5-Star vacations without the 5-Star budget

If you enjoy a touch of luxury when you get away, thinking about the ideal vacation can conjure up daydreams of sipping champagne by an infinity pool, relaxing in a fluffy hotel robe and slippers, and having someone bring you room service. The problem is, it’s easy to blow the budget if you enjoy the … Read more

Smart moves before the financial year ends

The end of the financial year is an opportunity to optimise your financial strategy, take advantage of tax deductions, and set yourself up for the new financial year. Whether you’re looking to maximise tax benefits, rebalance your investment portfolio, or to simply ensure you’re ticking all the right boxes, smart end of financial year (EOFY) … Read more

Scams: knowledge is protection

Scammers operate in an ever-evolving space and the scams of today are far more sophisticated than they have ever been, targeting even the most financially literate individuals. In addition to the financial impact from a scam, it can affect your mental health as well as damage your reputation, so understanding how scammers operate is the … Read more

5 steps towards a financially fit retirement

If retirement is just around the corner, the current financial climate may make you feel a little uneasy. Watching the markets fluctuate might leave you worrying about whether your superannuation will be enough to see you through. It’s not a time for hasty moves, though. If you are concerned a calm review of your current … Read more

Forging new bonds – how bonds work

Bonds are not usually the flashy upstarts of the investment world with their every move reported, like stocks. But the Trump Administration’s extraordinary refashioning of world trade, with on-again off-again tariffs of eye watering amounts, has put bond markets in a similar position to share markets – in turmoil. So, with the bond markets attracting … Read more

The generation redefining aging

As we advance into the 21st century, the concept of aging is undergoing a transformation, largely thanks to a new generation of “oldies” who don’t feel old – and are reframing what it means to be getting on in years. Traditionally, aging has been associated with decline, frailty, and a sense of irrelevance. However, today’s … Read more

How to financially ease into retirement

Deciding when to retire is a big decision and even more difficult if you are concerned about your retirement income. The average age of Australia’s 4.2 million retirees is 56.9 years but many people leave it a little later to finish work with most intending to retire at just over 65 years.i If you’re not … Read more

Guiding the way: the art of effective leadership

‘A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.’ – John Maxwell What does it mean to be an effective leader? It’s not just about giving orders or managing processes; it’s about creating an environment where individuals feel supported, motivated, and aligned with a shared vision. Whether you’re aspiring … Read more

Market movements and review video – April 2025

Stay up to date with what’s happened in the Australian economy and markets over the past month. Following March’s Federal Budget, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a national election for May 3, kicking off a campaign centred on tax cuts and cost-of-living relief. Globally, trade war worries dominated headlines and contributed to markets falls during … Read more