Market developments during January 2026 included: Key Points The domestic equity market took the lead from European and US markets, finishing higher in January, while Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) moved lower. US equity markets rose in January in the face of rising geopolitical tension and the start of another US earnings season. Fixed interest…
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Even with interest rates easing, the cost of living remains tough. In some cases, super can offer relief – especially under compassionate grounds or severe financial hardship. Mortgage stress is hitting many Australians hard – and if you’re feeling the pressure, you’re not alone. Even though interest rates have started to ease, the cost of…
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Technology has made everyday life easier. We take photos without thinking where they’re stored, pay bills without opening a drawer and carry our financial lives around on a device the size of a hand. But when someone dies, all this convenience can suddenly turn into complexity. The digital traces we leave behind rarely sit in…
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Estate planning is one of those tasks almost everyone means to get to, yet many only face it during a crisis. Families often describe the same moment. A parent dies, the surviving spouse and children open a cupboard or a laptop, and suddenly they are trying to reconstruct a life from scattered paperwork, half remembered…
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Getting on top of your finances is one of the most common new year’s resolutions Australians make. But only 12% of us achieve our goal. Here’s how to be one of them. More than one in two Australians (52%) plan to get on top of their finances each year, according to research from the Federal…
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You’ve spent your entire adult life working and now it’s time to kick back and do more of the things that interest you – whether perfecting your golf handicap, travelling the world or spending time with the grandkids, retirement is a time for an entirely new lifestyle. Set up a spending plan It takes 12…
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The assets that make up your estate may include property, bank accounts, investments and superannuation. How your estate will be distributed after your death will depend on who you nominate to be beneficiaries in your Will. That is, your estate minus your superannuation – unless you have specifically nominated your estate to be the beneficiary…
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Providing financial support to your grandchildren can be a meaningful way to invest in their future. From practical steps to financial strategies and legal considerations, there are several ways you can help set them up for long-term security and success. Financial actions Financial gifts and savings accounts One off or regular gifts: Consider gifting money when…
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Property investments appear to be on the wane with younger investors as house prices rise: the number of those expecting property will be their biggest investment at retirement is half that of older Australians. So is our love affair with property changing? Higher property prices may be affecting the investment strategies of younger investors, with…
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Retirement can be a golden opportunity to make changes to your lifestyle and routine and boost your wellbeing in the process. Find out more about the benefits of using your extra leisure time to stay active and connected to your community. Making the most of a new life stage If you’ve been working for much…
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