Making better sense of your Finances

The War with Iran and the Share Market and how Fiducian is addressing it.

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 06:20:58 GMT

The War with Iran and the Share Market and how Fiducian is addressing it.

Recent share market falls and general market volatility have clearly followed the outbreak of war with Iran and the blocking of most oil shipments out of the Persian Gulf. While it is impossible to predict the exact outcome of this war, or when it might end, it is now evident that even in a ‘worst case scenario’, the dangerous and threatening regime that has been controlling Iran for many years will have been severely weakened for at least an extended period of time.

On a positive view, a new and much more freedom-oriented form of government could eventually emerge that could greatly benefit the region and the wider world. Ultimately, in a more stable geo-political environment, oil prices could subside considerably, taking inflation lower and providing a boost to global growth, while underpinning markets.

While there could be further heightened market volatility and investor nervousness for a time, as always, our advice to investors is to stay well diversified.

Read the full note here.

HELPING YOU CREATE, MANAGE & PROTECT YOUR WEALTH

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 05:33:01 GMT

We all lead busy lives. Between work, family and social commitments it can be hard to see things from a broad perspective. Whatever stage you’re at in life, whether you’re saving for your first home, wanting to reduce your debt or provide for the lifestyle you want in retirement, we’ll work with you to build a financial solution to help you achieve your goals. As your life changes, we’ll be there to help you remain on track.

ABOUT FIDUCIAN

At Fiducian Financial Services, our aim is to help you achieve your financial goals and lifestyle aspirations. We work with you to provide a plan that will create, manage and protect your wealth over the long term. All Fiducian financial advisers are fully qualified, licensed and authorised to act under the Fiducian Financial Services AFS license issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). The Fiducian difference lies in our financial advisers’ ability to form lasting relationships with their clients based on integrity, trust and expertise.

PROFESSIONAL & EXPERIENCED

Chris is a Senior Financial Adviser with more than 20 years’ experience providing holistic financial advice. He adopts a comprehensive approach to financial planning, encompassing debt management, retirement and pre-retirement planning, superannuation including Self-Managed Super Funds and pensions, insurance, wealth accumulation strategies, and tax planning. His highest academic qualification is Master of Financial Planning.

Chris also holds the following professional designations:

• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional (CFP®)

• SMSF Specialist Adviser™ (SSA®)

• Accredited Behavioural Finance Professional SM (ABFP®)

• Chartered Retirement Planning Counsellor SM (CRPC®)

• Accredited Aged Care Professional™

QUALITY FINANCIAL ADVICE

• Wealth creation

• Financial security

• Retirement planning

• Wealth coaching

• Aged care

• Estate planning

• Wealth protection

SMSF Investment strategy

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 05:36:56 GMT

The importance of a good investment strategy.

Every SMSF needs an investment strategy. However, sometimes, we focus more on the legal compliance obligation rather than building a strategy with meaning, purpose and accountability to improve the fund’s outcomes.

Setting up and maintaining an SMSF investment strategy essentially serves two purposes.

The first is primarily a legal compliance obligation to avoid penalty. The other is about drafting an investment plan with real goals to maximise outcomes of the SMSF.

The focus is often investment meeting the compliance obligations in accordance with the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (SIS Act) rather than the actual effectiveness of the investment plan.

A good SMSF investment strategy might have the following goals:

• A contribution goal: “Besides the superannuation guarantee obligation, contribute $10,000 concessional contributions per annum for the next 10 years to age 60.

• A return goal: “We need a return 7% per annum net over the next 10 years to meet capital goals at age 60.”

• A passive income goal: “The cash account should maintain a balance of $80,000pa to meet pension payments for the next 12 month.”

• A pension goal: “To draw down $80,000 pa payable fortnightly to meet retirement income needs until age 85.”

• A capital goal: “Accumulate $1 million over the next 10 years to age 60.”

Rather than thinking about investment strategies as a compliance obligation, they should be used as a blueprint for the fund’s goals and objectives.

Remember the fund’s investment strategy is the cornerstone of a fund’s success or failure, so it is important to build a strategy with meaning, purpose and accountability to improve the fund’s probability of meeting its goals.

Excessive fees?

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 02:57:09 GMT

Do you know what the fees are?

Excessive fees when investing?

Do you know what the fees are? What is the:

· Adviser fee

· Management, performance and administration fees

· Transaction costs

· The cash drag or buy-sell ratio?

When we add it all up anything over 2% is generally considered excessive.

Why does it matter?

Assuming a 7% return on $100,000 over 25 years, equates to a future value of about $543,000. If costs are 2% pa actual return is 5%. 5% over 25 years makes $339,000. We’ve lost near on 40% of potential gain: $204,000, to fees!

Fees matter!

Explore The Connection Between Investing & Margin Finance

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 07:55:35 GMT

Explore The Connection Between Investing & Margin Finance

Margin lending is the act of borrowing funds to invest in shares and various financial products, with existing investments serving as collateral. This sets it apart from conventional investment loans, providing a distinct approach to financing investment endeavors. Here, we'll explore the ins and outs of margin lending services in Dubbo NSW , addressing how much you can borrow, the benefits, and the associated risks.

Understanding Margin Lending:

Margin lending is a financial strategy that involves borrowing funds to invest in shares and other financial products. What sets it apart from traditional investment loans is the use of existing investments as collateral. This means that the value of the shares being purchased or already owned serves as security for the margin loan.

How Much Can You Borrow?

Margin lenders determine the lending value of shares and the percentage of the share value that can be used as security. It is called the LVR, which is the Loan-to-Value Ratio. For instance, if a Blue Chip company has an LVR of 70% and you aim to invest $10,000 in shares, the lender will provide $7,000 (70%), and you'll need to contribute the remaining $3,000 in cash or other shares.

LVRs are typically capped at a maximum of 70%, potentially lower for riskier or more speculative stocks. The difference between the loan value and the current value of your stocks is termed the "margin," which must be maintained at a minimum level.

Benefits of Margin Lending:

Wealth Building: Margin lending can augment your long-term wealth by expanding the size and diversity of your investment portfolio. Diversification, in turn, helps mitigate risk in the market.

Timely Investing: Borrowing allows you to seize investment opportunities when they arise, rather than waiting until you've accumulated sufficient savings.

Tax Deductibility: In Australia, the interest on borrowed funds is generally tax-deductible when invested in income-producing Australian assets. However, it's crucial to consult a registered tax agent for personalized advice.

How to Buy an Investment Property Using a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF)

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 07:34:38 GMT

How to Buy an Investment Property Using a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF)

For many individuals, the idea of buying a home is a significant life goal. Traditionally, people save for their dream home through personal savings, mortgages, or other financial means.

However, in Australia, there's a unique way to invest in property through your retirement savings, and it's called a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) . This financial vehicle allows you to use your superannuation savings to invest in residential or commercial properties.

In this blog, we'll explore what SMSFs are, how they work, and the steps involved in buying an investment property using your SMSF.

What Is a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF)?

An SMSF is a personal retirement fund overseen by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and under your direct management. Unlike retail or industry super funds, where your investments are managed by professional fund managers, an SMSF allows you to have direct control over your investment choices, including property investments.

To set up an SMSF, you must become a trustee and comply with all regulatory obligations.

How Does an SMSF Work?

The key feature of an SMSF is its flexibility in investment choices. You can invest in a wide range of assets, including shares, cash, term deposits, and property. However, it's essential to understand the rules and regulations governing SMSFs to ensure compliance.

When it comes to property investment through an SMSF, here are the essential aspects to know:

Trust Structure - An SMSF operates under a trust structure, where members act as trustees or directors of the corporate trustee. Members' superannuation savings are pooled together and invested.
Investment Strategy - As a trustee, you must develop a comprehensive investment strategy that outlines your goals and risk tolerance. The strategy should detail your intent to invest in property and the steps you'll take.
Borrowing - You can use borrowed funds to invest in property through your SMSF. However, these borrowings must comply with the Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA) rules. LRBA rules limit the lender's claim to the property and protect your other SMSF assets.
Property Investment - Once your SMSF has been set up and an LRBA is established, you can purchase a property. The property can be residential or commercial, provided it meets the ATO's guidelines.

Steps to Buy an investment property Using Your SMSF

Here are the essential steps to purchase a property using your SMSF:

Establish Your SMSF - If you don't already have an SMSF, you need to establish one. Seek the guidance of a qualified SMSF professional to ensure compliance and set up the trust structure correctly.
Develop an Investment Strategy - Work with a financial advisor to create an investment strategy that aligns with your financial goals and risk profile. Your strategy should include a property investment plan.
Create an LRBA - Set up a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA) with an approved lender. Your SMSF can borrow funds to purchase a property with this structure. The LRBA rules ensure the property is held in trust until the loan is repaid.
Find the Right Property - Locate a suitable property that complies with the ATO's regulations. Your SMSF can invest in both residential and commercial properties.
Conduct Due Diligence - Before making an offer, conduct thorough due diligence on the property. This includes property inspections, valuation, and ensuring the property's purpose aligns with your SMSF's goals.
Make the Purchase - Once your due diligence is complete and your SMSF has secured the necessary funds, proceed with the property purchase.
Comply with Regulations - Continue to monitor and comply with all SMSF regulations, including record-keeping, annual audits, and LRBA compliance.

Benefits of Buying Property Through an SMSF

Tax Efficiency : SMSFs enjoy significant tax benefits, with potentially lower tax rates on rental income and capital gains.
Diversification : Property investment diversifies your SMSF's portfolio, reducing risks associated with traditional asset classes.
Retirement Security : Investing in property can provide financial security in retirement, as rental income can supplement your retirement income.

Conclusion

Using your SMSF to buy an investment property is a strategic way to invest in property while benefiting from potential tax advantages. However, the process involves complex rules and regulations, making it essential to seek professional guidance.

That said, exercising the use of an SMSF can fulfill your dream of homeownership that aligns with your retirement goals, creating a financially secure future.

Most Overlooked Superannuation Advice You’re Not Taking: Expert Advice for Dubbo, NSW Residents

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 06:41:59 GMT

In the ever-evolving landscape of personal finance, one aspect that often flies under the radar is superannuation. This fundamental financial tool plays a crucial role in securing your future, yet it remains one of the most overlooked aspects of financial planning.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll shed light on what superannuation is, why it's indispensable, and provide expert advice tailored for the residents of Dubbo, NSW.

Understanding Superannuation

Superannuation is a prolonged savings strategy created to finance your retirement. It's a financial arrangement in which a percentage of your income is set aside into a superannuation fund, accumulating over the course of your working life. This nest egg is then invested to grow your wealth, ensuring you have a comfortable retirement.

The Importance of Superannuation

Superannuation is not just a savings account; it's a financial safety net for your retirement. By contributing to your super fund regularly, you're essentially creating a pool of funds that will sustain you when you decide to step back from the workforce.

The power of compounding returns over time can significantly boost your retirement savings, providing financial security during your golden years.

Choosing the Right Superfund

Selecting the right superannuation fund is a critical decision that directly impacts your financial future. With numerous options available, it's essential to consider factors such as fees, investment performance, and the fund's reputation. For Dubbo, NSW residents seeking expert retirement planning solutions, it's advisable to consult with local financial professionals who understand the unique challenges and opportunities specific to the area.

Dubbo, NSW Superannuation Advice: Why Choose a Local Australian Company?

When it comes specifically to superannuation advice for Dubbo, NSW residents, opting for a local Australian company can offer distinct advantages. A local provider understands the economic landscape of Dubbo and can tailor advice to align with the region's specific retirement planning needs.

Expert retirement planning in Dubbo, NSW is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and a local company can provide personalized guidance based on local market conditions and potential investment opportunities.

Which Superfund is Best for You?

The best superannuation fund for you depends on various factors, including your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment preferences. While industry funds, retail funds, and self-managed super funds (SMSFs) each have their advantages, seeking professional advice ensures you choose a fund aligned with your unique circumstances.

Explore the possibilities with expert retirement planning solutions in Dubbo, NSW to make informed decisions about your superannuation fund.

Underrated Superannuation Advice You're Not Taking

Regularly Review Your Superannuation Strategy : Life changes, and so should your superannuation strategy. Regularly assess your financial goals, contributions, and investment options to ensure your super fund aligns with your evolving needs.

Consolidate Multiple Super Accounts : If you've changed jobs, chances are you might have multiple super accounts. Consolidating them can simplify management, reduce fees, and potentially boost your overall returns.

Consider Salary Sacrifice : Explore the benefits of salary sacrifice to boost your super contributions. This tax-effective strategy can maximize your retirement savings over time.

Final Words

Superannuation is a cornerstone of financial planning and Dubbo, NSW residents can benefit from expert advice tailored to their local context. By understanding the importance of superannuation, choosing the right fund, and heeding underrated advice, you're taking proactive steps toward securing a financially stable retirement.

For p ersonalized retirement planning solutions in Dubbo , consult with local experts to navigate the path to a prosperous retirement.

Retirement Planning in New South Wales: Your Path to a Secure Future

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 14:39:39 GMT

Retirement Planning in New South Wales: Your Path to a Secure Future

Retirement is a time to reap the rewards of your years of hard work, and proper planning is the key to enjoying these golden years to the fullest. New South Wales, Australia, offers a plethora of opportunities for retirees to make the most of their retirement.

In this blog, we will explore some essential aspects of retirement planning in New South Wales, including tax strategies, online financial planning services, wealth advisory services, and financial advisory services, all aimed at helping you secure a prosperous retirement.

Tax Strategies for Retirees

As a retiree in New South Wales, understanding and optimizing your tax situation is vital. Tax strategies can help you keep more of your retirement income, ensuring financial stability. Some key strategies to consider include:

● Superannuation: Utilize your superannuation wisely to benefit from tax concessions available for retirees. Tax-free income from superannuation investments, known as a "pension phase," can be an effective way to minimize tax liabilities.

● Age Pension: If you qualify for the Age Pension, be aware of the income and assets

tests. Strategic financial planning can help you maximize your pension entitlements.

● Utilizing Tax-Advantaged Investments: Consider investments that offer tax benefits, such as government bonds or low-tax income streams.

● Estate Planning: Implementing a well-structured estate plan can help minimize taxes on

your estate and ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes.

Online Financial Planning Service

In the digital age, accessing financial planning services has become more convenient than ever. Online financial planning services are a great option for retirees in New South Wales, offering professional financial advice from the comfort of your home. These services typically include:

● Retirement Income Analysis: Online platforms can provide you with a comprehensive analysis of your retirement income, helping you understand your financial situation and plan for the future.

● Investment Planning: Expert advisors can assist you in developing investment strategies that align with your retirement goals.

● Risk Management : Online services can help retirees assess and manage financial risks, ensuring that they are prepared for unexpected expenses.

● Estate Planning: You can receive guidance on structuring your estate in a way that

minimizes taxes and ensures a smooth transition of your assets.

Wealth Advisory Services in New South Wales

Wealth advisory services in New South Wales are tailored to assist retirees in managing and growing their wealth. These services typically include:

● I nvestment Management: Wealth advisors can help you create a diversified portfolio that balances risk and return to meet your financial goals.

● Retirement Planning: Advisors can guide you through the process of planning for your retirement, ensuring you have the income you need to maintain your desired lifestyle.

● Tax Efficiency: Advisors can recommend strategies to minimize your tax liability and maximize your income in retirement.

● Estate and Succession Planning: Wealth advisory services can help you protect and transfer your wealth to future generations.

Financial Advisory Services in New South Wales

Financial advisors in New South Wales provide a wide range of services to retirees, helping them navigate the complexities of retirement planning. Some key services include:

● Personalized Financial Plans: Advisors create customized financial plans that consider your unique goals and circumstances.

● Risk Assessment: Advisors assess your financial risk and recommend strategies to protect your assets.

● Investment Advice: Professionals offer expert investment advice to help you achieve your financial objectives.

● Retirement Income Planning: Advisors can assist in structuring your retirement income to ensure it meets your needs.

Final Words

Retirement planning in New South Wales offers retirees numerous opportunities to secure a prosperous future. By implementing effective tax strategies, utilizing online financial planning services, seeking the expertise of wealth advisors, and consulting with financial advisors, retirees can navigate the complexities of retirement planning and enjoy their golden years with confidence and peace of mind.

Stay in control with a frailty plan

Mon, 08 May 2023 06:29:48 GMT

With the potential for frailty (on average) to span 20% of our retirement years, we need a plan. We need to think ahead. Decide what is important.

While this may sound grim, it is not all bad. Having a plan can set you up to have choices and more control so you can maintain as much independence as possible. If frailty creeps up and you have not planned ahead, you might find yourself herded down a path based on the bias and the goals (no matter how well-intentioned) of the person who first says “I can help”.

A plan gives you time to consider your preferred choices and be prepared. This may allow you to:

· Ensure your home is modified and ready to continue living there.

· Take away some of the stress and uncertainty from your family.

· And most importantly, have the finances ready to pay for the support you need to ensure not only quality of care, but also quality of lifestyle.

But not everything always goes our way or how we planned. This is why planning is important.

Eyes Wide Open with Granny Flats

Fri, 13 May 2022 04:08:21 GMT

Many people fear the prospect of moving into residential aged care. So when the kids say "come live with us" they may jump at the chance to stay in a family home.

But the family relationships can break down and granny flat arrangements may cause more problems than they solve. The message is to jump with eyes wide open, and with a realistic view of family dynamics.

If you want to start exploring options to access support in your frailty years, call us on 0487 181 676 to make an appointment.

Cost Pressures and Aged Care

Fri, 13 May 2022 03:54:39 GMT

Australia's population is ageing, which is good news for enjoying longer lives. But quality of lifestyle in our older years may rely on access to quality of care. And as our population ages, pressure on funding and resources is likely to increase.

This is starting to focus discussions and reforms on who pays for care — Government or consumers. Make this year, the year you start to plan for all of your future years. Ask us about aged care and let us help you plan ahead.

Call us on 0487 181 676 to make an appointment.

What's the best way to invest $1,000?

Sun, 14 Nov 2021 23:32:42 GMT

Getting started with $1,000

I’m often asked where’s the best place to invest $1,000? Where’s the best place to invest my tax return?

In the November edition of Money magazine a panel of 8 investors were asked for their best pick to invest $10,000. They suggested managed funds, shares, EFT’s and contributing to superannuation or parking the money in the mortgage offset account. However, you don't need $10,000 to get started, $1,000 will do.

Understanding the difference between saving and investing

Now firstly we need to understand investing is different to saving. Savings these days is more like parking money in the bank account and not expecting much in return. You might make $50 on $1,000 over 12 months. But we take comfort in knowing our money is secure and we are not going to lose it.

There’s another issue. We call it the ‘opportunity cost.’ What if you have the opportunity to make 20% on your $1,000 and didn’t take it? In a sense your decision has ‘cost you’ $150. You could have had $1,200 but you’ve only got $1,050 after 1 year. Over 5 years that’s $3,300. So how much risk are you prepared to take?

One better than an ordinary bank account is a Cash Management Trust. You may get 0.10%. A good on-line, eSaver account such at the ING Maximiser will give you 1.35%.

Getting into a managed fund

A couple of the experts suggested a managed fund. Now bear in mind most managed funds have a minimum investment greater than $1,000. But with a $1,000 we could buy into the IOOF Essential Investments, for example, the IOOF Diversified Multi – Balanced fund. Over the last 12 months it has made 13.88%.

What about shares? Our experts favoured the shares. With a $1,000 we could buy 9 CBA shares. How about 25 Woolworth shares? When share trading you have to remember brokerage costs. On a $1,000 it’s about $15.

ETF's (Exchanged Traded Fund) and small investments

What’s particularly attractive these days are ETF’s as singled by our experts. An EFT is an “Exchange Traded Fund” that trades on the ASX similar to a share. But instead of one share it is a basket of different shares that are set to track an index, a sector, a commodity, or other asset. They are purchased or sold on the ASX the same way a regular shares are. They are a low-cost option to some of the world’s best shares, including Google, Apple, Amazon and Netflix. All in a single ASX trade.

For example, BetaShares Australian Financials Sector ETF is a parcel of shares trading in the Australian Financial Sector. We could have purchased 9 CBA shares with a $1,000 or with this EFT gained exposure across all the banks and the entire financial sector. Over the last 12 months it’s made 28%.

If you are environmentally conscious and want to play your part, consider the BetaShares Global Sustainability Leaders ETF. It made 21%. But this end of the risk spectrum we’ve got to consider the downside. When we look at our bank account the money is always there. It doesn’t move. With our investment it might but up one day, down another. We call this volatility. If we are prepared to accept this then timing is everything, particularly when we need the money. If the market drops by 20% then our $3,300 has dropped to $2,540. Ouch!

The experts never mentioned Cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency is a form of electronic money and there are great gains to be made and great losses. The problem being is it remains unregulated. In May this year Bitcoin fell by -53%.

We've covered a range of investments and they are all different. Where do we start? More than happy to discuss with you the options. Why not set up a call with me today to discuss managed funds or ETF's. Book in for a free consultation.

Reading my super statement

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 01:53:22 GMT

Today I thought I’d share how to read a superannuation statement. Tracey made an appointment with me because she thought her super was going backwards. We spent 30 minutes going over her statement and she went away happy. Her super was in good shape; just had to make one or two changes. I just showed her how to read the statement.

Check your personal details are correct

On the front page quickly check your personal details are correct. If they’re wrong honestly it can be a nightmare to correct but you’ve got to get onto it. You’ll never get your money out if your details don’t match.

Check your account balance

The REST statement gives us the balance on page 2. Other super funds want until the last page. We want to know the balance at the end of the last financial year.

The balance of your super will be all your employer contributions, plus any contribution you have made, income and growth, minus fees, taxes, and insurance premium. Very broadly it should be 10% of your total salary multiplied by years employed.

Employer contributions

This current financial year your employer should now be putting an amount equal to 10% of your wage, every 3 months. Previously the amount was 9.5%. Has your employer met their obligation?

Additional contributions

You may have chosen to ‘salary sacrifice’ and have you boss putting more of your salary into super to reduce your tax. There’s nothing wrong with doing this but I would ask is it the wisest thing to do when you have debt. I often to the maths for clients to figure out the best thing to do, - invest or pay down debt. It’s what ultimately get you to your goal first.

Investment returns

What’s the actual return on my investment as a percentage and is it good? This is the tricky bit because it all depends on how the super funds presents the information. REST presents the information of page 3 and there are numbers all over the page for every investment position. Where do we start?

Have a look where you are actually invested. This statement says my client is invested in the ‘Core Strategy’ fund. This fund did 8.75% over one year and 8.81% over 5 years. So now I want to know how this compares to other super funds. Is it above, below or showing the same average as other funds?

Your super statement will undoubtedly say ‘we’re the best.’ I’m looking at a REST statement and they have a nice bar diagram showing their return was better than the ‘other funds.’ But look at the fine print at the bottom of the page. How are they rating themselves? Are the results before or after fees? What time frame are they using? It’s tricky because we must compare ‘apple with apples.’

Compare ‘apples with apples.’

We need to know the asset allocation of your investment. How much is defensive in ash and term deposits, and how much is invested in growth assets such as shares and property. This is how we compare the performance of the underlying investments in your super.

So what is the asset allocation of your investment in super? REST shows the information on page 2. The Core Strategy fund has growth assets 76% and defensive 24%. To check of the performance of your fund we need to compare it with funds of the same asset allocation, in this case close to 76% growth.

It often comes a surprise this is where our money is invested. We tend assume super is like a bank account we can’t touch. In fact, it’s an investment and we have to take ownership as to where it is invested. A typical growth fund is anywhere between 70 to 80% in growth assets, 70 to 80% invested in shares and property. It’s the riskier stuff compared to cash but over the long term it’s going to make a lot of money. REST has a balanced fund, a diversified fund and a high growth fund. The labels are all different across superannuation industry this is why we have to look at the underlying asset allocations.

Red flags to look for if your super is sat in cash. It’s going nowhere and probably will be eaten up by fees. Another red flag: 100% invested in ‘high growth’ (or aggressive) position - you are risking everything! Go for broke! This may suit your nature and you are comfortable with this.

Knowing your asset allocation so we go to websites such as SuperGuide or CanStar and make comparisons. Always check the fine print and make sure outcomes are calculated after fees. We want to know the actual return that come to us after they have taken their cut. Also look at the reporting period.

Over the last 12 months the average middle-of-the-road or balanced investment has been returning a good 18%. Before you get excited this is abnormally high and result of the market reacting to the Government stimulus packages being poured into the economy because of the Pandemic. Over a 5 year term a balanced fund, say 60% growth, should be averaging between 6 and 7% over the long term.

Check your fees.

On the transaction page of the REST statement, I can see the actual administration fees charged. I would like to know how REST fees compare with other industry super funds. REST gives me another bar graph telling me on a balance of $50,000 they are about $200 a year cheaper.

You might be in a retail fund. You’ll have to check out my next blog on retail fees but red flag if you have adviser fees and you’ve never seen your adviser. Perhaps you do see your adviser once a year but is the fee justifiable?

Insurance premium

Note how much life insurance you have and ask if it’s appropriate. Tracey didn’t realise she had $300,000 death benefit and paying for it. Again, the superannuation fund had given her the default amount of insurance cover and were deducted premium for it. I asked Tracey why would she, a single person with no debts, want $300,000? And to rub salt into the wounds: why are you paying for someone else to get rich? Sure, if you had debts, a mortgage, you may want this kind of cover. But as it is now, Tracey’s parents would get all the money. Bear in mind whoever your leave your super to, they get the balance of your super plus the life insurance.

Check your nomination of beneficiary.

Who do you want to leave your super to if you die? Superannuation is held in a Trust and therefore is outside your Will. Without a nomination it can take months to years for your family to receive your super.

Are you on track to a good self-funded retirement?

At the end of the day, I said to Tracey, is this super on track with your retirement goal? Tracey is in her 30’s and hadn’t thought this far. So I explained how superannuation is a forced savings plan so ultimately when we stop working (retire) we can pay ourselves a good wage for the rest of our lives. (I always add don’t count on Centrelink and the Age pension because it might no longer be around when we retire.) What’s the maths? Quickly, and in very round numbers it should be approximately 7 times your current annual salary. Stacey is earning $60,000pa so what she needs approximately $420,000. Now if you Google ‘Retirement calculator’ and punch in your numbers you should have a good idea you’re on track. Remember: you choose when to retire.

For my clients I do more precise calculations starting with the question: how much a year do you want in retirement? Often the reply is we want to do better than the Age Pension but we’re not greedy; we’d be happy with $60,000pa. Therefore, I compute for them a figure in the vicinity of $800,000. That becomes the goal. The super statement starts making sense; this is how it all fits together. If Tracey’s is aiming to retire at 65 years she needs $420,000. There are calculators on the internet to do the projections. I do the precise maths.

Tracy, your super fund is doing well so long as your employer keeps putting in $6,000 a year and you get an average of 7% return.

But watch those fees and perhaps trim that life insurance!

If you are worried about your superannuation or if you have questions about your super fund, please contact me.

I would love to help answer your questions.

What can a financial adviser do for me?

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 06:33:39 GMT

What can a Financial Adviser for for me?

I read a paper this week by Russell Investments* I want to share with you. The paper asks why work with a financial adviser? Answer: because the relationship may be one of your best investments.

I love it because it reminded me why I love this profession.

The true value of an adviser lies in the sense of financial well-being they inspire—through guidance, education, timely responses to changing markets and regulation, as well as listening and responding to your evolving needs.

I can help simplify your life, reassure you are making the right decisions, and provide peace of mind throughout.

The value of an adviser is the sum of making sure you’re in the right investments, optimising cash, covering off all the other pitfalls, and tax, and guarding against some of those behavioural mistakes we make (… and don’t want to talk about).

For example, given the volatility seen since the pandemic, if all your adviser did was help you stick to your investment plan, you likely received more value than the fee you paid.

Appropriate investments

Where is your money actually invested? Research that suggests that asset allocation drives over 85% of the outcome. For many, it can be tempting to build our own portfolios, but there are also risks. I’ve seen superannuation statement with multiple managed funds. Diversification is the right principle but a closer look shows they are all overlapping: investing in the same shares.

Do you have the skill and/or time to research the many investment options available to set the right investment strategy for your needs?

I can help you with your goals and design the best possible investment strategy and portfolio recommendations for you. Helping you understand the level of risk required and the implications of this risk is in my opinion the most important part of the conversation. Not taking sufficient risk can impact whether a goal is potentially achievable or not.

Behaviour mistakes

There is no question that since 2020 we’ve been on a wild ride. On the news of the pandemic, markets fell sharp and fast. During this time, we saw many investors seeking shelter and switch their investments to perceived safety of cash. That’s not surprising.

After all, we're only human.

As humans, we often let our emotions influence our decision-making. While that is perfectly reasonable in most aspects of life, it can be detrimental to our financial wellbeing when we succumb to our “fight or flight” responses in the face of market volatility.

To be a successful investor, it’s important to be objective and disciplined when making investment decisions. I bring objectivity.

Making best use of your cash

Your attitude to cash can often be an interesting insight not only to your investment preferences but also your investment confidence. For many of us, cash can provide a sense of security and comfort. It largely behaves as we expect it to, it doesn’t surprise us on the upside, but more importantly it doesn’t surprise us on the downside.

How much should be put to work and how much should be kept in reserve? I can help you optimise how you use cash at different stages of your wealth journey. From managing your income and spending behaviour, personal cashflow coaching, to managing cash balances leading up to and through retirement.

I can give you a level of certainty. For example, if you require cash in retirement we can develop strategies to allocate and maintain levels of cash to meet your expected spending.

Expertise

A common misconception is that I’m purely an investment manager, whose only job is to select investments and achieve a certain level of return. Good financial advice goes far way beyond this.

Yes, my expertise includes technical skills to assist you in navigating the investment, legal, tax, superannuation and insurance requirements. However, a quality financial adviser also incorporates additional skills of effective communication, client understanding, behavioural awareness and overall efficiencies.

I offer additional services such as investment education, assistance with specific tax circumstances, estate and retirement income planning, and help you make sure you have proper insurance coverage.

Tax advice

Having a financial plan is a key element in reaching your goals. The plan should cover your exit strategy (when you bring it all to an end) because when it comes to investing, it’s not what you make that counts: it’s what you get to keep after the tax man.

I play an important role in your tax journey. I help manage your investments tax through structural tax strategies. These not only require a close understanding of your needs, but technical expertise and up to date legal and regulatory knowledge to do this successfully.

True value of an adviser lies in the sense of financial well-being they inspire—through guidance, education, timely responses to changing markets and regulation, as well as listening and responding to your evolving needs. I can help simplify your life, reassure you are making the right decisions, and provide peace of mind throughout.

To learn more I’m happy to speak with you.

* Russell Investment Management, Value: Why work with a financial adviser? 2021, Russell Investment Management

Paying off a mortgage? Here’s six ways to pay off your home loan early

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 07:01:14 GMT

So you’ve purchased a home!

You’ve achieved the fantastic milestone of owning property - and taking on a mortgage.

As you would already be aware - this is a huge responsibility. Paying off your mortgage early will save you thousands of dollars.

While each mortgage is different - there is no reason you can't pay it off early.

Sometimes the loan you choose can impact how easy that’s going to be. So it is worth investigating your options with the institution you have borrowed through.

It will come down to whether you have a fixed or variable rate. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. A variable rate is more flexible, letting you make unlimited extra repayments at no cost.

A fixed rate locks in the interest rate for a while - providing a certain degree of security. However, there is generally a cap on the extra repayments you can make. But don’t despair! Once the fixed term ends, you can roll it over to a variable rate and make extra repayments, if you wish.

Here are some steps to paying off your mortgage early.

Extra repayments go a long way

Making additional repayments on your mortgage can reduce your loan term by years - and therefore save you thousands in interest.

If you look at a standard 25-year principal and interest mortgage, a majority of your payments during the first five to eight years go towards paying off interest. So anything extra you put in during that time will reduce the amount of interest you pay and shorten the life of your loan.

You should approach your lender and have a discussion about your options here. In particular, ask if there's a fee for making extra repayments.

Get a better deal

Have a good look at your current loan. Work out which features you want to keep, and compare the interest rates on similar loans.

If you find a better rate elsewhere, you are entitled to ask your current lender to match it or offer you a cheaper alternative.

A little disclaimer - comparison websites can be useful, however at the end of the day they are businesses and may make money through promoted links. This means they may not cover all your options.

And another tip - if you end up switching to another lender, make sure the benefits outweigh any fees you'll pay for closing your current loan and applying for another.

Make higher repayments

It seems like an obvious one - but it’s also a simple one, if you have a small amount of disposable income, and the right attitude!

If you make repayments as if you had a loan with a higher rate of interest, you will pay off your mortgage early.

And if you do follow our advice above and switch to a loan with a lower interest rate, keep making the same repayments you had at the higher rate.

Moneysmart has an easy to use Mortgage Calculator - see exactly how much you can save by making higher loan repayments

https://moneysmart.gov.au/home-loans/mortgage-calculator

Look into an offset account

Put simply - an offset account is a savings account that is directly linked to your mortgage.

Your offset account balance reduces the amount you owe on your mortgage. This reduces the amount of interest you pay and helps you pay off your mortgage faster.

You’ll need to check the fees associated with this feature. If your balance is always low (for example under $5,000), it may not be worth paying for the offset account.

Avoid an interest-only loan

If you are on an interest only mortgage you are not paying off any of your overall debt - only the cost of taking out the loan.

While this can seem appealing as monthly repayments are smaller - the big drawback here is, at the end of your mortgage term you still have the total amount of debt left to pay off.

This means your debt isn't going down and you'll pay more interest in the long run.

Make your repayments fortnightly

If you're currently on a monthly payment scheme - consider switching to fortnightly repayments.

It’s a small change that will make a difference. By paying half the monthly amount every two weeks, you'll make the equivalent of an extra month's repayment each year (as each year has 26 fortnights).

Get expert advice

If you’re wondering about what the best strategy might be to manage your money, a financial advisor can help.

At Turtle Securities, we provide advice about building and preserving wealth - as well as specialised advice around investments.

If you want to ensure you are making the best financial decisions for your future - get in touch.

Investment Planning - How to reach your financial goals

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 06:52:22 GMT

When we think about growing wealth - one of the clear options is to invest.

But when it comes to investment planning, it’s not as simple as picking a strong share and throwing some money in.

You need to find investments that fit your financial goals, investing time frame and risk tolerance.

With help from Moneysmart ( link to GOV website), we have put together an overview of the different types of investments, so you can find the right ones for you.

Types of investments and returns

Investments can either be classified as defensive or growth investments.

Defensive investments

Defensive investments are lower risk investments. They aim to provide income and protect the capital invested. Defensive investments include cash and fixed interest investments.

They're typically used to:

Meet short-term financial goals (up to two years).
Diversify a portfolio.

Cash includes bank accounts, high interest savings accounts and term deposits. It is a short term investment with very low risk and an average return over the last 10 years of 3% per year.

Fixed interes t includes government bonds, corporate bonds, debentures and capital notes. It is a short term investment with low risk and an average return over the last 10 years of 3–4% per year.

Growth investments

Growth investments are higher risk and offer a higher potential return compared to defensive investments.

They aim to give capital growth and some provide income (for example, dividends for shares or rent for property). But, the price of growth investments can be volatile over short periods of time.

Growth investments are typically used to:

Earn a higher rate of return (but this comes with higher risk).
Meet longer term financial goals, five years or more.

Growth investments include shares, property and alternative investments.

Property investments (residential and commercial) are used to earn a steady rate of income (rent) and offer capital growth. It is a long term investment with a medium to high risk.

Shares offer capital growth and some provide income (dividends). They are generally a high risk with a long term timeframe.

Alternative investments include private equity, infrastructure, commodities and other investments that don’t fall into the investment classes above. Most aim to provide capital growth while some have the potential for steady income. Most alternative assets are high risk.

How to choose your investments

Before you invest, make sure you research your investment to understand:

How the investment works.
How it generates a return and the type of return expected (capital gain or income).
The risks involved for the investment.
The fees and charges for buying, holding and selling the investment.
How long you should invest to receive the expected return.
Legal and tax implications of the investment.
How the investment will contribute to your diversified portfolio.

If you need help deciding on the right investments - we can help .

At Turtle Securitie s, we provide a range of Financial Planning Services in a holistic manner to help our clients achieve their financial goals.

We believe in genuinely helping, adding value, and providing certainty of financial outcomes in the best interest of our clients.

Decide how you'll invest

When it comes to investing you need to decide whether you'll:

do it yourself, or
pay a professional to do it for you

Both options have their pros and cons — and you can, of course, do both.

Buy and sell investments yourself

The advantage of investing yourself is that you're in control of all the decisions. It can also be cheaper than paying someone to invest your money.

However, the risk is that you may overrate your expertise and may not diversify. You also need to ensure you thoroughly research where your money is going - and continuously monitor, to see how they're performing.

Use a professional investment manager

If you invest in a managed fund, some managed accounts, exchange-traded fund (ETF) or a listed investment company (LIC) your money is pooled with other investors. A professional investment manager then buys and sells investments on your behalf.

When you use a professional, you benefit from their skills and knowledge to make investment decisions.

But you also have to pay fees for this service. These can include management fees, administration fees and entry and exit fees.

Invest through your super

If your goal is to save for retirement, contributing more to super is generally the best way to do this.

Investing with a financial adviser

A financial adviser can help you set your financial goals, understand your risk tolerance and find the right investments.

When you work with us, we enter into a relationship with you, to deeply understand your situation and your goals.

We gather all the information we need to assist in identifying your goals and any potential financial issues. We then use this to put together a financial plan - then we help you implement it.

And we are there every step of the way.

So get in touch , if you’d like to talk to one of our experts.

Top Tips for Debt Management

Chris.Turtle1@outlook.com (Chris Turtle) — Tue, 18 May 2021 06:06:20 GMT

Get an accurate picture of your finances - assets; debts; income; expenses - can you afford extra credit? More borrowing may put your assets such as a house or car at risk.
Resist the 'Buy Now - Pay Later' hard sell - if you buy on credit, that mobile phone, latest fashion, DVD player or car is likely to cost you double - could be 'Buy Now - Pay Forever'! Ask yourself "Do I really need it?"
Don't assume that because creditors will lend you money, they know you can afford it - their assessment processes are very poor.
Be careful of offers to automatically increase the limit on your credit card - you may just be getting into deeper debt trouble. Don't get a loan to pay out your credit cards and just run them up again.
Credit card debt is expensive - if you only paid the minimum monthly payment and borrowed nothing more, your current debt could take you over 20 years to pay it off.
Don't sign up for anything you don't fully understand whether it's a mobile phone, a credit card, insurance or a refinance of your mortgage - ask questions until you do understand - take a day to think about it - take the contract away with you - get independent advice.
If you are going to buy on credit, shop around for the best deal for the credit just as you would for the goods. Credit offered at stores and car dealers usually has a high interest rate.
If it sounds too good to be true it probably is! 12 months interest free - No payments for 2 years - Pay off your home loan in 5 years - there's likely to be a sting in the tail - they want to sell you the product but they won't tell you what's in the fine print.*

For more help on managing your debt management or any other money matters, contact myself at Turtle Securities.

*See Financial Counselling Australia, Jan Pentland Foundation. Compiled by Jan Pentland.

Understanding a Traditional Budget

Chris.Turtle1@outlook.com (Chris Turtle) — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 05:49:44 GMT

What do you need to understand about budgetting?

A traditional budget can be useful for looking at your spending habits in detail. There are many budget templates online and generally they ask you to fill in your fixed expenses and variable expenses and what’s left you can delegate to savings, debt management or splurging.

Some of these templates are quite sophisticated and list all the necessary categories and you don't have to worry about annualising expenses — it does these calculations for you. All you do is gather up all your paperwork and fill out your income and expenses, it then calculates whether you spend more than you earn, or have any money left over.

But you need to review it regularly. Go back and check it — what’s missed doesn't get managed. Is it accurately measuring what I spend? Am I on track? Don't expect to be perfect, but with this method you’ll be looking more like an accountant on top of things.

You will have a detailed picture of what your spending habits are, but this method is more time-consuming.

For more help on managing your budget or any other money matters, contact myself at Turtle Securities.

Three Different ways to Budget

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 04:16:22 GMT

If you've ever struggled with sitting down and doing a budget, you're not alone.

Whichever budgeting system you choose, it can be really useful to spend a couple of weeks doing a money diary, where you list everything you spend — from big bills to coffees. This gives you a useful overview of where your money is going and where you might be able to cut down on any expenses.

The key with budgeting is to start out with some goals. What monthly amount do we need for our fixed expenses? What amount do we need for discretionary spending: takeaways and entertainment? What are we saving for? When do we need the money? Therefore, how much should we put aside each month?

"The key is to do something that works and you're going to stick to it.

1. The cash envelope method

This was the first method I was introduced to way back in the 1970’s. Actually, it dates dates back to the 19th century! These days it's more useful for managing daily expenses, and the big bills pay electronically.

Essentially, you divide your expenses into fixed spending, discretionary and splurging. But you can have as many categories as you like. For example, you'll probably have one for groceries, eating out, fuel, children's sports, etc. For example, you might put $100 into your grocery envelope. When say, you go to the supermarket, you take the groceries envelope with you.

This is similar to the method advocated by the Bare Foot Investor, Scott Pape. Use jars! Mark the jars as for each expense category.

This method is simple to use and will physically stop you overspending. But hide those envelopes! If you start to accrue a large amount of money in an envelope it’s best to pop in a term deposit at the bank and earn some interest.

2. Balanced Money Formula

This budgeting method is much like the 5:2 diet where you eat carefully for 5 days and fast for 2.

The idea is to take your income, and spend 50 per cent on your needs, 20 per cent on savings and 30 per cent on wants.

So, what does that mean? Structure your pay so it automatically goes to the right bank account: 50% to the account for your needs, fixed repayments etc, 20% to your savings account and 30% to your everyday spending account. Needs are things you can't live without — so your mortgage, or rent, bills, school uniforms, groceries, petrol, healthcare, insurance etc.

In Australia, you might have heard a similar method created by The Barefoot Investor recommends a slightly different breakdown that includes 60 per cent for daily expenses.

This method gives us the 'big-picture' budget with just three or four categories to worry about. We can manage it all online. But it’s easy to over spend with this method.

A slight variation to this is call the Money Tree I discovered many years ago. It was particularly good for debt management. 70% for all your fixed and variable spending. 20% for your normal debt repayments. And the last 10% to make extra repayments on the loan with the highest interest rate. Using this method over time will reduce the amount you pay interest. “Always pay-off the debt with the highest interest rate first” is a good general money rule.

Understanding the language of the Financial Services Industry

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 04:16:22 GMT

The financial services industry speaks a language not readily understood by all. Our young people are particularly vulnerable.

AIA Australia wrote in an article I found in the Investment Magazine stating we need to do more to engage younger generation. The financial services industry especially needs to do more to improve outcomes and meet customers’ experiences. AIA said, “As life insurers, we need to better engage with a youth audience, using clear, simple language and meaningful communication methods.”

I know as a financial adviser is constant challenge to me. It’s easy to get lost in the technical jargon so how can I engage my younger client?

The language barrier causes a disconnect and discourages people from engaging and going further. AIA wrote “What is needed is a conscious effort to address issues such as the legal tone of documents, jargon, lack of visuals and a clear checklist, lack of reliable calculator tools, having too many options, and long lists of terms and conditions.”

Failing to get a financial education at school or in the home, young people enter the workforce totally unprepared to make financial decisions, albeit while talking in an entirely different language. The lack of financial literacy causes financial institutions and advisers, to be portrayed as the Ogre: daunting and frightening, and entirely in a world of their own, and to be left alone.

AIA quotes research showing that only about 30% of Australians are aware they have life insurance in superannuation. They add when made aware of the life insurance, more than 70% see its inclusion as a real positive. Although more than 90% of the working population have some type of insurance coverage (largely within their superannuation), there is still an underinsurance issue in Australia, and equally, people may have cover and don’t need it.

Financial illiteracy is often blamed on the lack of financial education in schools. We all know more could and should be done to provide a basic understanding of finance in schools. But what’s alarming is the absence of financial education in the home. When financial issues are not discussed in the home this impacts negatively on ones’ ability to make sound financial decisions as adult.

Young people are confronted with a number of financial decisions when they leave school, but few are prepared to make decisions about insurance, credit cards, home loans and superannuation. Without basic knowledge of how financial products work, the benefits they offer and the risks they entail, they fail to see the financial challenges.

By on large, the younger generation are almost bystanders of the financial system.

Consequently, they are vulnerable and easily exploited by the shrewd mortgage broker or bank lender. We need to speak a language that educates and empowers our younger generation so they have the skills to make sound financial decisions.

If you have any questions on money matters, contact your local financial adviser or myself at Turtle Securities.

Cash is King

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 04:16:23 GMT

Sometimes it’s best to do things the old fashion way and use cash.

In the movie Skyfall Money Penny catches James Bond about to shave and says, “Cut throat razor, very traditional.” Bond replies, “I like to do some things the old fashion way.”

Sometimes the old ways are the best, like using cash.

‘Cash is king’ and using cash can be a better way of keeping control of your money. In the old days there was only cash. These days with banks card we tap and go, tend to spend more and have a lessor idea of how much money we have.

Have you ever been embarrassed and inconvenienced when you’ve tapped your card on the Eftpos machine and it’s been declined? You know the money in there, but it’s been declined! Insufficient funds! Have you ever been confused by the bank slip coming out of the ATM machine that gives you both current and available balance for your bank account?

When times are tight, and the bank account is running on fumes you need to be aware of your balance. But which balance? Banks will give you two balances: available balance and current balance. Current balance is often the bigger amount that includes everything. The available balance refers to the amount available to without any restrictions. But even if you disregard your current balance and go with the available balance you can still get caught.

Available balance is the lower amount because cheques haven’t cleared or there are pending withdrawals or authorisations on your account. Withdrawals don’t necessarily hit your account when you tap the card. They can be delayed if your make purchase overnight or purchase from a business that for one reason or another doesn’t post the charge to your account straight away. The cost of coffee at McDonalds has often hit my account two days later.

Using cash will give you more control over your cashflow, and help you live within your means. Having a good budget and knowing you spend $100 per week on groceries, withdraw the $100 when you get paid and keep it in your wallet or purse. When you do your grocery shop use the cash. You will measure it out for the different shops you like, see where its’ going and your spending habits, and you’ll know when you’re about to over spend. How different is this to the tap of the card with a wish and prayer!

Put a $50 note in your wallet for lunches and coffees. When is gone it’s gone; you’ve spent your budget amount. Put a $20 not in your purse from alcohol. When is gone it’s gone; you’ve spent your allocation. With tighter control over our money we will not robbing our savings or eroding our financial future.

So use cash. Sometimes the old fashion ways are the best.

For more help on managing your budget or any other money matters, contact your local financial adviser or myself at Turtle Securities.

Making better sense of your Finances

The War with Iran and the Share Market and how Fiducian is addressing it.

The War with Iran and the Share Market and how Fiducian is addressing it.

HELPING YOU CREATE, MANAGE & PROTECT YOUR WEALTH

SMSF Investment strategy

Excessive fees?

Do you know what the fees are?

Explore The Connection Between Investing & Margin Finance

Explore The Connection Between Investing & Margin Finance

Understanding Margin Lending:

How Much Can You Borrow?

Benefits of Margin Lending:

How to Buy an Investment Property Using a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF)

How to Buy an Investment Property Using a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF)

What Is a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF)?

How Does an SMSF Work?

Steps to Buy an investment property Using Your SMSF

Benefits of Buying Property Through an SMSF

﻿

Conclusion

Most Overlooked Superannuation Advice You’re Not Taking: Expert Advice for Dubbo, NSW Residents

Understanding Superannuation

The Importance of Superannuation

Choosing the Right Superfund

Dubbo, NSW Superannuation Advice: Why Choose a Local Australian Company?

Which Superfund is Best for You?

Underrated Superannuation Advice You're Not Taking

Final Words

Retirement Planning in New South Wales: Your Path to a Secure Future

Retirement Planning in New South Wales: Your Path to a Secure Future

Tax Strategies for Retirees

Online Financial Planning Service

Wealth Advisory Services in New South Wales

Financial Advisory Services in New South Wales

Final Words

Stay in control with a frailty plan

Eyes Wide Open with Granny Flats

Cost Pressures and Aged Care

What's the best way to invest $1,000?

Getting started with $1,000

Understanding the difference between saving and investing

Getting into a managed fund

ETF's (Exchanged Traded Fund) and small investments

Reading my super statement

Check your personal details are correct

Check your account balance

Employer contributions

Additional contributions

Investment returns

Compare ‘apples with apples.’

Check your fees.

Insurance premium

Check your nomination of beneficiary.

Are you on track to a good self-funded retirement?

What can a financial adviser do for me?

What can a Financial Adviser for for me?

Appropriate investments

Behaviour mistakes

Making best use of your cash

Expertise

Tax advice

Paying off a mortgage? Here’s six ways to pay off your home loan early

So you’ve purchased a home!

﻿ You’ve achieved the fantastic milestone of owning property - and taking on a mortgage.

Extra repayments go a long way

Get a better deal

Make higher repayments

Look into an offset account

Avoid an interest-only loan

Make your repayments fortnightly

Get expert advice

Investment Planning - How to reach your financial goals

Types of investments and returns

Defensive investments

Growth investments

How to choose your investments

Decide how you'll invest

Buy and sell investments yourself

Use a professional investment manager

Invest through your super

You’ve achieved the fantastic milestone of owning property - and taking on a mortgage.