Financial Planning News and Insights

When it comes to money, it is always worthwhile to make time to refresh your finances. Whether it is reviewing your goals, consolidating your super or reassessing your insurances, the start of the financial year provides the perfect time to get your finances sorted.

Of all the areas in our lives, career is one of the biggest components. As our economy changes, technology and the digital era are rapidly changing the way we work.

The terms ‘virtual reality’ (VR) and ‘augmented reality’ (AR) are technology terms that leave many intrigued. What started out as a bit of a gimmick for gamers around the world has taken on a very real significance in recent times. As technology platforms, they have the potential to change the way we live in many ways.

Women face unique challenges when it comes to finance; factors such as the gender pay gap and increased likelihood of a career break to care for children or elderly parents have a dramatic impact on financial situation and superannuation. Couple this with both the rising rate of divorce and the fact that women are living longer than men, and it’s not surprising that many women are facing the prospect of retirement on the poverty line.

In terms of your household spend, it’s one of the most contentious charges we see today: The cost of childcare for Australian working families.

It’s been an interesting time in Australia as we look at the future of our economy. Taking aside the different political sides of the argument, there have been some interesting developments in our two major states with recent budget announcements.

Australia has experienced a run of reasonable economic prosperity. Our politicians often quote it when discussing our economic performance. What is also raised is potential pitfalls in the road ahead.

It’s one of today’s most debated household expenses: Private health insurance. As a media topic, it also seems to generate headlines, particularly around the annual April 1 price increase.

Whether you’re embracing online shopping, or you’re seeing your colleagues, family and friends receiving packages every other day, you will have noticed that it is growing at a rapid pace.

Gender inequality and gender issues are deservedly hot topics in the media right now, particularly in relation to equal pay. But one issue that gets very little attention, yet has a significant impact for women, is the superannuation gap.

It’s a day when we remember and honour our servicemen and women who’ve helped protect the wonderful free country we enjoy today. A day to celebrate everyday Australian values – mateship, courage, and sacrifice; values still well and truly alive with our “have a go” attitude and tendency to put others before ourselves.

We live in world today that is rapidly changing, driven primarily by technology. Reading the mainstream press, there seems to be a new technology-driven breakthrough almost daily.