You may have heard of a concept in chaos theory called ‘the butterfly effect’. The mathematician and meteorologist Lorenz famously described how a butterfly flapping its wings in Brazil could set off a tornado in Texas. It might also describe how a politician moving his lips in the US (talking about tariffs, say, or job […]
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What happens if the specific gift in my Will is gone before I die?
A specific gift is a tangible item – such as a property you own or a particular sum of money – that you choose to give to a particular individual in your Will. It might be that you state in your Will that you want to leave a specific property to your child, for example. […]
Time is money … or is it?
We’ve all heard the expression ‘Time is money.’ It’s meant to warn about the monetary costs of being idle. That is, the opportunity costs of not making money while we’re ‘young and able’, and the risks of spending the money we earn when we’re not ‘hard at work’. Sadly, the ‘time is money’ mantra has […]
Thinking about financial advice?
Thinking about getting financial advice but haven’t taken the first step? If so, you’re not alone. According to an Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) report[i] on Australian attitudes to financial advice, 41 per cent of survey participants who’d intended to seek advice, still hadn’t gone ahead. If that sounds like you, there’s probably a […]
Navigating retirement – FAQs about super
As you approach retirement, it’s important to understand how to access your superannuation. If you’re looking to retire this year – or are in the planning stages – here’s a list of frequently asked questions. When can I access my superannuation? Australian legislation sets out specific conditions – known as conditions of release – that […]
HIN and SRN – What’s the difference? (and why it helps to know if you sell shares)
First, let me preface this by saying that including ‘HIN’ and ‘SRN’ in your blog post does not make for a catchy title, but you’d be surprised how many people ask me about these. So if you don’t know what they are, or how they’re different, then read on. Purchasing shares through an online broker […]
Get set for the new year
Financial goals are topping the list for many Australians this time of year, but whatever your goals or new year resolutions, here are some practical tips to get you started and maintain the momentum. 1. Let the big resolutions inspire you but start with what’s reasonable Thinking up a ‘reasonable’ resolution may not sound as […]
Beware of scams this festive season
iPhones, tablets and online shopping are conveniences many people now take for granted, but they’ve also made their users more prone to scams. Scams are dishonest or fraudulent schemes that often prey on people’s good intentions. And they’re prevalent this time of year. Around 1 in 3 scams in Australia still go unreported. – That’s […]
Predictions that (often don’t) come to pass
How quickly the year has passed! Let’s cast our minds back to around this time last year. By the end of 2023, the RBA had raised the cash rate rise five times in the year (from 3.1 per cent to 4.35 per cent) and there was mixed opinion as to where rates were headed next. […]
Seven money mistakes
Over more than two decades working in the financial industry, I’ve seen many people reap the rewards from their financial decisions. Seeking help from a professional adviser often helps people appreciate the long-term impact of their decision-making, especially during major life changes. But it’s the smaller, daily money habits that can also really add up […]