Our latest thinking on the issues that matter most in the private wealth industry including market updates, investment insights and news from our CEO.
In this article, we first look at the key differences between ‘investment’ and ‘speculation’. We then explore cryptocurrency and where it sits on the spectrum of buying opportunities.
Since July 2018 thousands of people have taken advantage of the Government’s downsizer contribution scheme by selling their home and making contributions to their super.
Many of us hold life insurance through our super funds and are aware of the tax advantages of doing so. But what are the limitations of structuring insurance in this way?
Following a challenging couple of years we reflect on some of the positives of life in a pandemic.
The Research Team provides a performance summary and commentary on each of the five main asset classes.
There are unlimited opportunities for your money, but how do you decide which to pursue? Generally speaking it comes down to what you want from your money. Edward Eyles explores the options in this article.
There has been an increasing awareness of environmental concerns and how certain industry and business practices impact environment and future generations.
If lockdowns and travel bans weren’t enough to deal with, the global pandemic has also provided fuel for a significant increase in another kind of threat altogether – scams.
From 1 July 2021, there were some exciting changes to super including an increase to the Super Guarantee amount and to the super contribution caps.
When you retire you may wish to hold a concession card which can provide you with discounts on medicines, utilities, council rates and more.
The Research Team provides a performance summary and commentary on each of the five main asset classes.
What is financial advice or planning? In this article one of our Perth based advisers, Edward Eyles outlines the benefits of engaging with an adviser and the key stages of developing a sound financial plan.
Its tax time again - in this piece we outline tax deductions for working from home and the various methods you can use to calculate your entitlement.
If you can imagine the economy as a road, 2020 saw a major earthquake crack our foundations. Looking ahead, the remainder of 2021 will be a year to rebuild and gradually resume normal activity.
On Saturday 29 May 2021, the Government unexpectedly announced an extension of the temporary reduction in superannuation minimum drawdown rates through to financial year 2021/22.
Tempted by a home reno? You’re not alone. But, before you reach for the sledgehammer, there are a number of things to consider.
A fundamental principle of bond investing is that interest rates and bond prices generally move in opposite directions. So what is the future of fixed interest in a near negative interest rate environment?
During this year’s Federal Budget announcement Treasurer Josh Frydenberg stated “Australia is back!”. This years Federal Budget announced positive changes to superannuation, an extension of the low and middle income tax offsets and a boost to aged care services.
The Research Team provides a performance summary and commentary on each of the five main asset classes.
No amount of money can replace your health and wellbeing – or the role you play in your family. But you can at least have peace of mind knowing that if anything happens to you, your family has financial security that is provided by life insurance.
While international borders remain closed, the possibility of jetting off around the world is unlikely in the near future. Still, there are plenty of ways to satisfy the travel-bug and fill that globetrotting void – so sit down, log-on, and explore the world!
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many Australians have been confronted with financial challenges and have relied on financial assistance from the Government to make ends meet. However, with temporary measures ending on 31 March 2021, how will it affect employers, employees and those unemployed?
On 1 July 2021, both the concessional and non-concessional superannuation contribution limits, also known as ‘super contribution caps’, will rise.
The Research Team provides a performance summary and commentary on each of the five main asset classes.
Despite the RBA deciding not to lower interest rates further when they met today, the cash rate and Australia's official interest rate currently stands at a historic low of 0.10%. How much lower can interest rates go?
It’s well known that loneliness or social isolation increases during the festive period – and this will undoubtedly be more evident this year off the back of a global pandemic, drought and a bushfire season like no other.
Also known as ‘salary continuance insurance’ or ‘disability income insurance’, income protection provides a portion of your income, if you are unable to work due to injury or sickness for a certain period of time.
The Government recently increased the thresholds for most personal tax rates for this financial year. This has been brought forward to help boost consumer spending and accelerate economic growth.
The Research Team provides a performance summary and commentary on each of the five main asset classes.
When talking about Government aged care services, many people associate it with nursing homes. However, residential aged care or ‘nursing homes’ represent less than 10% of the formal aged care system.
In this article we look at investment rebalancing, and how a structured and disciplined approach to rebalancing can ensure your portfolio remains appropriate to your circumstances.
More parents are helping their children financially to get ahead. In this article we discuss some of the considerations when gifting or lending money to ensure everyone’s interests are protected.
The impact of COVID-19 on investment markets means many Australians have lower super balances compared to the start of the year. We investigate the impacts on retirement savings.
Setting up or joining a self-managed super fund (SMSF) allows you to make decisions about your own retirement savings. However, managing an SMSF can be complicated and time-consuming.
In the current economic environment, the prospect of redundancy can become an unexpected reality or an unsettling concern for many.
With 2020 travel plans seriously curtailed, it's become increasingly important to find new and interesting activities to do from the comfort of your own home.
We outline tax deductions for working from home, super contribution opportunities and the Government’s temporary financial relief initiatives in response to the Coronavirus crisis.
The Research Team provides a performance summary and commentary on each of the five main asset classes.
Our Chief Investment Officer, Dan Farmer, looks at the share market impact of the coronavirus and the response to date from policymakers.
We understand the importance of giving back to our community. That’s why we’ve partnered with The Funding Network to help three passionate non-profit leaders working in the mental health space.
The Coronavirus is a defining moment for humankind, and one that will change the complexion of our lives for the foreseeable future.
Our Research Team look at the factors that have driven recent share market volatility, and investigate the historical impacts of epidemics on investment markets.
The recent devastating bushfires in Australia have driven the climate change conversation further up the political and public agenda.
Over the last 20 years, since 1999, the percentage of Australians age 65 years or over increased from 12.3% to 15.9%. This group is projected to increase more rapidly over the next decade, as more baby boomers (people born between 1946 and 1964) turn 65.1
When you start out in business, your focus is likely to be on growth and managing day-to-day activities. Then, as your business expands, things get more complex.
The Research team provides a performance summary and commentary on each of the five main asset classes.
Vehicles powered by fossil fuels are one of the major contributors to global warming and air pollution. With transportation the third-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Australia1.
You’ve spent your life accumulating your super and now you’re nearing retirement and the next phase of your life.
There’s been an explosion of apps and innovative technologies to help keep our physical, mental and financial health on track.
In this article we provide an overview of the current state of the Australian property market.
Traditionally, Christmas and the end of the year is seen as a time of giving to those less fortunate. But why stop giving at Christmas? We look at ways you can give in a meaningful way.
Australian Demographer Bernard Salt wrote an article for The Australian observing “young people who order smashed avocado with five grain toasted bread at $22 a pop and more”.
There has been a lot of media attention on inverted yield curves and what they say about an economy. Contrary to belief, it's not always an indicator of a looming recession.
We spend our life planning for what lies ahead, but it’s also important to think about what we leave behind. This article examines why it’s important to involve your loved ones in the discussion.
In today’s technology-driven world, we’re expected to be available, online, at any time. But with studies highlighting the impacts on our health, is it time to go offline?
The Research team provides a performance summary and commentary on each of the five main asset classes.
The 2019/2020 financial year introduces some new opportunities to save for your retirement through super. We also provide an overview of the ‘protecting your super’ legislation and personal income tax changes.
Find out what to consider when selecting your life insurance cover.
Want to get the most out of your tax return this year? Shadforth shares tax-efficient tips and strategies for EOFY 2020.
If you have a superannuation fund, you’ve probably been asked to nominate your beneficiary. Here’s what you and your family need to know.
Overall, we are likely to see a slowdown in growth for both the Australian and global economies over the next year.
Financial exposure is the gap between the level of life insurance required to meet your basic needs and the level of insurance you actually have in place in case an unexpected health event occurs.
Once considered a radical way to live, many Australians are now viewing an off-grid lifestyle as both economically and environmentally savvy. We delve into some of the pros and cons and to help you determine whether it’s a good choice for you.
Since 1 July 2017, the Government has placed a cap on how much super you can hold in a retirement income stream. Here’s what you need to know.
If you’re ready to downsize you may be able to use your super to help make the most of your money. This new scheme supports the Government’s goal of reducing pressure on housing affordability in Australia.
Estate planning ensures your lifetime's work is passed onto the people you choose. Yet many people either do not have a Will or have one which no longer reflects their current circumstances.
Property may seem like a great investment opportunity, and for some it is. However, it is not the right choice for every investor.
There are significant small business Capital Gains Tax (CGT) concessions on selling a small business that can help you eliminate or substantially reduce tax upon the disposal of business assets.
What’s the difference between cover owned personally and cover held via super?
If you are like most Australians, insurance is one of those things which can be put off for another day. But another day might be one too late – the story of Patty outlines how important it is to have the right insurance.
Thinking about buying an investment property? Done your research on the property market, your suburb, the rental returns, future growth potential, bank ready to lend the money – you'd be done right, ready to buy – wrong!
As a small business owner it is important to have a retirement plan in place well before deciding to retire. This is because, in most cases, your major asset is your business. Planning ahead will ensure you have sufficient funds to maintain your lifestyle in retirement.
We look at the Government’s economic stimulus package in response to coronavirus, and the measures that may be relevant to you.
The Research team provides a performance summary and commentary on each of the five main asset classes.
