The coronavirus pandemic has raised many questions around finance and money, but some questions still remain unanswered. Click here to read the seven most frequently asked questions, and the responses which may help you navigate your finances.
Going solo in retirement
With divorce rates rising among couples aged 55+, more people could find themselves going it alone in retirement. Click here to read about the pros and cons for your lifestyle and finances, and Dianne Kemp’s experience of planning for retirement after divorce.
Diversification - Spread your investments and lower your risk
Diversification is an oft-heard term when reading about investing, but what does it actually mean, and how can it benefit you?
Essentially, it’s about not putting all of your eggs into one basket. Click here to read about this investment strategy that lowers your portfolio’s risk and helps you get more stable returns
How a planner can help you invest responsibly
Believe it or not, you can grow your retirement nest egg and do good at the same time, especially with the help of a good financial adviser.
Click here to read more about ethical and socially responsible investment options available, and their different approaches to investing.
US dollar breaking down, gold and the AUD breaking up - what does it mean for investors?
The current surge in gold prices is leading to a record high. The US dollar is falling, and the Australian dollar is rising. The key points of the attached note are as follows:
The US dollar looks to have peaked, in part reflecting reduced safe haven demand with more downside likely.
The gold price has broken out to a record high, reflecting a declining US dollar, investors demand for an inflation hedge and a fall in the opportunity cost of holding gold. More upside is likely.
The Australian dollar has broken higher, reflecting the declining US dollar, along with higher commodity prices and it’s likely the trend will remain up.
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A message from MLC's Chief Investment Officer
Share markets in March fell faster and deeper than at any time since the 1930s, yet the US S& P 500 Index closed the June quarter about 20% higher than it began, its best quarter run since 1998. Over the same period, the global and Australian share markets also recorded double-digit gains, and are now not far off their mid-February highs.
Click here to read the thoughts of MLC’s Chief Investment Officer.
Australian economic and fiscal update - record budget deficits, but more to come
This economic and fiscal update is the first since December’s Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook when budget surpluses looked just around the corner. Since then things have changed dramatically due to the hit from coronavirus and necessary support measures from the Government.
The key points are:
The Government expects the federal budget deficit to peak at a record $184.5bn this financial year. That’s around 9.7% of GDP, its highest since the end of WW2.
Ultimately, we expect it to be around $220bn as the Government unveils more stimulus & revenue recovers more slowly than projected by the Government.
The budget and associated debt blowout is unlikely to cause a major problem as public debt is relatively low, borrowing costs are very low, the Government is borrowing in $A’s & it’s not dependent on foreign capital. Letting the deficit rise is the right thing to do.
Click here to read more
Why financial wellbeing is a pillar of good health
Much like exercise and eating well, your financial wellbeing is key to living a happy and healthy life. Financial wellbeing is often overlooked as one of the pillars of good health, but it’s every bit as important as your physical, mental and emotional health. So what is financial wellbeing and how can you improve yours?
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Why women are most hurt by financial pandemic
The impact of COVID-19 has shone a light on a weakness in household finances. Whilst it would have been difficult to anticipate the pandemic and the subsequent government response of a nationwide shutdown, many lack emergency funds to manage through a disruption to their income.
Click here to read why women are most hurt by financial pandemic, and the factors that contribute.
5 common financial mistakes to avoid during a crisis
The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is playing havoc with finances for many households.
Click here to read about 5 ways to limit the impact at this challenging time.
Not so taxing: Making the most of your investment property at tax time
Come July 1, the annual tax window opens again. Property investors may have access to a wide range of tax benefits, but tax is a complicated matter. It pays to be across the details.
Click here to read more on how you could maximise your return, and what to watch out for
Financial counsellor or financial planner: What's the difference?
When you’re looking for advice on your finances, it can be hard to know where to turn. Counsellor, adviser, planner? A simple internet search can be enough to make your head spin.
Click here to read about the differences between them, and find out which one may be applicable to your situation
Get on top of your finances post COVID-19
As lockdown restrictions begin to east Australia-wide, a new normal is emerging for businesses and employees. Click here to explore the roadmap out of lockdown, and what lies ahead for our finances
Investment scams
Reduce the risk of investment scams.
Be suspicious of anyone that offers you easy money. Scammers are skilled at convincing you that the investment is real, the returns are high and the risks are low. But there’s always a catch.
Click here to read on how to spot an investment scam, common tactics, how to check if an investment is real, and how to reduce the risk of investment scams.
How to become a mono-tasker
Are you addicted to multi-tasking?
It can seem harmless at the time - the to-ing and fro-ing between tasks. But research by Professor David Meyer suggests that when we multi-task - or task switch - things take around 40 per cent longer.
Multi-tasking is addictive. Click here to see three ways to kick your multi-tasking addiction and get more work done in less time
How to protect women from retirement worries
After career-interruption and a lifetime of caring for others, many women have good reason to be concerned about how they will manage during retirement, but research shows early intervention from a financial planner can help build confidence about the future.
There are two possible areas of action:
Preparation for retirement needs to start young and be sustained through life; and
Australia must find a way to ensure that no one is disadvantaged by taking on caring roles that prevent or limit the opportunity for accumulating retirement savings.
Click here to read more
Making the most of tax savings before 30 June
The COVID-19 crisis is turning out to be a tough time for many households. Maximising tax effectiveness is one strategy for being smart with your finances.
With the financial impact of COVID-19 being felt by many individuals and families, perhaps you’re looking to lodge your next tax return quickly to benefit from a refund. Before the end of the financial year arrives on 30 June, it’s worth looking at ways to maximise any tax offsets, deductions and contributions – for your super and for working from home.
Click here to read more
Australian house prices starting to fall - collapse likely averted, but expect more weakness ahead
The attached note updates our analysis of the impact of the Coronavirus shutdown on the Australian housing market.
The key points are as follows:
Australia capital city hoome prices fell by -0.5% in May, based on Core Logic data, with five of the eight capital cities seeing falls including Melbourne (-0.9%) and Sydney (-0.4%)
Significant policy support and the earlier reopening of the economy have made our worst-case scenario for a 20$ decline in average Australian house prices unlikely.
However, our base case is for home prices to fall around 5-10%, as “true” unemployment will remain high, government job and income support measures and the bank payment holiday end in September, immigration falls and new supply is likely to be boosted via government measures designed to support home building. Sydney and Melbourne are likely to be impacted the hardest, particularly given their greater exposure to immigration.
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Consumer Guide - Financial Planning in uncertain times
During these unsettling and challenging times, the last thing you need is financial stress. What’s most critical now is the health and safety of you and your family.
The Financial Planning Association of Australia have put together a consumer guide in the hopes that it will be a helpful tool for maintaining your financial well-being amid the current crisis.
Please click here to access the guide
What does the oil price drop mean for dividends?
Oil prices have had a volatile few weeks and some companies will be better placed than others to weather a period of lower prices. A focus on balance sheets will be crucial.
The spread of COVID-19 has caused volatility across financial markets in recent months, but the energy sector has a second crisis to deal with, with crude oil prices tumbling to the point of even turning negative for a brief period.
Click here to read more