If you were working towards a retirement date and Coronavirus has meant a change of plans, it can be hard to move the goal posts. Could you gradually reduce your hours to make stretching out your years at work more do-able? If your work is stressful, consider whether you could reduce or change your responsibilities.…
It’s an uncomfortable truth, knowing that one day we will pass away. No-one likes to think about the distress it will cause their loved ones or what kind of burden they’ll be left with. That’s why death is often considered a taboo topic of conversation, along with money and politics. When you pass away, hospitals…
Some big life changes – and big expenses – can occur in your 30s. The key to maximising your retirement savings now is making savvy, forward-thinking financial decisions. This becomes even more relevant when you’re surrounded by the current economic uncertainty. Short-term needs and expenses are front-of-mind and you might prioritise saving more money for a…
If you’re among those who lost their job or missed out on work opportunities last year due to COVID-19, here’s what you can do to improve your employment prospects in 2021. Evaluate your transferable skills and competencies Start by taking stock of what you can offer a new employer. Everyone has useful skills and competencies…
Here’s a list of things you could stop doing if you no longer want to rely on the bank of mum and dad, or that credit card. Going without a budget If you’re looking for somewhere to start when it comes to creating a budget, jot down what money is coming in, what cash is…
The Lunar New Year begins on 12 February, as we usher in the year of the Ox. Ancient Lunar New Year traditions are believed to encourage health, wealth and prosperity, so why not create your own good fortune with our guide to help you get your finances in order? Have a financial spring-clean Part of…
Key Points: 2020 turned out far better for investors than was feared. 2021 is expected to provide solid returns and see a further rotation from pandemic winners to cyclical investments. Watch: coronavirus and vaccines; US politics; and the hit to immigration in Australia. Introduction 2020 turned out far better for diversified investors than had been…
If retirement’s coming up on your horizon, you’ll be keen to make sure your plans stay on track. It makes sense to concentrate on things you can control, such as insurance. Too-high premiums can chew away at the foundations of your savings, at a time when they’re more important than ever. Under-insure and one day…
Australia: The Reserve Bank of Australia cut the official cash rate to a new historic low of 0.1%. The Treasurer released Australia’s latest Federal Budget. This was essentially a ‘no-surprises’ package of measures designed for Covid-19 challenged times. Given the scope of the challenge, the budget deficit for 2020/21 was unsurprisingly large, at $213.7 billion,…
Older people who are struggling to live at home and take care of themselves often face a dilemma. Many don’t want to move into aged care accommodation, but they recognise the gardening, cleaning, cooking or showering is impossible or becoming more difficult. Some worry about placing a burden on their loved ones, others can’t afford…