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We’re often asked about travel, particularly how you can best manage the financial aspects of it. So here are a few areas that I think you should look at to ensure you better manage your money when travelling.

With mixed reporting on the stock market drop over the last week, it is hard to know if we are preparing for another GFC or if it is a storm in a teacup. News outlets need to feed the 24 hour news cycle so it’s easy to understand the dramatic overtones, with many channels providing minute-to-minute updates on stock movements. The question is: Is it just hype or something bigger that we all need to brace for?

Every few years we tend to see a new financial money-making scheme hit the market. Some stick around; others quickly become consigned to the dustbin of history.

In its most simple form, estate planning is all about peace of mind. It’s about making sure that your assets are distributed to your beneficiaries according to your wishes.

When you start an account-based pension, an important decision you need to make is how the remaining balance of your pension will be distributed upon your death (assuming, of course, that there is some money left).

How many super funds do you have? Chances are you are probably not keeping track of where your super money is invested. In fact, you could even be losing money right now. Consolidating all your super into one account puts you back in control of your retirement savings and it will save you account-keeping fees.

Although most of us have superannuation, how much you receive in retirement may depend on the type of super fund you have.

The term self-managed superannuation fund – otherwise known as an SMSF – basically refers to do‑it-yourself super. Having an SMSF means simply having control of how your super is being invested, and it has become a popular method of saving for retirement.

A re-contribution strategy is just that; a withdrawal of your superannuation benefits and a re-contribution back into super.

What’s your greatest asset? Life insurance forms a critical part of the financial planning process, providing financial security for you and your family. A sound financial plan will encompass both wealth creation and wealth protection.