Creating a retirement financial plan

Start your retirement financial plan early Don’t wait until you’re getting close to retirement to start your plan. You have a greater chance of a comfortable retirement if you make your plan a priority early in your working life. A critical part of your retirement plan is superannuation, especially if home ownership is going to … Read more

Bills of exchange

Bills of exchange can look and sound similar to term deposits, but they do not have the same protections and carry a high risk of losing money. What is a bill of exchange Companies are offering high fixed income returns through a product called a bill of exchange. You may have seen offers promising higher … Read more

The property vs shares debate heats up

Property booms and market swings shape the case for property and shares Hot property markets and volatile share markets add extra intrigue as investors weigh up whether to put their money into property or equities. But the decision could come down to a few key considerations. Which is the better investment – property or shares? … Read more

Seniors face health insurance bill shock of up to $1,600 a year

Older Australians could face health insurance price rises three times higher than others under new government rebate changes. Here’s what families need to know. Older Australians could soon be paying significantly more for their private health insurance. The increase may hit them much harder than younger policyholders. New data from Private Healthcare Australia reveals that … Read more

Retirement income options when markets are volatile

The income assumptions many have carried into retirement are being tested in the current economic climate. Markets have lurched from one direction to another; interest rates have lifted faster than expected, with the possibility of more increases in the months ahead, and there’s no end in sight to the global uncertainty. While the market shocks … Read more

Finding balance in fixed income

Higher yields and income keep bonds resilient amid volatility The first quarter of 2026 has delivered no shortage of headlines, with sharp moves in energy prices, ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and shifting expectations around inflation and growth. Against that backdrop, bond market volatility has increased, but without the kind of breakdown seen in more challenging periods. … Read more

Five things to put in place before you retire

Take these steps to set yourself up for a confident transition to retirement For many Australians, the final couple of years before retirement can feel both exciting and unsettling at the same time. Work may be winding down, but the reality of living without a regular pay packet is getting closer. This is the stage … Read more

Choosing home insurance

Home insurance protects one of your most important assets. What is home insurance Home insurance covers the cost of repairing or replacing your house when something goes wrong. It usually also covers other structures on your property, like a garage or inground pool. It doesn’t cover your household items and personal belongings though – they’re … Read more

Australian vs international shares – finding the right balance

Balancing Australian and global shares means weighing growth, income & currency risk Getting investment exposure to global companies through share markets makes sense, but weighing up risks such as currency fluctuations is important. Many Australians have a justified love affair with the domestic share market. The Australian share market has delivered solid long‑term returns for … Read more

Get prepared for June 30

Tax time is just around the corner, so now is the time to get ahead and find out what strategies may be available to you before 30 June. Time for a portfolio review A good first step is to review your investment strategy. With recent market volatility, things may have shifted and your risk tolerance … Read more

Magnificent Seven: More diverse than they may appear

The Magnificent Seven are more diverse businesses than their shared label suggests The “Magnificent Seven.” It’s an understandable, memorable, and concise term, but its simplicity masks important distinctions. With the backdrop of strong U.S. stock market performance attributed to a handful of technology companies, the group’s run has fuelled questions about market concentration. When we … Read more