A pause in super contributions can have long-lasting effects. Here’s how to plan ahead for super breaks. There’s a host of reasons why people take career breaks. Having and raising children, or taking an extended holiday or sabbatical, are the most common reasons. Vanguard’s 2023 How Australia Retires study, based on a
With interest rates likely to fall this year, borrowers could invest some or all of their mortgage repayment savings. Inflation may be coming off its high, but the retail price of coffee isn’t likely to lose any monetary steam. Depending on where you buy, the average cost across Australia of
Personal loans vs credit cards Upcoming travel, car upgrade, Christmas festivities or home renovations on the horizon? If you need access to money to cover costs like these, you might be considering a personal loan or credit card. Choosing between the two can be tricky. We’ll explain the differences and why one may
For most of us, our mortgage is our biggest financial burden – and one that’ll be with us for decades. However, it’s important to remember that the life of a home loan doesn’t need to be as long as the contract suggests; you’re free to pay it off faster and
Planning is the key to successful investing. Creating a plan will help you find investments that fit your investing time frame and risk tolerance, to help you reach your financial goals sooner. 1. Review your finances Before you invest, review your financial situation. Write down what you owe (your debts)
Navigating complex family relationships and blended families can be challenging at times and particularly when a family member dies. A good estate plan can help to make sure your wishes are carried out when you die. An estate plan, of which a will is the first and most important part,
AMP Deputy Chief Economist Diana Mousina takes a look at economic trends and what they mean for investors It’s been a difficult year for the global economy. As you can see in the heatmap below, GDP growth weakened in 2023, particularly in Europe and emerging markets. Green and red lights
Sustainable investing isn’t new and is becoming more mainstream. From climate change to gender diversity, more people are aligning their money with their values. In 2022, Australia’s sustainable investment market was valued at $1.3 trillion. The Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) 2023 benchmark report found sustainable investments represents 36 per
As every parent knows (even before they become one), raising a child isn’t cheap. And those expenses don’t necessarily stop once they reach 18. Parents often hope to help their adult children with significant financial milestones in life too. We look at some of the main expenses for parents, how
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. Talking openly about how you want your assets to be passed on can help avoid family disputes that take a toll
It’s 2024 and that means New Year’s resolutions – your chance to change things up and make a positive difference to your life. You might be thinking of hitting the gym to get fitter or jumping online to look for that dream job. But many of us are focusing on
These days, the phenomenon of keeping up with the Joneses is more pervasive than ever. The constant bombardment of images from advertisers, as well as our friends and family via social media is making Australians feel pressured to maintain a certain lifestyle, often to the detriment of their long-term financial
