Is it smarter to pay down a mortgage or invest? The answer depends on a range of factors. 

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Employers are desperate for workers and cost of living pressures are making it tough to live on a pension. That’s a perfect mix of conditions to send some retirees back to work. But it’s smart to get good advice before you take the leap.

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Key points:

• The Intergenerational Report 2023 released by Treasury gave Australians insight into the national economy from 2023 until 2062 – 2063
• The care and support sector and its workforce were projected to double over the next 40 years
• The paid workforce participation rate was expected to dip from 66.6 percent to 63.8 percent, due to the population continuing to age

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Why it’s so important to talk about your finances

According to this research¹, one in two Australians don’t sit down regularly to look at their finances and one in three say that money is a source of conflict in their relationship.  

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The Melbourne Cup has been run and I can confirm zero success on any of the four horses I put money on. This year we were provided access to tips from gentlemen who live and breathe horse racing and…. we will now return to our usual name, horse colour and dart solutions. While we appreciate the tips, the variables in horse racing, especially when every horse in the race is trying to win it, seem way harder than getting wealthier the old-fashioned way – saving and investing.

To those who did win, congratulations and we hope you celebrated appropriately.

Having demonstrated very little skill in gambling we have returned to something we do understand, but still can be very fickle, investment markets.

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The Reserve Bank has stated is has a low tolerance for a slower return of inflation to its target band.

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Central bank’s aggressive approach to combating inflation, characterised by significant rate hikes, did not stall the economy as anticipated by the markets. The market’s eagerness for a slowdown has been overtaken by its desire for expansionary monetary policy.

Despite signs that the central banks remain firm against inflation, equity markets maintained an optimistic stance, hoping for rate cuts to prevent an economic downturn. The recent earnings season showed positive results, but forward guidance from companies remained uncertain, hinting at potential economic slowdown concerns.

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I read an article recently that proffered ‘the world has become a lot more dangerous’.  This is in reference to the ongoing Ukraine/Russia Conflict and the horrors that were perpetrated in Israel on the 7^th of October and no doubt the fierce response that is now occurring in Gaza.

I do not want to understate the impacts that are being experienced by combatants and civilians in these areas but unfortunately, it is far from unprecedented.  As recently as May 2021, Israel was embroiled in ‘Operation Guardian of the Walls’ with missiles exchanged between Hamas and Israel as well as riots in Israeli cities.

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It has been a wild ride for the Australian dollar since the Covid-19 pandemic struck and that could mean good news or bad news for your investment portfolio.

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Stay up to date with what’s happened in Australian markets over the past month.

Household wealth has grown for the third quarter in a row, rising by 2.6% in the June quarter, pushed up by rising house prices and increases in super balances.

Click the video below to view our October update.

Please get in touch if you’d like assistance with your personal financial situation.

So first to some breaking news.

Announced late last week, our Director of Financial Services, Troy Theobald has made the Barons’ Top 50 list.  This is in recognition of the success of Troy and the firm compared to all other advice businesses nationally.  There are some big institutional firms in the mix and it is a credit to Troy and RFS, that a privately owned practice can mix it successfully with the corporate advice groups.

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More working-age Australians intend to take a career break at some point. We’ve calculated the potential impact of doing so on retirement superannuation balances.

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Find out how to save money every day and make a savings plan to stay on track.

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The world is an amazing place, with so much to see and do. In fact, sometimes it can feel as though there is so much to experience it can be quite a challenge selecting a destination, but if you follow your heart and explore your passions when planning a trip you can’t go wrong.

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Stay up to date with what’s happened in Australian markets over the past month.

After endless gloomy forecasts, there was a glimmer of hope last month that the cost of living might be easing.

Inflation continued to fall, despite predictions by economists of a rise.

The ASX200 ended the month down with gains in financial stocks being offset by losses in mining and energy shares because of their dependency on China.

Click the video below to view our September update.

Please get in touch if you’d like assistance with your personal financial situation.

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Stay up to date with what’s happened in Australian markets over the past month.

While the price of most goods and services continues to rise, the good news is the rate of increase is continuing to slow.

As a result, the markets are beginning to breathe a sigh of relief.

The ASX rallied to close the month on a positive note due to a combination of stronger than expected growth data, better than expected earnings and lower inflation.

Click the video below to view our August update.

Please get in touch if you’d like assistance with your personal financial situation.

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As our superannuation balances grow larger, it makes more sense than ever to keep track of the many rules changes that have recently happened or are coming up soon.

So, check out these latest changes in case they affect you.

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When you’re faced with a decision, do you trust your feelings or do you look at the situation objectively, making a careful list of pros and cons? Emotions exert a strong influence on our decisions, so it’s important to have a bit of balance between reason and emotion – particularly when it comes to the big decisions in life.

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Global central banks hike rates amidst rising core inflation. Investors brace as economy cools. Equities soar despite the turbulence.

Unruly ride in US equity markets driven by mega cap tech stocks (Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Nvidia, Alphabet), boosting S&P 500, Nasdaq to a record 37% 6-month return, and Apple’s $3 trillion market capitalisation triumph. Artificial intelligence hype soars, but investors should tread carefully with overpriced stocks.

The material change to select portfolios this quarter was the addition of the DNR Capital Australian Equities High Conviction Strategy to replace the Bennelong Australian Equities portfolio in the Core, Growth, and Australian models. Other changes were limited to adjustments to benchmark allocations.

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Think you have been scammed? These steps will help you take action quickly to stop the scammers and limit the damage.

Know that you are not alone and you can recover from this. There is support available, if and when you need it.

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If you need help in your home, or can no longer live independently, the Australian Government provides a range of aged care services.

These services are subsidised, but you need to contribute to the cost if you can afford to.

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As the inflation rate begins to ease, with consumer inflation slowing to a 13 month low in May, many commentators expressed hope that further interest rate rises may be kept in check.

That led to a slight improvement in investor outlook for stocks at the end of June.

The S&P/ASX 200 closed the month at about the same level as in May but, over the financial year, it’s risen more than 10%.

Please get in touch if you’d like assistance with your personal financial situation.

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Apologies for the hiatus in these commentaries.  I was practising what we preach by taking an extended break in Europe.

Troy and I joined forces some twelve years ago in March 2011, so it was time to give him a well-earned break from me!  He and the team have assured me I was missed but the place seems to have functioned very well without the CEO, so I am not so sure…?

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Life is pretty frantic, and it is common to feel like it’s a struggle to keep up the pace. In fact, feeling exhausted is so common that it has its own acronym, TATT, which stands for “tired all the time”.

While it’s somewhat comforting to know you’re not alone, it’s certainly not a nice feeling, so let’s look at some of the best ways to get some bounce back into your step.

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The thought of retirement is an enticing one for many of us. Imagine throwing off the shackles of the workforce and being able to do whatever you want, whenever you want. But why wait until you are retired to do the things you love? 

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Concerns leading up to the RBA’s decision on interest rates this month, along with the drama over the US debt ceiling, have affected local markets and the Australian dollar.

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Yes, it is a little about all of us spending more than the RBA would like, but it is a lot more about state and federal governments continuing to grow their expense budgets with no real concern for the possible consequences.

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Just like your car needs a periodic service to stay in tune, here’s why you should rebalance your portfolio from time to time.

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When life tosses up an unexpected event – such as retrenchment, a medical emergency or even just a big bill to fix the car – it can be nerve-wracking worrying about how to deal with the crisis. And, if funds are short, that just adds to the stress.

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In the lead up to the Federal Budget, better-than-expected inflation figures were cause for optimism that the lengthy run of cash rate hikes have had an impact.

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May is budget month and I know you are all getting pretty excited about it.  No doubt, the 9^th of May is already highlighted in your diaries and you are clearing those pesky social engagements that might interrupt one of the big economic nights of the year!

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It’s no secret that scammers are getting more sophisticated. As this is an ever-evolving space, scammers are constantly developing new ways to part you with your hard-earned cash – and they cast their net wide. 

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Superannuation has dominated recent headlines, with proposed changes announced by Treasurer Jim Chalmers. While the details of these changes still need to be released, it’s worthwhile turning our focus to superannuation balances as we approach the end of financial year.

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If money’s too tight to mention, here’s some small steps that can make a big difference in achieving your financial goals.

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Stay up to date with what’s happened in the Australian economy and markets over the past month.

March was marked by banking failures in the US that sent ripples through global sharemarkets.

However, the first quarter of 2023 ended on a note of optimism in Australia due to better-than-expected inflation figures and expectations of a tempering in rate rises.

Please get in touch if you’d like assistance with your personal financial situation.

Many individuals are not adequately prepared for retirement and may find it challenging to navigate the complex financial decisions involved in planning for this phase of life. This is the situation most financial advisers are passionate about avoiding, and where their expertise can be the key to a smooth transition to what can be a wonderful phase of life – done properly! For those new to the ‘retirement’ conversation, we’re going to explore the benefits of having a financial adviser to help you retire well.

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Retirement is a phase of life most of us look forward to. It’s a chance to pursue other interests, travel and maybe do some part-time work or volunteering.

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Gut health has become one of the hottest health topics in recent years as we have started to learn about the complex connection between gut health and overall health. So why is gut health so important and how can we support and boost our own microbiomes?

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Stay up to date with what’s happened in the Australian economy and markets over the past month.

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The rapid rise of interest rates has provided a shock that is exposing companies with pre existing conditions to the rude reality of normalised monetary policy.

Yes the US Federal Reserve cash rate rises from zero in March 2020 to 4.50% in March 2023 is the steepest rate rise cycle for 158 years but… 4.5% is not an outlier when it comes to cash rates.

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Thousands of years ago, Polynesian explorers using basic, wooden outrigger canoes embarked on long-distance voyages across the vast Pacific Ocean to travel between regional islands.

They did so long before the advent of any maritime navigational instruments, relying heavily on the night sky to guide them.

More precisely, they used two stars in particular – Polaris and Polaris Australis.

Why these stars? Both are bright, and both are polar stars. Because they’re respectively aligned to the North and South Poles, the Polynesians effectively had fixed points in the stars to help triangulate their nautical positions and navigate to different islands.

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Many clients may have seen the news in regards to the SIVB bank – Silicon Valley Bank.

This is a bank that is not well known and given there are over 4,800 banks in the US that is probably not a great surprise.

It is a reasonably large bank with total assets of US$211.8 billion as at the 31st December 2022.  Compare that to the NAB with total assets of $596.1 billion.  

SVB grew very quickly, through venture capital firms pouring cash into it as they raised capital for potential start-ups.

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(8 minute read)

I know it is a dry topic but these changes may have broader ramifications than you think and it has probably exposed an agenda that we will need to plan for.

As a precursor, we still believe Superannuation will be a critical part of the retirement savings landscape, but there are changes coming and they add complexity rather than reduce it.

Additionally, we have time to make adjustments and there are other options to discuss.

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The just-finished Australian Open had most spectators gripping the edge of their seats at times over its 14 days of play.

From the opening round, right through to the women’s and men’s finals, you could say the first Grand Slam tennis tournament of 2023 had it all.

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Getting more money into superannuation is a proven way of building wealth to spend in retirement.

Ongoing contributions from your employer over the course of your working life, and potentially extra contributions made by you, can make a huge difference to your super balance over the long term as your account balance continues to grow.

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Travelling cheaply needn’t mean you miss out. Find out the best ways to save big on your overseas holiday plans, and make the most of every dollar.

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Key Points:

• Never use the same password or variations of the same password, utilise different numbers and letters with a mixture of capital and lower case letters
• Online quizzes may be fun but usually there is a catch, and that catch can be your personal data
• Scammers either attempt to build rapport with their targets or are very aggressive and frightening

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Retirement is a phase of life most of us look forward to. It’s a chance to pursue other interests, travel and maybe do some part-time work or volunteering.

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Stay up to date with what’s happened in the Australian economy and markets over the past month.

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An interesting economic backdrop and help us stop scammers.

The economic backdrop continues to impact, both on sentiment and investment markets, but there are pieces within the puzzle that may point to a more positive year.

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Despite much talk of rising interest rates and possible recession, here are a few reasons to stay the course and stick to your long-term investment strategy.

There has been much discussion of rising interest rates, recent inflation spikes and ongoing market volatility impacting investment and super balances. Add to that the increased chatter about the possibility of Australia falling into a recession and things certainly aren’t looking too hopeful for investors at present.

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Frustrated with your current rate of progress? Here are seven types of busy that could be holding you up, plus tips on how to overcome them. Which one are you?

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‘The business is my retirement,’ say many business owners. The reality is far more complicated – and devastating if you get it wrong.

The risks of using your business as your sole retirement nest egg or as the majority of it, are numerous and diverse. And they continue to ensnare many Aussie business owners looking to retire.

With this in mind, consider the common perils of making this gamble and options for safeguarding both your business and your retirement.

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When markets fall, it’s natural to want to take action to prevent further losses. Doing so however can do more harm than good. Here’s why timing the market to buy low and sell high is not as easy as it sounds.

If you’re invested in the financial markets and also keeping up with the news, you’re probably wondering if you should do anything to insulate your portfolio from incurring further losses alongside rising interest rates and inflation.

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2022 is wrapping up and it feels a bit like a stagger to the finish line.

Countries are slowly moving into a new normal with Covid no longer driving the policies around tourism and travel – even China.

In gaming parlance, 2022 could be described as ‘the grind’.  Picture any number of sports where there is a period where no one is scoring but you know fatigue will eventually set in and one side will get the upper hand.  Usually in State of Origin, that is QUEENSLAND… but I digress.

Investing can be a little the same. 

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Rising inflation brings about concern for many, but Vanguard’s time-tested investment philosophy—and a long-term focus—can help any investor navigate choppy waters.

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We’re serving up the truth about some common scam myths that you might have heard, especially around tax time.

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If you’ve ever hosted a visitor from overseas during the festive season you may have seen them a little bemused by the way we celebrate. It’s quite understandable as we do things a little bit differently down under.

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Stay up to date with what’s happened in the Australian economy and markets over the past month.

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The Government has opened submissions for a 120 percent deduction for tech and training investment, bringing previous Federal Budget announcements one step closer to becoming reality.

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Staying the course, and not being distracted by short-term market events, is just as important in retirement as it is at any other time.

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With interest rates on the rise and investment returns increasingly volatile, Australians with cash to spare may be wondering how to make the most of it. If you have a mortgage, should you make extra repayments or would you be better off in the long run boosting your super?

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Australians have seen more than their share of tough times over the past few years and there are many stories of how individuals and communities responded to natural disasters and the pandemic with empathy and valuable assistance.

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Before we get to what is happening in the world and markets, some office news!

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Scam awareness is something we feel so passionately about here at RFS Advice and we
continuously aim to provide the most up-to-date information and advice for our clients to
keep them safe in the digital age. We have been lucky to partner with Claire Robinson and
the team at Basic Tech this year offering our clients educational sessions to teach and
empower clients to actively use technology to maintain their independence. Together
during Scams Awareness Week we want to ensure our clients and the wider community are
reminded of potential threats and remain equipped to identify common red flags.

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2022 has been a tough economic year.  Not all bad news here in Australia but serious headwinds in China, Europe, the UK, the USA and most other continents.

In Australia we have been relatively shielded by our export industries with Iron Ore, Coal, Natural Gas and agricultural produce being in demand just about everywhere. Of course we have had a little bit of rain…?  (Queenslander’s can definitely sympathise with our NSWelsh and Victorian residents at the moment).

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A good estate plan will help make sure your wishes are carried out when you die. It can also help if you become unable to make your own decisions.

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Stay up to date with what’s happened in the Australian economy and markets over the past month.

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We all approach decision making in our own way, making a multitude of decisions every day: ‘Should I hit snooze again on the alarm?,’ ‘Do I take the train to work, or do I drive,’ ‘What should we have for dinner?’

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We wanted to share an update with you from Australian Ethical, who are one of the managers within the AAN Sustainable Growth Model. What follows has been published without edit or modification from this post. This update includes links to several articles that have been written for investors.

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THE G.O.A.T

In sporting parlance, the G.O.A.T. is the greatest of all time.  Think Michael Jordan for basketball, Wayne Gretzky – ice hockey, Tiger Woods or Jack Nicklaus for golf, Michael Phelps for swimming and Wally Lewis for state of origin.  Okay that last one could be disputed but just getting our NSW readers attention – maybe Mel Meninga, Billy Slater, Darren Lockyer or Johnathan Thurston?

All of these athletes were and are exceptional but I think we could argue that of all the people on the planet, Queen Elizabeth II may well have been the GOAT when it comes to selfless public service, dignity, grace and duty. 

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Paying off your mortgage early will save you money and take a financial load off your shoulders. Here are some ways to get rid of your mortgage debt faster.

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Teaching good financial habits, such as saving and budgeting, is one of the best ways to prepare children to have a secure financial future. Helping kids establish sound money management skills and strong financial acumen is important, regardless of wealth level.

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Setting goals for yourself and your business is sometimes easier said than done. Productivity coach, Chelsea Pottenger, shares some handy tips to set effective goals – and achieve them!

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Working out how much you need to save for retirement is a question that keeps many pre-retirees awake at night. Recent market volatility and fluctuating superannuation balances have only added to the uncertainty.

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Stay up to date with what’s happened in the Australian economy and markets over the past month.

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First, we had to brush up our understanding of inflation and what it means for our hip pocket and our investments. Now the term stagflation is being thrown into the economic mix.

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Life just seems to get ever busier as the years roll by and our most precious commodity is often our time. We could all do with a few more hours in the day and technology continues to play a vital role in bringing efficiencies into our daily lives.

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Stay up to date with what’s happened in the Australian economy and markets over the past month.

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A slightly longer read as we have a lot to talk about.

The 21_22 financial year has been and gone and it was definitely two very different six monthly periods.
Looking back over the twelve months, the markets, somewhat surprisingly, strengthened from 1 July 2021 to 31 December 2021. It was a difficult market to read as earnings forecasts post Covid19 may have been understated and this was driving expectations. We discussed this in our blog at the time and the concern was the unknowns such as interest rates and inflation.

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The first half of 2022 was characterised by the harsh reality of elevated inflation and the combative stance taken by central banks around the globe. Already elevated inflation indicators moved higher, causing central banks to hike interest rates further than markets expected. Slower economic growth and recession fears are now front of mind.

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As baby boomers shift into retirement, Australia is on the brink of the nation’s biggest ever intergenerational wealth transfer. Yet estate or inheritance planning is rarely discussed by families.

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Retirement means starting a new chapter of your life, one that gives you the freedom to create your own story, as you decide exactly how you want to spend your time. While retirement may not be part of your immediate plans, there are advantages to giving some thought as to what retirement looks like for you and how to best position yourself, well before you leave the workforce behind.

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As interest rates start to increase after a lengthy period of historical lows, it’s a good time to think about how your money is working for you and whether your investing style and strategy is still in line with your goals.

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In our May release we discussed inflation hurdles, rising interest rates, geopolitical concerns and energy wars.

This article considers the investment backdrop and what is happening out there.

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Despite it seeming increasingly difficult to get on the property ladder, there are still a few ways younger investors can realistically work towards a house deposit.

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In volatile market conditions, not doing anything at all – staying the course – is generally the best investment strategy overall.

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The rising cost of living is on everyone’s mind. Here’s why having a budget could help get you through the tough times ahead.

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In times of market volatility, it’s useful to remember a few grounding investment principles that can get you through the good and the not-so-good.

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No matter what side of politics you sit on, you can appreciate the enthusiasm of the ALP after finally winning an election after 9 years.

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With the 30^th June 2022 approaching, it is timely you attend to or be aware of a number of factual matters. 

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The phrase ‘no man is an island’ is from a poem written by John Donne and expresses the idea that humans need to be part of a community to thrive. That’s certainly true, by nature we are social creatures and connection is a core human need. So why do so many of us feel alone and what can we do to feel more connected?

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Succession planning can be difficult at the best of times without dealing with the added pressures farmers have recently faced with droughts, fires and floods.

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Trying to time investment markets is difficult if not impossible at the best of times, let alone now. The war in Ukraine, rising inflation and interest rates and an upcoming federal election have all added to market uncertainty and volatility.

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Welcome to May, and while the weather is cooling the economic and political landscape is heating up. All eyes are on interest rates as the federal election campaign shifts into top gear ahead of the May 21 polling day.

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The RFS client survey was circulating throughout April and a very big thank-you to all of those who took the time to respond.  We understand that there are lots of competing priorities and really do appreciate the chance to get some feedback.

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There is nothing pretty about investment markets at the moment and unfortunately what we have been concerned about for a while is now playing out around share markets across the world.

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As we continue to see significant market volatility, we thought we would provide you with an update on what the Committee has been implementing in the Investment models as we move through this investment cycle.

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During this 45-minute webinar, RFS Advice Director and AANAM Chair Troy Theobald joins Evalesco’s Jeff and Marshall, as they discuss the latest investment insights and news.

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Interest rates are a fundamental input in any industry that utilises debt and has a material impact on any individual that has debts.

We are all hearing a lot about cost of living expenses and rising interest rates can be a big part of this.

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Decades of peace in Europe were shattered on February 24^th, 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine. We extend our thoughts and sympathy to everyone affected and our hearts go out to all those suffering. What is reassuring is the amount of support throughout the world in standing with Ukraine. 

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Australia’s superannuation system is based on individual accounts, with men and women treated equally. But that’s where equality ends. It’s a simple fact that women generally retire with much less super than men.

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There is a saying ‘a fool and his money are often parted’ but with scammers becoming ever more devious and sophisticated in their methods, it pays for everyone to be aware of the latest tricks being employed.

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With all eyes on the Federal Budget and balancing the nation’s books, it’s a good time to review your personal balance sheet. If it’s not as healthy as you would like, perhaps it’s time to do a little budget repair of your own.

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Welcome to an early Federal Budget edition of our April newsletter. As the Morrison Government clears the decks ahead of a May election, Australians will be weighing up the impact on their household budgets.

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We have had a few calls recently about this last quarter and what is happening in portfolios.  I just wanted to walk you through some of the ‘behind the scenes’ machinations that drive portfolio construction and why despite a solid twelve months, we can still have a bad quarter.

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As many of you will note, the AAN Investment Committee have long maintained the policy of rebalancing models on a quarterly basis, and this was actioned last Friday. This process involves trimming positions that have performed well, topping up those that haven’t and as part of this rebalance a number of changes were made to the Core, Growth and Australian models, and we wanted to share those with you. 

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A balancing act

Billed as a Budget for families with a focus on relieving short-term cost of living pressures, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg’s fourth Budget also has one eye firmly on the federal election in May.

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I feel more than a little guilty talking about travel with the human tragedy that is unfolding in Ukraine but I have just been to Canada and back and I know there is a genuine interest in how to manage the additional complexities of international travel in the current environment.

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If it’s been a while since you had that wonderful feeling of euphoria, there are measures you can take to elevate your mood by encouraging production of your bodies naturally occurring ‘happy hormones’.

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It’s easy to walk into debt, but so much harder to get out of it. You must own your mess and know that your financial reason for living is to pay down your debt, writes Glen James author of Sort Your Money Out & Get Invested.

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It’s been a rocky start to the year on world markets but that doesn’t mean you should hit the panic button. Staying the course is generally the best course, but that’s easier said than done when there’s a big market fall.

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It’s March already which marks the beginning of Autumn. While this is traditionally the season when things cool down, the economic and political scene is gearing up with the Federal Budget later this month and a federal election expected by May.

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The pandemic has changed the way so many of us live, with jobs, travel and lifestyle all transformed during COVID. Now, as we start emerging on the other side, it may be a good idea to check whether these changes have impacted on your life insurance needs.

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Australians are leaving capital cities in droves in a phenomenon being referred to as ‘The Great Relocation’. However, there’s a lot to consider beyond the obvious appeal of waking up to the laughter of kookaburras or enjoying a long walk on the beach.

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There is a line from Warren Buffet (one of the world’s richest men) that talks to the power of investing into uncertainty.  “Uncertainty actually is the friend of the buyer of long-term values”.

All well and good, however you need to hold your nerve through uncertain times and right now there is a lot of uncertainty.

Many of the media still seem fascinated with the pandemic, though that is firmly in the rear view mirror and rapidly diminishing in size. 

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By RFS Advice CEO Paul Forbes

There has been a bit of a rebirth of old games in my household with three students home for the summer, really going to miss them when they go back to university….

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Dear Investor

2021 presented a year of ups and downs for most of us. The ups included a strong start for the Australian economy and markets, with Australia’s strong quarantine system buffering us from a new highly contagious Covid-19 variant labelled Delta.

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Two steps forward, one step back

For the second year running, the pandemic was the focus for policy makers, markets, businesses, and individuals alike.

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The calendar turns over to a fresh, brand new year, full of promise, so how do we keep these promises we make to ourselves and get to the end of the year with our resolutions intact and goals realised?

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As we start 2022, it seems nothing is normal or is it the continuation of the abnormal?

What we do know is most states (except WA) want to get back to the old days of 2019.

If we look to overseas, we are seeing countries emerge from the last few years stronger. Inflation is increasing and central banks are talking about tapering and potential interest rate increases.

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Slightly out of context but the quote points to watching something continually, can make it feel like it is never going to happen – in this case boil.

Investment markets can feel the same way.

The answer to the question, ‘is a correction coming?’ is ‘ALWAYS’.

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After a difficult year of COVID disruptions and uncertainty, the summer holidays can’t come quickly enough. It’s a chance to refresh and reflect on the year that was and hopefully set some goals for year ahead.

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Inflation appears to be firmly on the rise and while that is bad news for consumers it’s not necessarily bad news for investors. In fact, inflation may provide new opportunities.

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Christmas is a time when we come together to celebrate with our family and friends. And, for those who haven’t been able to see friends and family due to border closures, it will be an even more joyous occasion this year.

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December and summer have finally arrived, and you can almost hear the collective sigh of relief as 2021 draws to a close.

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Greater flexibility in working arrangements has been a by-product of the pandemic, as working from home has become more widespread. In fact, The Families in Australia Survey: Towards COVID Normal reported in November 2020 that two thirds of Aussies were working from home.

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You could be forgiven for thinking Australia is in dire straits based on the ‘news’ reporting and I do have fears that our media is promoting the same partisan rubbish we saw play out in the Biden/Trump election.

Instead of reporting, it seems that individuals’ opinions in the media are the only thing that matters.

In the last two years, Australia has done remarkably well.

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Throughout our lives, making a decision is something we do thousands of times a day. Our first thought occurs as soon as we wake, and our final thought when we drift off to sleep. Researchers have found on average, that most people will have approximately 6,200 thoughts per day.ⁱ

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For many people, there’s much more to choosing investments than focusing exclusively on financial returns. Returns are important, but a growing number of people also want their investments align with their values.

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Superannuation has provided most fund members with stellar returns since last year’s COVID lows. As always though, some funds performed better than others and recent government reforms make it easier to find out how your fund compares.

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Over the last 40 years interest rates have largely been on a downward trajectory as governments separated central banks from political influence, and refocused them on broader objectives linked to employment, inflation, and currency stability.

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In this Spring newsletter, read the latest market updates based on highlights across the Australian market over the past month.

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In an open letter to the Government and its regulators, CEO Paul Forbes documents a dizzying trail of red tape which all advisers must currently follow when informing their clients about the fees they charge. This is a plea for common sense made by Forbes to Canberra’s bureaucrats and decision-makers…

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The finalist list, which was announced on 24 August 2021, features over 210 high-achieving financial services professionals across 27 submission-based categories.

We would like to wish RFS’s Darko Zigic and Troy Theobald for their nominations; Goals-Based Adviser of the Year and Practice Principle of the Year. We would also like to extend a big congratulations to our friends at Evalesco Financial Services and Centaur Financial Services who are part of our Australian Advice Network group and also received nominations for the IFA awards.

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Last week, the US listed business Square announced plans to takeover Afterpay in a deal that valued the Australian company at $39 billion, making it the biggest acquisition in Australian corporate history. As Afterpay is a significant holding in your portfolio, I wanted to share some insights directly from the manager, and outline what the acquisition means for you.

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(Feel free to forward this information to friends or loved ones who may be unsure)

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A big shout out to Joe N (husband of Fran as he puts it) – one of our long term clients – who I know will be glued to the Olympics and must be very happy with the 7+ app (https://7plus.com.au/olympics) that gives you every sport you can think of.  Now retired, so lots more time on his hands, Joe is a bit of an Olympics addict and has been taking two weeks holidays every Olympic year since his twenties to watch whatever is available.  The coverage has only got better, so no doubt he is in his element.

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As the new financial year gets underway, there are some big changes to superannuation that could add up to a welcome lift in your retirement savings.

Fears of a resurgence in inflation has been the big topic of conversation among bond and sharemarket commentators lately, which may come as a surprise to many given that our rate of inflation is just 1.1 per cent. Yet despite market rumblings, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) appears quite comfortable about the outlook.

The Olympic Games always provides a platform to marvel at what humans are capable of, as the athletes competing strive to be the fastest, the strongest or just the best, to win gold. While this year may be a little different, the Games still give us the opportunity to be inspired by the remarkable performances of the athletes as they compete.

If it wasn’t already clear, the past 12 months certainly cemented the fact that life has a habit of throwing us the occasional curveball. The reality is we all face challenges, however approaching life with a positive mindset can help us deal with any issues we may face and improve our lives in many ways.

If you’ve owned an individual income protection or salary continuance policy in recent years, you may have seen your premiums increase as insurers struggled to cover their large losses on these products.ⁱ

It’s been a year of change like no other and that extends to tax and superannuation. As the end of the financial year approaches, now is a good time to check some new and not so new ways to reduce tax and boost your savings.

Now we have got through the excitement of the budget – I know, a gift that keeps on giving – there are a few things that we need to pay attention to in the financial world.

One of the things that we all have in common as living beings is our finite lifespan and our awareness of this also contributes to motivating us to make each and every moment count.

Federal Budget 2021-22

Keeping the recovery alive and kicking

The recent sharp rise in bond rates may not be a big topic of conversation around the Sunday barbecue, but it has set pulses racing on financial markets amid talk of inflation and what that might mean for investors.

Separation and divorce can be a challenging time, often made all the more difficult when you have to divide your assets. So how do you go about decoupling your superannuation?

After spending their working life building retirement savings, many retirees are often reluctant to eat into their “nest egg” too quickly. This is understandable, given that we are living longer than previous generations and may need to pay for aged care and health costs later in life.

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The past 12 months have been a challenging time for many of us on a personal level, with the pandemic having a far-reaching impact on so many aspects of our lives. While the Australian economy is proving remarkably resilient, personal finances have been affected in different ways by lockdowns and government initiatives put in place to soften the economic toll of the pandemic.

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Like trees losing their leaves in autumn, why not take a leaf out of their book and choose this time of year to shed some of your own financial baggage.

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There is a lot going on at the moment so hopefully the below will give you a quick snapshot of some of the issues that impact on investment decisions.

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A little over a week ago, Morningstar, a leading provider of independent investment research,  announced the finalists of the 2021 Morningstar Australia Awards.

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As anyone who has joined the weekend crowd at Bunnings knows, Australians love DIY. And that same can-do spirit helps explain why 1.1 million Aussies choose to take control of their retirement savings with a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF).

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At a time when many people have been focused on their family’s health and livelihood, having adequate life insurance has never been more important. Yet the gap between what we need and what we have, has been growing.

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Does the summer break already feel like so long ago? If that holiday glow and relaxation didn’t last as long as you wanted, you’re not alone.

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As advertised, COVID19 continues to play havoc around the world.  January 1^st did not fix it.

However, we now have vaccines and we are seeing significant rollouts in the UK, US and Europe.

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(Original post https://www.betashares.com.au/)

In this special short series we ask experts, colleagues, clients and industry figures to answer a few questions to get an idea of their approach to investing.

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Goal setting is one thing – achieving your goals is something else entirely. So what makes the difference between a goal that is achieved and one that falls by the wayside?

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Just as we were recovering from the long drought and the worst bushfires on record, the global coronavirus pandemic took hold and changed everything.

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It was a year most of us would like to forget. And yet, some of the toughest lessons of 2020 had a silver lining.

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2020 closed out with the same sort of disruption we have seen all year. Our little Covid19 bug played havoc with many Xmas plans all around the country but we hope that the majority got the chance to share quality time with those most important to them.   Two of our team made long awaited trips to see family in Victoria but had to quickly reorganise their trips back based on rapidly changing travel warnings.  They did get there, so still happy they made the trip, and yes they have been tested on their return – not quite as excited about that…

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2020 is rapidly coming to a close and our team will be signing off until early January from next Wednesday (23^rd) at midday. We just wanted to give you a quick update from the investment committee on what has been a surprisingly good investment year.

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I have had some not so subtle reminders that I haven’t penned any updates over the last little while.  To be fair we had a bit going on.  Queensland had to win an Origin series (how sweet was that?), Palaszczcuk had to win an election, the US had to elect someone older but probably slightly saner than Trump and China had to pick a fight with just about everyone!

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Democrat Joe Biden is pressing ahead with preparations to take the reins as the next President of the United States. Despite legal challenges and recounts, the early signs are that markets are responding positively.

In fact, the US sharemarket hit record highs in the weeks following the November 3 election as Biden’s lead widened.

So what can we expect from a Biden Presidency?

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