One million dollars sounds like a lot, but it doesn’t go as far as it used to. Say for instance inflation was 2.86% for the next 30 years. This means that $1 million today would only be worth about $420,000 in 2045. While that doesn’t mean you’ll necessarily need more than one million dollars to […]
If the time comes for you to retire and your partner is still working—or vice versa—it’s a matter of anticipating the natural changes ahead and then balancing and planning so both your needs can be met. Understanding differences The age you retire may depend on the work you do, your employment arrangements, your health or […]
Yes, it’s true: according to an annual world consumer price index1 Australia is the most expensive country to live in. These days it’s 12% more expensive than the United States, while India is the cheapest of the 19 countries examined. Sydney and Melbourne rising out of reach A roof over your head is no longer […]
As we head into the new financial year, it’s worth taking a few minutes to check how well you would cope with an unexpected financial shock. None of us knows exactly what lies around the corner, and research1 suggests many of us would face a tough time if we lost our job or faced an […]
We’ve all been there. But don’t worry. Here’s a quick jargon buster to help you join in the conversation with confidence. GDP – Gross Domestic Product. A measurement in dollar terms of the total goods and services produced within a particular economy (for example Australia) over a year excluding income earned outside the country. GDP […]
Rethinking a few bad habits is a great way to get your finances in better shape in the new financial year. It’s no secret for instance that smoking is bad for our health but the financial toll can go well beyond the cost of a packet of cigarettes. According to research group Canstar, a 40-year […]
Are you aware you need to change your spending habits, but not sure where to start? A budget can help you get back to basics and work out what’s going where and when. Whatever your plans, a budget can help you to: Get more organised with your finances Cut down spending in areas you have […]
You understand how important your insurance is—because you set it up in the first place to care for your loved ones. Insurance played a vital role in protecting your family as you established your career and built your wealth. And now as you look forward to starting a new phase in your life, it’s a […]
There are many reasons why we rent. For some people it’s a short-term fix while they save up to buy a home or renovate a new property. For others it’s a long-term solution while they invest their savings elsewhere. But the cost of buying a home can be a significant factor. And with Australian house […]
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro…shopping at Macy’s in New York…seeing the Northern Lights over the Norwegian fjords…skydiving over Rio de Janeiro…or touching your toes! If you’re like many Australians, you may have your own personal bucket list, especially if you’re approaching retirement when you may finally have the time to achieve your dream. It’s easy—and fun—to sit […]
