Oct52025
Financial PlannersNews Pitfalls of DIY Financial Planning

The Pitfalls of DIY Financial Planning

Financial Planners, News

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 essential questions to ask. Honest answers will help you see if DIY is viable, and where you need to bring in external help.

  1. What are my financial and life goals — short term and long term?
  2. How much of my financial situation is simple, and how much is complex?
  3. What is my knowledge base around investment, risk, tax, estate law, regulations?
  4. What is my tolerance for risk (loss, volatility, illiquidity)?
  5. How will I handle ongoing monitoring, reviews, and adjustments?
  6. Have I considered all costs — fees, taxes, time opportunity cost?
  7. Do I understand estate planning well enough to protect my heirs and my wishes?
  8. Am I aware of regulatory / legal environment and future changes?
  9. Do I know when I should / must seek professional help?
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Oct42025
News WA Economy Update

WA Economy Update

News

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 tourism sector present potential opportunities. However, it is crucial to remain mindful of the risks associated with global economic conditions and commodity price volatility.

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Oct32025
Retirement Planning What Are The Most Serious Financial Risks Retirees Face

What Are The Most Serious Financial Risks Retirees Face?

Retirement Planning

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 cost burdens or benefits unexpectedly.
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Oct12025
Estate PlanningNewsSuperannuation Fund What Happens To Your SMSF When You Die

What Happens To Your SMSF When You Die?

Estate Planning, News, Superannuation Fund

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 of the fundamentals of where an SMSF goes when you die and how taxes are paid.

According to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), it is recommended to fill out the form which determines where your money is supposed to be distributed in case of your death. This can keep your family’s money from being “tied up” in their time of grief. (1)

If You Die, Who Gets Your SMSF Super?

In the case of your death, the trustee of your super pays the money, known as your “death benefit,” to your dependent, dependents or estate. Your dependents include your spouse or same sex de facto partner and your children. It can also include anyone with whom you were financially interdependent or anyone who was dependent upon you financially. (1)

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Sep292025
Mortgage BrokingNews What is a Managed Mortgage Fund

What Is a Managed Mortgage Fund

Mortgage Broking, News

A managed mortgage fund (or scheme) is an investment vehicle where many investors pool capital, which is then lent out as mortgages secured by property (residential, commercial, or mixed) rather than ordinary bank deposits or shares. The loans might be “first mortgages” (senior, registered mortgages) or subordinate (second mortgages, mezzanine, etc.), depending on the fund. Investors receive income (interest) from those loans, less fees, and sometimes get paid regularly (monthly or quarterly) from those returns.

These funds are often seen as income-generating options, especially when bank deposit (term deposit or savings) interest rates are low. Because mortgage rates (especially from non-bank lenders) tend to be higher to reflect credit risk and property security, mortgage funds often offer higher yields than low-risk fixed income alternatives.

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Sep262025
Financial PlannersNews Getting Divorced

Getting Divorced Financially

Financial Planners, News

Getting divorced is one of the most challenging life events, not just emotionally but financially. In Australia, around 56,000 divorces were granted in 2022 alone, with the median duration of marriage being 12.2 years【ABS, 2023】. That means thousands of families each year face the complex task of dividing assets, restructuring household finances, and planning for an uncertain future.

For many Australians, the decisions made during this transition will shape their financial stability for decades. Early and professional financial advice can make the difference between long-term security and years of financial stress.

This article explains why financial planning during divorce is crucial, how assets should be assessed, the difficult trade-offs between property and superannuation, and the benefits of amicable agreements. It also highlights the role of a financial planner in protecting the future of both parties and any children involved.

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Sep252025
NewsInvestment Planning What are The Benefits For Long Term Investors

What are The 8 Principles For Long Term Investors

News, Investment Planning

Investing for the long run—whether over decades through your working life into retirement, or preserving wealth for future generations—requires more than picking assets. It requires habits, mindset, structure and an understanding of the current economic setting. Below are key principles and tips for long term investors in Australia, supported by research, followed by guidance on when and why to consider using a professional financial planner.

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Sep132025
Retirement Planning What Is The Biggest Expense For Retirees?

What Is The Biggest Expense For Retirees?

Retirement Planning

Retirement is often imagined as a time when many expenses fall away: no commuting, children grown, fewer professional clothes, maybe paid work is reduced or stops. In many cases, that’s true. However, other expenses for retirees remain high—or even increase—especially in areas such as health, aged care, and the cost of living more generally. As retirees enter their 80s and 90s, these costs can shift sharply, making planning vital. One of the biggest concerns is the overall expense for retirees.

Here are key expenses for retirees, categorised by type, what tends to happen to them over time, relevant data, and some practical tips for managing them.

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Sep132025
News Financial Planner

What Can a Financial Planner Do for You

News

In an increasingly complex financial world, many Australians are faced with the challenge of managing their finances effectively and are increasingly turning to a financial planner for assistance in achieving their long-term goals. From navigating volatile investment markets to planning for a comfortable retirement, the decisions can be overwhelming. This article explores the benefits of engaging a professional financial planner in Australia. It will delve into the services they provide, the process a new client can expect, and the statistical evidence that demonstrates the tangible value financial planners can bring to an investment portfolio.

Financial planning is not just for the wealthy; it is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to take control of their financial future. A qualified financial planner can provide the expertise, discipline, and guidance needed to navigate the complexities of the financial landscape and make informed decisions that align with your personal objectives.

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Sep122025
News Living Paycheck to Paycheck

How to Avoid Living Paycheck to Paycheck

News

In a nation known for its high quality of life and robust economy, a troubling paradox of people living paycheck to paycheck has emerged. Despite record-high employment figures, a significant portion of the Australian population finds itself in a state of financial precariousness. Recent data reveals a stark reality: half of all Australian workers are living paycheck to paycheck, struggling to accumulate savings or build a buffer against unexpected expenses [1]. This ongoing situation of living paycheck to paycheck continues to impact many lives.

A separate survey underscores this, finding that 48.4% of Australians either live paycheck to paycheck or save less than 10% of their income, while one in three have recently missed a bill or credit payment [2]. This situation, often described as a cost-of-living crisis, is not a sudden event but the culmination of decades of economic transformation. What is the solution to this problem?

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