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In brief
What to expect in 2016?
Is it time to go back to basics?
Key strategies to help achieve real returns
Part 3 of the ESG series: Unconventional gas and a low carbon economy
What to expect in 2016?
DR SHANE OLIVER Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist Multi-Asset Group
As 2015 has come to a close, it's now time when investors typically reflect on their positions – perhaps learning from market and subsequent investment performance throughout the year – and strategise for the New Year.
Have ...
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How to make working later in life work for you
The relationship between work and retirement is changing. Nowadays we expect a lot more from our later years than previous generations - we're no longer satisfied with treading water and we want to go freestyle.
But with the pension qualification age increasing1, people living longer2 and concerns about whether we have enough money in our super, we may have to work longer to generate enough income to maintain our lifestyle and enjoy a comfortable retirement3.
For an increasing number of Australians working longer in ...
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Insurance – how much do you need?
You probably already have your car, your home and your health needs covered. But have you thought about insuring your family’s most important asset—your ability to earn an income? As well as life insurance, you can also protect yourself against loss of income, disability and specific trauma events.
When you’re insuring your car or home and contents, it’s fairly straightforward to work out how much cover you need. But when you’re insuring yourself it can be a bit trickier. It’s worth thinking ...
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Where there’s a will there’s a way
A will lets you decide how your belongings and money will be distributed when you die. And who'll care for any dependent children you may have. If you haven't specified what you'd like to happen with your assets when you pass away, your love ones may not receive them.
It can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to making a will. And we’re here to help. We can help you with the importance of having a will, how to ...
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House price growth predicated to fade in 2015 after a solid spring
Domain Group Senior Economist Dr Andrew Wilson says capital city house prices are set to grow by an average of 5% over the 2014/15 financial year, with Sydney and Brisbane leading the way.
Australia’s capital city housing markets have performed solidly through the winter of 2014 with the prospect of a generally robust spring selling season ahead.
House price growth will, however, be mixed over the remainder of 2014 and into 2015 as the waning effect of historically-low interest rates and underperforming local ...
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Saving in a Material World
It’s not easy to be thrifty in our consumer society. We’re surrounded by so much temptation that it can be difficult to avoid spending money.
So why not try taking a break from spending? If you can tighten your belt on the little things, it can help ensure you have enough for the odd splurge, that well-earned holiday, or for unforeseen expenses.
Here are some creative ways to cut your spending.
Get smarter with your spending...
Negotiate on your utility bills
It’s a competitive market, with ...
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SMSF
Like other superannuation (super) funds, self-managed super funds (SMSFs) are a way of saving for your retirement. The difference between an SMSF and other types of funds is that, generally, the members of an SMSF are also the trustees. This means the members of the SMSF run it for their own benefit.
The ATO is the regulator of SMSFs.
Thinking about self-managed super
SMSFs are not for everyone and you should think carefully before deciding to set one up. It is a major financial ...
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Searching for income in the current environment
A question many investors face is where to invest for sources of income in a low yield environment. With the official cash rate on hold at 2.5% since August 2013, many investors are looking for income opportunities outside of term deposits.
Sources of income are available outside of term deposits and across the traditional risk spectrum through equities and listed property in the form of dividends, and through bonds and hybrids in the form of coupon payments for bonds held.
Equity income is ...
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Living and dying: doing it your way
Living longer is something to be celebrated. But it can be a less settling prospect if advancing age or an accident reduces your capacity to make decisions. Worse still, if you are incapacitated.
It is a good reason to make provisions ahead of time to pass on some, or all, of the responsibility relating to your financial and other affairs. This might include how you want your future health, medical treatment and personal
care to be managed.
The following ‘tools’ are governed by different ...
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