Financial Planning

Are shares too expensive?

Are shares too expensive?

Some commentators claim shares are way overvalued and so a crash is inevitable. As always, it’s a lot more complicated, but given the current turbulence in share markets it’s worth having a look at whether share markets are expensive or not as a guide to how vulnerable we are to further falls….

One income or two?

One income or two?

Living on just one income can be a challenge whatever the circumstances. For singles and couples, with or without children, budgeting for all your household expenses is easier when you take steps to manage your money in a different way…

Australian Economy: 5 Things You Should Know...

Australian Economy: 5 Things You Should Know...

For years now, many have told us that Australia is heading for an imminent recession. By contrast official forecasts have long been looking for several years of above trend growth. In the event neither has happened and we don’t see them happening anytime soon. Against this backdrop there are five things you should know about the Australian economy…

9 Keys To Successful Investing...

9 Keys To Successful Investing...

In the rough and tumble of investment markets its very easy to get distracted: by talk of the next best thing that will make you rich, by the ever-present predictions of an imminent crash, by the worry list that constantly surrounds investment markets relating to growth, profits, interest rates, politics, etc…

Role Reversal

Role Reversal

...when your parents are relying on you!
As your parents get older, your whole family will be facing lots of changes. Supporting them during this time can be challenging, with lots of choices to be made. Get some tips to help you prepare for this role-reversal without it becoming a burden or a cause of family conflict…

Trumponomics

Trumponomics

For the most part Trump the pragmatist has dominated so far. But we have clearly seen a swing to Trump the populist this year – raising risks for investors...

Is a US recession imminent?

Is a US recession imminent?

Ever since the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) there has been an obsession with looking for the next recession…

Fear Factor Investing

Fear Factor Investing

Fear is a factor in many of our investment decisions. Now, that’s not always a bad thing because fear can be an effective motivator that overcomes another great emotional roadblock for investors – procrastination…

Strong returns, but storm clouds gather...

Strong returns, but storm clouds gather...

After reviewing the returns of the last financial year, this note looks at the investment outlook for 2018-19 financial year…

So you're starting a family...

So you're starting a family...

Starting a family will bring you plenty of joy, but it will also create many challenges. In addition to possible sleepless nights and changes in your lifestyle, it could also affect you financially…

Global Debt: Be alert, but not alarmed

Global Debt: Be alert, but not alarmed

As global interest rates bottom, concerns about rising inflation and interest rates, quite naturally, come to the fore, particularly in a time where global debt (country, corporate and personal debt) are an all time high. So as investors, retirees and superannuation members, how concerned should we be? AMP’s Dr Shane Oliver gives 7 reasons to be alert, but not alarmed…

Is working more the answer?

Is working more the answer?

When working more means earning more, it makes sense to take that promotion or extra shift to get ahead financially. But when expenses go up and quality of life goes down, is the price you’re paying for longer hours too high? 

Postgraduate education: Is it worth it?

Postgraduate education: Is it worth it?

So you’ve finished your degree - now what? With more Australians taking time to study for longer, find out if the benefits to your career and earning potential could be enough to make it worth investing in a postgraduate qualification…

Is China ok?

Is China ok?

It seems there is constant hand wringing about the risks around the Chinese economy with the common concerns being around unbalanced growth, debt, the property market, the exchange rate and capital flows and a “hard landing”…

Pay rise? 10 Negotiating tips...

Pay rise? 10 Negotiating tips...

Do your homework for your next pay rise conversation with these ten tips to help you prepare your case and boost your chances of getting the right result…

The Many Risks of Gearing

The Many Risks of Gearing

If you are you borrowing money to invest, or considering it, it’s important to ensure you aware of the many risks involved. Gearing, or borrowing money to invest, can be a great way to grow your wealth, but it isn’t for everyone.