Portfolio construction is a much-used term that can be misunderstood. Fundamentally, the term portfolio construction refers to the process of selecting investments to create the optimal balance of risk and return. By mixing different types of investments and different asset classes, portfolios can be built in a way that maximises the return for any given … Read more
Two steps forward, one step back For the second year running, the pandemic was the focus for policy makers, markets, businesses, and individuals alike. The year began with hopes that the rollout of vaccines would stem the spread of COVID-19 and allow economies to reopen. Instead, most countries were hit by wave after wave of … Read more
When was the last time you looked closely at your loan, the progress you are making on paying it off and how it compares to others in the market? Analysing your mortgage could mean savings for you, as well as the opportunity to pay it off more quickly, invest in other assets or reach financial … Read more
A year ago, takeaway food was number one on Australia’s comfort-spending list. If habitual purchases like this are still taking their toll, here are some tips for 2022. Over a 12-month period, Australians forked out a whopping $37 billion (and then some) on comfort spending1. You know, the things you might buy to pass the … Read more
Welcome to the shortage economy. As we enter into the third year of the pandemic, COVID has truly turned the world upside down. Well over a million Australians have contracted the virus and the impacts on the economy have been numerous and large. None so much as the shortage economy Australia finds itself in right … Read more
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions in a lifetime. Determining which loan is best can be overwhelming without understanding which products and features are available on the market. There are a lot of home loans to choose from, but not all will be well suited to your needs. To help you … Read more
If retirement’s 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. Paying for more insurance than you need can eat away at your retirement savings, at a time when they’re more important than ever. Under-insure and one … Read more
The beginning of a new year is often a good time for us to take a break, relax and maybe make some resolutions for 2022. When it comes to superannuation, deciding on new year resolutions may be a little more difficult than usual as we’ll need to look into the political crystal ball. There’s a … Read more
As 2022 begins, James Fitzgerald has 22 tips for taking control of your finances and becoming a savvy investor. #1: Build positive habits Start the new year by building positive habits around your money – whether it is saving, spending or investing. Identify productive behaviour and take action to stick with it. Commit to 21 successive days of … Read more
The age you retire in Australia isn’t set in stone. You can really retire whenever you want to, but a number of factors could play a big part in your decision. Your financial situation, health, employment opportunities and coordinating with your partner, if you have one, could all play a role in helping you determine … Read more
Looking at your spending in a new light could make a substantial difference to your financial future. The 50/20/30 budget rule works for one main reason – it’s easy. New to budgeting? You may know how much money you make and have a rough idea of how much you spend. But do you know what … Read more
Every homeowner loves the idea of becoming mortgage-free faster and paying less interest in the lead up to that landmark event. Fortunately, there are some easy steps you can take to get there sooner – whether you’ve just got your first home loan, want to increase your property equity or become mortgage-free as soon as … Read more
