Wealth Accumulation

2018-19: A rough ride, but ok in the end...

2018-19: A rough ride, but ok in the end...

The past financial year saw a roller coaster ride for investors. Share markets plunged into Christmas only to rebound over the last six months. This note reviews the last financial year and takes a look at the investment outlook for 2019-20…

Don't fight the Fed, ECB, RBA...

Don't fight the Fed, ECB, RBA...

The Federal Reserve (Fed) and the European Central Bank are now looking to reduce interest rates, and here in Australia, we’re possibly looking at another two cuts as the RBA attempts to shore up the local economy. So how should investors respond?

7 learnings that redefine success...

7 learnings that redefine success...

What does it mean to be successful? This was the question facing Katrina McCarter – founder and CEO of Marketing to Mums – in her presentation at the recent Financial Executive Women (FEW) Leadership Conference…

Uncommonly average...

Uncommonly average...

Ask a farmer about average rainfall figures and he’s likely to look at you sceptically. Knowing how actual rainfall varies from year to year, farmers will carefully manage their crops and irrigation. It’s a lesson many investors could learn as well…

The trade war is back

The trade war is back

After taking a back seat over the last six months as negotiations appeared to make progress the US/China trade war is back on with the President Trump – “tariff man” - ramping up tariffs on Chinese imports again and threatening more and China moving to retaliate. This note takes a simple Q & A approach to the key issues…

Share markets take-off

Share markets take-off

Throw away your year-end investment statement and take another look. Since January 1st, local and global sharemarkets have been on a 'tear', defying last year's doomsayers, and rebounding by about 11% (for now)…

Spend Less: 7 Mind Hacks

Spend Less: 7 Mind Hacks

When it comes to spending money, your brain has a whole A to Z of biases steering you towards splashing out instead of sticking to your budget. Find out how these mind habits work and learn hacks to help you get the better of them…

What happened??

What happened??

Local share markets are now at a 22-month low. So what just happened and where are we headed?

Your No 1 Financial Focus, Decade By Decade...

Your No 1 Financial Focus, Decade By Decade...

Everyone has a different life journey they’re on. But getting on top of key financial goals as you follow your own path could see you enjoying a more comfortable lifestyle and being ready for the next chapter to begin. Read our guide to getting all your money matters sorted out, one decade at a time…

How your feelings affect your finances...

How your feelings affect your finances...

Does it sometimes seem like money is standing in the way of your happiness? How we feel about money can really have an impact in the role it plays in our lives, how we spend it and how secure we feel about our future. Find out how our emotions – positive or negative – can influence money habits and what you can do about it…

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….

Credit rating myths...

Credit rating myths...

With the introduction of mandatory Comprehensive Credit Reporting for the big four banks from 1 July 2018, it’s more important than ever to know what’s going on with your credit score. Find out just what a credit score is all about and what to do if you run into problems with yours…

How important is money to your wellbeing?

How important is money to your wellbeing?

Having more money should make us happier right? According to a number of different research reports, feeling good about life comes from a feeling of control over your finances, rather than how much money you have. Get tips on how to change your ways to boost financial wellbeing…

A Question of Equilibrium

A Question of Equilibrium

“Sellers were out in force on the market today after negative news on the economy.” It’s a common line
in TV finance reports. But have you ever wondered that if there are so many sellers out there, who is buying?

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…