The outlook for 2017 is in places easy, in other places hard and in one particular area, near impossible. Let’s start with the impossible. I am often asked for my view on the Australian dollar against the US, Euro and Pound sterling. I think I have got this right about once in my 35 years […]
If you’ve always thought property prices only go up… With so much emphasis on property in the media, it can be difficult to sort fact from fiction. But before investing in any type of asset—including property—it pays to consider the pros and cons, and any commonly held misconceptions. We bust 3 property myths. Myth 1: […]
How will they impact you? We cover some of the factors to be aware of given changes have just passed in parliament and are due to become superannuation law. Earlier this year, the Federal Budget announcement included a proposal to introduce changes to super bigger than the likes of anything we’ve seen in almost a […]
Where’s the best place to put your money
When it comes to deciding between super and your home loan there’s a lot to consider. If you’re paying off your home loan but you also understand the value in building up your super, you may find yourself trying to balance your present needs with those you’ll have in your future. So how can you […]
Donald Trump elected President of the US
Implications for investors and Australia Key points – Donald Trump’s election as President of the United States risks ushering in a period of policy uncertainty which could cause further share market weakness in the short term. – Australia and Asia generally are particularly exposed to this given the high trade exposure regionally. – Trump’s […]
Starting out with a HECS debt is bad enough, but abusing a credit card can also mean trouble. Admittedly it’s tempting to spend with interest rates at current levels, but most credit cards still have double-digit rates.1 Of course a card is useful when you don’t have ready cash, but unless you pay off the […]
What are the pros and cons of going part time? If you’re a fulltime worker you may be considering joining the multitude of Aussie part-timers, and having more time to do what really matters to you. Maybe you’re a parent who wants to spend more time with your family, an executive who wants to put […]
– surging unit supply, the economy and what it all means for investors Key points – Expensive housing and high household debt leave Australian housing vulnerable. But without a recession or much higher interest rates a property crash is unlikely. – However, the surging supply of apartments and the continuing strength of the Sydney and […]
A growing family doesn’t have to blow the budget
If you’re thinking of expanding your family, be sure to keep on top of things financially. Having a family usually comes not just with extra expenses but also a drop in income as one or both of you take time off work. Raising children and growing your family can be one of life’s greatest joys. […]
Should you own the roof over your head?
When it comes to the rent-versus-buy debate, like many of our clients you may be weighing up the pros and cons. You might be thinking that you’d love to buy a house but it all seems out of reach right now. Are you asking whether it’s still a good idea to invest in property at […]