Finance

Financial advice is not the same for everyone

20 March, 20198 September, 2022 Updated on8 September, 2022 Finance

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 each day as it comes and letting the future look after itself; but in a complex and ever-changing world, isn’t a more active approach a good idea? Each of us has specific needs and desires, of course, but there are a number of common challenges that we need to think about when developing our financial strategies.

Stage of life

Baby boomers are moving into retirement in droves, so Gen X is taking on the mantle of being the great wealth accumulators. For the most part, this generation has their strategies in place: pay down the mortgage, contribute to super, maybe buy an investment property, and wait for the kids to leave home.

Generationally, it’s millennials who face the greatest challenges in developing a financial strategy. Younger millennials are just embarking on careers and the focus is, understandably, on having a good time. Many feel priced out of the housing market, and while the ‘gig’ economy promises greater work flexibility, this comes with reduced job security and often no employer superannuation contributions. Then there’s the challenge of balancing starting a family with establishing a career. All up there’s a lot to plan for.

Gender

The path to income equality is a slow and frustrating one. In general, over their working lives, women continue to earn significantly less than men. This is largely due to time out of the workforce to look after children. However, progress is being made, and an increasing number of women are earning more than their partners. Having Dad take time off to look after the kids then becomes a viable financial strategy. On top of that, the gig economy, and technology in general, is opening up more opportunities for stay-at-home parents to earn a decent income.

Relationship breakdown

Sadly, many long-term relationships end, and the emotional and financial costs can be high. This isn’t an issue that anyone wants to think about but is obviously a trigger for developing a new financial strategy. This is particularly important when children are involved, and expert help will likely be needed.

Inheritance

More wealth is being transferred from older to younger generations than ever before, and thanks to superannuation, this trend can only grow. Receiving an inheritance is often the event that leads many people to seek financial advice. While the focus may be on creating an investment plan, this is an ideal time to look at the broader financial strategy to make the most of any inheritance.

Never too soon to start

The upshot is that pretty much everyone can benefit from having a financial plan. It doesn’t need to be complicated and you can get the ball rolling yourself. A simple savings plan or paying off credit card debt can be good places start.

To make the most of your situation it’s a good idea to talk to a financial adviser. A qualified financial adviser can help you understand the complex financial environment and what you need to know to work out the likely outcomes of different strategies. Contact us today!

This is general information only

Economic Update: First quarter results reflect shock

8 April, 202021 December, 2020 Updated on21 December, 2020 Finance

The first quarter of 2020 will forever be remembered for delivering one of the greatest health and economic shocks of all time. The economic damage was an inevitable consequence of governments worldwide taking unprecedented action to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus that emerged in China in December 2019. Never have so many people in so many countries experienced such major upheaval to their daily lives at the one time. With numerous countries enacting harsh measures to reduce person-to-person spread of the virus, many sectors of most economies effectively ground to a halt. Tourism, travel, entertainment and hospitality were particularly badly affected, but the fallout will be felt far and wide for some time to come. By the numbersFinancial markets (and many governments) were slow to appreciate the magnitude of the coronavirus threat. Major share markets rose steadily, setting record highs on 20 February, then, as the likely economic consequences of tackling coronavirus became apparent, markets plunged. From its peak of 7,163 the S&P/ASX 200 index fell to 4,546 on 23 March. A rally then saw the index rise to 5,077 at the end of March, 24% down from the start of the quarter. In the US, the S&P 500 fell 34% from top to bottom. The MSCI All-Country World Equity Index dropped 35%. Both indices recovered ground at the end of the quarter to limit January to March losses to 18% and 21% respectively. The Reserve Bank moved quickly to further cut interest rates to 0.25%. This is as low as the RBA is prepared to go, with the Governor indicating this rate will be with us for several years come. Partly in response, and partly due to investors seeking the relative safety of the US dollar, the Australian dollar plunged from US$0.66 US to US$0.55. It then staged a partial recovery to end the quarter at US$0.61. Falls against other currencies were less severe. Massive stimulusGovernments around the world responded with programs that will, over time, pump almost unimaginable sums of money into the economy – hundreds of billions of dollars in Australia, trillions in the US. Banks have deferred some loan repayments, and many landlords will forgo rent payments. The focus is on helping employers retain staff, to provide income support to people who do lose their jobs, and to assist pensioners. One aim is to minimise economic disruption now to facilitate a quicker recovery once coronavirus is brought under control. However, despite these economic initiatives, escalating public health measures saw thousands of businesses close in March, with job losses estimated to be more than one million. While most of the economic stimulus measures were widely applauded, some concern was expressed over the ability of eligible people to withdraw up to $10,000 from superannuation this financial year, and again in 2020/2021. Withdrawing money from super at a time of depressed prices will likely have a major adverse impact on future superannuation savings, leading a number of observers to suggest that this option only be considered once all others have been exhausted. Few silver liningsIt’s difficult to find any silver linings in the clouds of the current crisis. While motorists may welcome the drop in petrol prices, due to oil falling from over US$60 per barrel to near US$20 per barrel, this is a sign of how hard the pandemic is hitting the economy. One small positive: with airlines grounded, people staying home and many industries closed, air pollution and carbon dioxide emissions are down. For advice on how to manage your investments through this financial downturn contact us today. This is general information only

Retirement: it’s time to get busy living!

6 March, 20198 September, 2022 Updated on8 September, 2022 Finance

Many people eagerly anticipate retirement. Others view its approach with trepidation, worried over how they’ll fill their days. Australians are living longer; it’s not unreasonable to assume you’ll be retired for 20 or 30 years. Not sure how you’ll fill all those days? We have a few ideas to kick-start your new life. Learn/Teach something Do you have skills and talents you can share with others? Are you interested in learning from others in return? The University of the Third Age (U3A) may be your kind of group. Located all over Australia, U3A groups meet regularly to provide learning and engagement for older people and disabled younger people. Organisers run structured courses with professional leaders or casual knowledge-share sessions conducted by group members or invited guests. Look up the U3A in your area or visit www.u3a.org.au for information. Become an Olympic athlete Return to your favourite sport or learn a new one. Sports like archery and golf are Olympic sports! It’s true, and organisers of the 2020 Tokyo games are considering including bowls as well. Or closer to home, you can begin preparing now to enter the Pan Pacific Masters Games on the Gold Coast in 2020. Write your memoirs Everyone has a story to tell – yes, even you! You may think your life is rather ho-hum, but your children and grandchildren might disagree. Many independent publishers will help you produce a beautiful memoir with a short print run, perfect for family and friends. Community Feel like giving something back? The Australian Men’s Shed Association is a body that supports the health and wellbeing of men. It’s a terrific organisation for retirees with academic or practical skills to share through events and learning activities. To find a Men’s Shed near you, go to www.mensshed.org for details. If that’s not your thing consider helping 4-legged friends at your local animal shelter. Love children? What about becoming a “Pyjama Angel”? Full details can be found on the Pyjama Foundation website www.thepyjamafoundation.com. Or check out your community notice board for local opportunities. If retirement has snuck up and caught you unprepared, think about what you enjoy doing, what your skills and interests are and get busy. You’ve still got a lot of living to do – and finally, it’s all about you! This is general information only

The impact of student loans when buying a home

27 August, 202427 August, 2024 Budgeting, Education, Finance

For many Australians, particularly young Australians, the dream of home ownership is often accompanied by the reality of carrying student loans, known as HECS-HELP debt. Understanding the impact of HECS debt on your ability to secure a home loan can help you plan for and navigate the home loan process. Case Study Sarah, is a 32-year-old marketing professional from Melbourne. She has a stable job with a steady income and has managed to save a decent deposit for her first home. However, like many Australians, Sarah carries a HECS debt from her university education. What is HECS-HELP debt? HECS-HELP is a loan offered by the Australian government to pay for studies at a university or approved higher education provider. Once a person earns above the compulsory repayment threshold, loan repayments are automatically deducted from their pay through the ATO. There is no interest on the loan, but the debt is annually indexed against inflation. Sarah’s Home Loan Goals Sarah’s goal is to purchase a two-bedroom apartment close to the city. She is aiming to take out a $450,000 home loan, considering her savings and the property prices in her desired area. Sarah is concerned about how her HECS debt will affect her home loan application and how she can maximise the amount she can borrow. The Application Process and the Impact of Student Loans When Sarah approached a mortgage broker to discuss her home loan options, she learned that her HECS debt, while interest-free, would still impact her borrowing capacity. Sarah’s potential lenders must consider her ability to meet all financial obligations, including her HECS repayments. This could potentially lower the loan amount Sarah qualifies for, as lenders assess her debt-to-income ratio. Strategies and Solutions Sarah’s mortgage broker advised that there are several strategies she can consider to enhance her borrowing capacity despite her student debt: Outcome By proactively managing her finances, seeking professional advice, and implementing strategies to manage her HECS debt, Sarah was able to strengthen her home loan application. She successfully secured a home loan with a competitive interest rate, allowing her to purchase an apartment within her parameters. The impact of student loans on home loan applications is a significant consideration for many young Australians. But the good news is that there are steps you can take to minimise the impact of HECS-HELP debt. Doing so enhances the chances of securing a home loan, and empowers you to make informed decisions on your financial journey. Reach out to us today and take the first step towards home ownership! The information provided in this article is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice. 

Quarterly Economic Update: January-March 2024

9 April, 20244 April, 2024 Updated on4 April, 2024 Economy, Finance, Investing

The first quarter of 2024 saw the Government roll out considerable changes to the Stage 3 Tax Cuts, inflation continuing to slow but remaining stubbornly high across some areas, surging stock market highs and continuing pressures in the property sector. Government Overhauls Stage 3 Tax Cuts In January, the Labor government unveiled changes to the proposed stage 3 tax cuts, aimed at providing bigger tax cuts to middle Australia. The new changes, which passed the Senate to become law in February, retain the tax bracket that would have been scrapped under the original proposal, and adjust tax rates to benefit both lower and higher-income earners. The changes will take effect from July 1 and are summarised as follows: Taxable Income Bracket Tax rate New Tax Plan from July 1, 2024 Below $18,200 0% $18,200 to $45,000 16% $45,000 to $135,000 30% $135,000 to $190,000 37% Above $190,000 45% Original Stage 3 tax cuts Below $18,200 0% $18,200 to $45,000 19% $45,000 to $200,000 30% Above $200,000 45% Inflation continues to ease Inflation continues on a downward trend, with the RBA expecting it to return to the target range of 2-3 percent in 2025, and reach the midpoint in 2026. Service price inflation remains high despite goods price inflation decreasing, supported by continued excess demand and strong domestic cost pressures. The RBA expects the consumer price index (CPI) to come in at 3.3% by June, compared with 3.9% forecast three months ago. As a result, the board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 4.35 per cent at the first official meeting for the year.  Share Market Highs Global share markets have been breaking records this quarter, with the ASX200, S&P500, Eurozone and Japanese markets reaching record highs, helped by US inflation data coming in as expected, leaving the Fed on track to cut rates from mid-year. Whilst economic growth both locally and globally is forecast to slow, there is optimism in the market as inflation has started easing and is likely to continue falling, and central banks across the US, Canada and Europe are expected to start cutting rates in the coming months. Recession still looms as a risk, but it appears the economy may be moving toward a soft landing. Housing market continues to tighten The national vacancy rate fell to a new low of 0.7 per cent in February, highlighting the ongoing supply and demands challenges in rental properties across Australia, as a result of a construction sector under strain, rapid population growth from migration, and rising property prices. Whilst the government has put stricter measures on international students to try to ease demand pressures, supply continues to be an issue, with building approvals falling by 1 per cent in January, though multi-unit dwelling approvals increased by 19.5 per cent in the same period. Property prices continued to rise despite higher interest rates, inflation and cost of living concerns. The Home Value Index was up 0.6 per cent nationally in February, and showed an increase in all capital cities except Hobart. Labour market cooling Labour market conditions cooled over the December quarter 2023, with an ongoing shift away from full-time employment and growth in part-time jobs, and a decrease in recruitment activity. These trends are consistent with Treasury forecasts that growth will continue to ease and the unemployment rate will increase from 3.9 per cent in January to 4.2 per cent by June, and 4.3 per cent by the end of the year. Despite clear softening, labour market conditions remain tight, and many employers are experiencing challenges finding suitable workers to fill positions, while some shortage pressures remain evident. The information provided in this article is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice. 

Building financial resilience

30 January, 20249 February, 2024 Updated on9 February, 2024 Budgeting, Education, Finance, Investing

Resilience is the ability to quickly recover from setbacks, and while setbacks can come in many forms most of them will have a financial component. So what can you do to build financial resilience? Expect the unexpected Rarely do we get advance warning that something bad is about to happen to us, so the time to develop your resilience strategy is now. And while we don’t know the specifics, we can anticipate events that would throw our finances into disarray. A house burning down or a car being stolen. Not being able to work due to illness or injury. The death of a breadwinner or caregiver. With some idea of the type of threat we face we may be able to insure against some of them. If you have taken out any type of insurance policy you’ve already made a start on your resilience plan. Create buffers You can’t insure against every possibility, but you can build financial buffers. This might simply be a savings account that you earmark as your emergency fund that you contribute to each payday. If your home loan offers a redraw facility you can also create a buffer by getting ahead on your mortgage repayments. Buffers can be particularly important for retirees drawing a pension from their super fund. Redeeming growth assets for cash in order to make pension payments during a market downturn can lead to a depletion of capital and reduction in how long the money will last. By maintaining a cash buffer of, say, two year’s worth of pension payments, redemptions of growth assets can be deferred, giving time for the market to recover. Cut costs The Internet abounds with tips on how to cut costs and save money. In difficult economic times cost cutting can help you maintain your financial buffers and important insurances. Key to cost cutting is tracking your income and expenditure and yes, that means doing a budget. Find the right budgeting app for you and this chore could actually be fun. Invest in quality There are many companies out there that have long track records of consistently pumping out profits and dividends. They may not be as exciting (i.e. volatile) as the latest techno fad stocks but when markets get the jitters these blue chip companies are more likely to maintain their value than the newcomers. This is important. The more volatile a portfolio the more likely an investor is to sell down into a declining market. This turns paper losses into real ones, depriving the investor the opportunity to ride the market back up again. The other key tool in creating resilient portfolios is diversification. Buying a range of investments both within and across the major asset classes is a fundamental strategy for managing portfolio volatility. With a well-diversified portfolio of quality assets there is less need to regularly buy and sell individual investments. Unnecessary trading can create ‘tax drag’ where the realisation of even a marginal capital gain triggers a capital gains tax event and consequent reduction in portfolio value. Take advice Building financial resilience can be a complicated process requiring an understanding of a range of issues that need to be balanced against one another and prioritised. Your financial planner is ideally placed to assist you in developing your own, personalised plan for financial resilience. The information provided in this article is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice. 

Trauma insurance fills the gaps

14 August, 20198 September, 2022 Updated on8 September, 2022 Finance

According to an Australian Bureau of Statistics report published in September 2018, cancer is the most common cause of death in Australia accounting for more than 29,000 fatalities in 2017. Incredibly, thousands of Australians are underinsured or have no insurance in place to cover the expenses caused by life-threatening illnesses. The grief experienced by family for loved ones suffering is often compounded by the costs associated with treatments forcing some to sell the family home to pay for extra time. If you were one of these statistics, what value would you place on having access to the best available treatment to help you in beating a potentially fatal disease? Think about how important it would be to take as much time off work as you needed to recover and not worrying about having enough money to pay the bills. What is trauma insurance?South African heart surgeon Dr Marius Barnard pioneered the idea of trauma insurance when he regularly witnessed his patients’ families struggling with medical costs. The first policies were offered here in the 1980s. Trauma insurance, also known as ‘living insurance’ provides a lump sum payment in the event that you are diagnosed with or suffer one of a range of traumatic conditions such as cancer, heart attack and stroke. Medical advances have meant that our chances of surviving traumatic events are much better than in the past. However, the cost of treatment can sometimes be beyond your normal means. Without insurance cover, you may need to dip into your children’s education fund or your retirement savings; or you might even have to increase your mortgage to pay for expensive treatment. The difference to income protectionImportantly, a trauma payment is not dependent on you being unfit to work (unlike income protection, where you need a doctor to certify your ongoing health). The diagnosis of a traumatic condition might mean that you physically could go to work, but would prefer to spend time with your family and reduce any work-related stress while you recover and consider how your future will be affected. Trauma insurance can provide the financial support to allow this flexibility with your work arrangements. To make sure you don’t increase the statistics, carefully compare the many variations of trauma policies available. There are significant variations in the features between policies such as the number and types of events covered, premium options and ancillary benefits payable. If you require assistance, please contact us today to obtain the right policy for you. This is general information only

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