More Insights
Can I Afford To Retire?
Possibly the most common question people approaching retirement have is “Can I afford to retire?” And “Will I have enough income to live on in retirement?” Obviously the answer depends on how much income they will need. If they only need a modest income and have a lot...
The Transition to Retirement
The final working years are critical in reaching a comfortable retirement position. Having a financial plan and sticking to it during that period can make a big difference. People in the pre-retirement years usually have surplus income due to mortgages being paid off...
Uncertainty Brings Opportunity
There are plenty of things for investors to worry about at present. The interest rate outlook still isn’t entirely clear. It seems likely that rates may have peaked in Australia and possibly the US, but perhaps not Europe. High oil and energy prices are helping keep...
The Wealth Building Years
In recent weeks we have talked about the strategies available to help purchase a first home, and then about starting to build wealth by saving to buy investments that will grow. Now we can discuss further wealth building. Controlling household spending in very...
Seeking Normal Investment Conditions
The last financial year brought attractive returns for investors. Since then we saw further gains in our super and investment funds in July, followed by weakness in August and September. Does this point to problems ahead? Future interest rates will be the most...
The Wealth Building Journey
Last week we talked about buying a first home. It’s not as difficult as it seems. Many people can do it if they ignore the negative opinions and commit to the task. Many young prospective first home buyers want a grand home with every possible feature from the outset....
Buying a First Home is Possible
Social media spreads bad news and alarming headlines faster than the sensationalist newspapers of the past. Competition in the media world is intense with some forms fighting for their lives amid an ever-expanding range of electronic information sources chasing an...
Aiming for a Soft Landing
Economics might be boring but it uses some interesting terms. Right now we are aiming for a soft landing, and appear to be on track to achieve it. If we can, that will be very important for everyone. The opposite of course is a crash landing. That’s when inflation...
Save More When Inflation is High
There has been much talk recently about the greater impact of inflation, and the high interest rates to control it, on young people compared to older people. Inflation widens the gap between those who own assets, even if financed by debt, and those who don’t. As older...