserving capital, managing risks). Without an income plan, retirees risk outliving savings or being exposed to shocks (health, inflation, market downturns). In Australia, people rely on a mix: superannuation, possibly the Age Pension, personal savings/investments, and…
Definition: Key person insurance (sometimes called “key man insurance”) is a policy that a business takes out on the life (and/or health/disability) of one or more “key persons” whose loss would significantly harm the business. The policy is owned by the business and benefits are paid to the business, not to the employee (or their…
Life has a way of surprising us. Redundancies, health issues, rising interest rates, and unexpected bills can quickly destabilise even households that appear financially comfortable. Without an emergency fund buffer, these events can lead to spiralling debt, stress, and long-term setbacks. That is why building a financial safety net is one of the most important…
DIY financial planning can work for some, especially if finances are simple, you have good knowledge and discipline. But for many people, the downsides are significant. Here are key pitfalls, backed by evidence, to be aware of. Key Questions to Ask Yourself Before Going DIY If you're considering managing your finances independently, here are some…
Western Australia's economy is well-positioned for continued, albeit more moderate, growth in the coming years. The latest WA economy update confirms that the state's strong fiscal position, coupled with government investment in infrastructure and economic diversification, provides a solid foundation for navigating potential challenges. For investors, the housing market, particularly the unit segment, and the…
Why These Financial Risks Matter Together Retirees often don’t have as much time to recover from adverse investment or regulatory changes as younger people. Inflation and increasing costs, especially for aged care and health, amplify other risks. Longevity means even modest under-planning could leave someone with inadequate resources in later years. Regulatory changes can shift…
Estate planning is not one of the more pleasant things to think about, but it can be comforting to know what happens to your Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) is going to go when you die. It can also be comforting to know that taxes won’t consume a large portion of their inheritance. Here are some…
