Bank deposits currently offer around five per cent interest. That is much more than a couple of years ago. However there is a fundamental reason why investments in property and shares will always earn higher returns over the long term than fixed deposits: if they...

Superannuation has many tax advantages. There are concessions when people contribute, on the ongoing earnings in the fund, and when members retire. However, there can be a nasty tax surprise for some beneficiaries after the retiree passes away. The cost could run to...

When inflation took off in 2021 the Reserve Bank knew it had a major project on its hands to get it back down to the 2 to 3 per cent target range. Its ultimate aim, several years later, would be to achieve an economic “soft landing”. That now looks likely. Inflation...

The Government’s announcement that it intends to change the already legislated stage three tax cuts is worse than a broken promise. It is a breach of a contract between the legislators and the Australian people. In 2019 the Government developed a plan to give everyone...

For many Australians this year’s new financial resolutions should include a review of their superannuation. The Government says we have over ten million unintended multiple accounts. As some have fixed minimum fees this means millions of dollars of duplicated fees....

With such a surprisingly strong finish to 2023 what can investors expect in 2024? Investment returns for last year were much better than expected. The typical diversified portfolio holding around seventy per cent in growth assets earned double digit returns. Shares in...

The year 2023 was a roller coaster ride for investors. Interest rates continued to rise through the year providing much improved returns on bank deposits. Shares and commercial property had definite strong and weak periods. In the end the typical diversified portfolio...

The share market has been rising since October, after a weak period. The All Ordinaries Total Return Index gained 5.2 per cent in November. That’s good news for superannuation and retirement pension accounts as well as share funds. It’s been a wobbly year but is...

Lots of grandparents open bank accounts for grandchildren, keen to put them on a long-term path to healthy finances. Many parents do the same. With Christmas just around the corner it’s a good time to consider this approach. Interest rates at the banks are around five...