Our Blog

May Market Update
Simone Richardson Simone Richardson

May Market Update

As winter approaches and the weather grows cooler, commentary around the 2024-25 Federal Budget is heating up, with the government facing the tension between addressing cost of living pressures without contributing to rising inflation.

Read More
What does the Federal Budget mean for me?
Simone Richardson Simone Richardson

What does the Federal Budget mean for me?

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has high hopes that his 2024 Federal Budget will rein in inflation earlier than expected, ease cost-of-living pressures and build a stronger economy in the future.

Read More
New increased super contribution caps
Simone Richardson Simone Richardson

New increased super contribution caps

As the end of financial year gets closer, some investors are thinking about the most effective ways to boost their super balance, particularly with an increase in the caps on contributions from 1 July.

Read More
Tax changes – what it will mean to me
Simone Richardson Simone Richardson

Tax changes – what it will mean to me

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced changes to address ongoing cost of living pressures with all 13.6 million Australian taxpayers receiving a tax cut from 1 July 2024, compared to the tax they paid in 2023-24.

Read More
Outlook for Australian Interest Rates: Predictions from Major Banks
Simone Richardson Simone Richardson

Outlook for Australian Interest Rates: Predictions from Major Banks

Since the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) raised the official cash rate to 4.35% in November, speculation about potential rate cuts has been rife among economists and homeowners. With inflation slowing and the RBA's target of 2-3% in sight, attention now turns to when variable rate home loan borrowers might experience relief.

Read More
April Market Update
Simone Richardson Simone Richardson

April Market Update

Let’s take a look back at key market trends and economic indicators from March.

Expectations of interest rate cuts later this year in Australia and the United States fuelled activity in the markets last month. The S&P/ASX 200 ended March on another all-time high. Mining shares are driving the market with gold, iron ore and lithium all rebounding. In particular, gold’s rise and rise saw it close at its highest ever US$2,230 an ounce as investors seek a safe haven from geopolitical tensions and interest rate falls.

Read More
Juggling Acts: The Inspiring Stories of Women Excelling in Work and Family Life
Simone Richardson Simone Richardson

Juggling Acts: The Inspiring Stories of Women Excelling in Work and Family Life

In the grand theatre of life, women often find themselves at the centre stage, gracefully juggling the complexities of a thriving career and the responsibilities of a fulfilling family life. The narrative of women seamlessly navigating the delicate dance between work and family is an inspiring tale of resilience, determination, and the unwavering spirit to excel on all fronts.

Read More
Navigating the Economic Horizon: A Look at the 2024 Forecast
Simone Richardson Simone Richardson

Navigating the Economic Horizon: A Look at the 2024 Forecast

As we embark on a new year, the economic landscape continues to evolve, shaped by global events, policies, and market forces. What does 2024 hold for us in the realm of finance and economics? Let's peer into the crystal ball and explore the potential economic forecast for the year ahead.

Read More
Building Wealth: Unveiling the Debt Recycling Strategy
Simone Richardson Simone Richardson

Building Wealth: Unveiling the Debt Recycling Strategy

Embarking on the journey of wealth creation often involves smart financial strategies, and one such strategy that has gained traction is debt recycling. If you're wondering how to turn your existing debts into a powerful tool for building wealth, buckle up – we're about to explore the fascinating world of debt recycling.

Read More
Unlocking Your Dream Home: Understanding the First Home Super Saver Scheme
Simone Richardson Simone Richardson

Unlocking Your Dream Home: Understanding the First Home Super Saver Scheme

So, you've decided it's time to spread your wings and take that exciting leap into homeownership. Congratulations! But, let's face it, navigating the world of real estate can be a maze of challenges, especially when it comes to saving up for that first dream home. Enter the superhero of savings – the First Home Super Saver (FHSS) Scheme.

Read More
2023: A year in review
Simone Richardson Simone Richardson

2023: A year in review

Australia’s economy stubbornly defied predictions during 2023, dashing any hopes that we might begin to return to some kind of normal.

Some had expected an end to the Reserve Bank’s continued cash rate rises during the year. Instead, inflation has been a stubborn foe and we saw five rate rises, adding another 1.25%. But there was good news for property investors with an increase in prices in some cities.

Read More
Australians need help on how to manage huge wealth transfer
Simone Richardson Simone Richardson

Australians need help on how to manage huge wealth transfer

Ever wondered about passing on your hard-earned cash to the kids? Turns out, most Aussies have. They have this burning desire to share the wealth with the next generation. But guess what? They're scratching their heads, wondering, "How do we make that happen?" Fear not, because according to a fresh report from Fidelity International and MYMAVINS, financial advisers are like the superheroes swooping in to save the day.

Read More
March Market Update
Simone Richardson Simone Richardson

March Market Update

After a summer of quite extreme weather in many places around Australia, we can hopefully look forward to the cooler, calmer weather that Autumn brings.

While economic bright spots can be found in Australia right now, there are also some less than stellar results.

Read More
November Market Update
Simone Richardson Simone Richardson

November Market Update

It’s November, and all eyes were on the “race that stops a nation” and the Reserve Bank who met on the same day and increased the cash rate by 0.25% to 4.35%. While this is good news for savers, it's additional pressure on mortgage holders, who will not have seen these highs since November 2011.

Read More
Unlocking the Future: Investing in Artificial Intelligence
Simone Richardson Simone Richardson

Unlocking the Future: Investing in Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a concept confined to science fiction novels or futuristic movies. It's become an integral part of our daily lives, revolutionizing industries across the board. Whether it's optimizing business operations, enhancing healthcare services, or even providing tailored recommendations on your favourite streaming platform, AI is driving innovation and change on a global scale. As AI continues to evolve, many investors are considering the potential it holds. In this blog, we'll explore the ins and outs of investing in artificial intelligence and why it might be a smart move for the future.

Read More
A positive property outlook for some
Simone Richardson Simone Richardson

A positive property outlook for some

Residential property investors have been on a wild ride in recent years as prices slumped during the pandemic then quickly skyrocketed before losing ground again.

Now, with prices levelling out or slowly increasing, there is good news around the corner, according to some analysts.

A combination of positive indicators for housing could help to fuel further price rises.

Read More
When enough is never enough
Simone Richardson Simone Richardson

When enough is never enough

How much is enough? It’s a good question. Our relationship with our finances can be a tricky one. Everyone has a different idea of how much it takes to be comfortable or even well off.

Given it is something that has such a strong influence on how we live our lives it’s unsurprising that money, or the pursuit of it, can develop into somewhat of an addiction.

The million-dollar question is how do you know if you are developing an unhealthy relationship with money and what can you do if you, or someone you know, is heading down that path?

Read More
October Market Update
Simone Richardson Simone Richardson

October Market Update

Welcome to our October update. The warmer weather and spring rains are a welcome break from the colder months. And, while outside activities become more tempting, don’t forget to find a moment or two to review your finances to make sure you’re up-to-date and on-track.

Read More
Deciphering the Negative Yield Curve: Why It's an Essential Economic Indicator
Simone Richardson Simone Richardson

Deciphering the Negative Yield Curve: Why It's an Essential Economic Indicator

In the complex world of finance and economics, there are numerous indicators that experts use to gauge the health and direction of the economy. One such indicator that consistently grabs headlines and commands attention is the yield curve. Among its various forms, the negative yield curve is often considered one of the most crucial indicators. In this blog post, we'll delve into why the negative yield curve is so important and what it can tell us about the state of the economy.

Read More
The risk of risk aversion; a woman's tale
Simone Richardson Simone Richardson

The risk of risk aversion; a woman's tale

Women... over 51% hold a Bachelor degree of higher. We're more educated than ever. However we head up only 10% of ASX 200 companies, make up 14% of skydivers and only 24% of us are investors.

In the ever-evolving landscape of finance, women have made significant strides in recent years. They have shattered the glass ceiling, climbed corporate ladders, and carved their own paths as entrepreneurs and investors. However, one aspect that continues to stand out in the world of finance is the phenomenon of women's financial risk aversion. In this blog, we'll delve into the reasons behind this tendency, its implications, and how women can empower themselves to overcome it.

Read More

Inspiring you to be financially free