Understanding your risk profile is one of the most important steps you can take as an investor. It helps shape how your money is invested and whether you’ll feel comfortable staying the course when markets rise and fall. How much risk can you tolerate? Your attitude to risk is one of the most important factors to consider when it comes to investing. This is because growth assets, like shares and property securities, tend to have more volatile returns over the shorter term but

A range of superannuation changes that came into effect on 1 July 2026, are reinforcing the role of super as one of the most tax-effective investment structures available. For many investors, it’s not simply that super remains attractive but that the rules continue to change. Understanding these changes can help ensure your strategy takes advantage of available opportunities while staying on track with your financial goals. A changing tax environment Outside of super, tighter

As the days grow shorter and the mornings a little crisper, winter is quietly making its entrance. In some places it brings frosty weather and extra layers, while in others it is a gentle shift with cooler evenings and a respite from the heat. Either way, the change in season often brings a noticeable difference in mood, energy, and overall health. If you are already feeling a bit flat, tired, or more prone to the sniffles, you are not imagining it. The combination of less da

Your favourite finfluencer’s content might sound good, but you should still run some checks before you commit your money. What is a finfluencer? Financial influencers (aka 'finfluencers') discuss financial products and services online through social media platforms and/or a website. Their content tends to be highly relatable, with personal stories relating to their finances paired with curated imagery of their lives. Some finfluencers are hobbyists; for some it’s their career

The income assumptions many have carried into retirement are being tested in the current economic climate. Markets have lurched from one direction to another; interest rates have lifted faster than expected, with the possibility of more increases in the months ahead, and there’s no end in sight to the global uncertainty. While the market shocks are interspersed with periods of relative calm, The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) warns that the disruption could pose challenges t

Balancing Australian and global shares means weighing growth, income & currency risk Getting investment exposure to global companies through share markets makes sense, but weighing up risks such as currency fluctuations is important. Many Australians have a justified love affair with the domestic share market. The Australian share market has delivered solid long‑term returns for investors, underpinned by strong performance across sectors such as financials and resources. Howe

Five easy ways to get more into your super fund before the end of the financial year With the end of the current financial year fast approaching, time is running out if you’re planning to boost your superannuation balance before 30 June. Even depositing a small amount of extra money into your super account before 30 June this year could make a big difference to your overall retirement balance over the longer term, thanks to compounding investment returns. Below are five ways

A practical benchmark for planning your retirement lifestyle When planning for retirement, one of the most common questions we hear is: 'How much do I actually need? 'The ASFA Retirement Standard helps answer this by providing a clear, research-based benchmark of what it costs to fund different retirement lifestyles in Australia. What is the ASFA Retirement Standard? The ASFA Retirement Standard estimates how much income retirees need to support either a modest or comfortable

For years, the idea of “Blue Zones” captured the world’s imagination. Certain regions such as Okinawa, Sardinia, Ikaria and Nicoya were said to be places where people routinely lived past 100 years old in good health. The promise was simple and compelling: follow their lifestyle, and a long, vibrant life might follow. In recent years, however, that story has become more complicated. A necessary reality check New research has raised questions about the original Blue Zones clai

Retiring well means making a series of decisions to ensure a financially secure post-work life. One practical step is to work out the income you need each week to survive and thrive when you stop working. If you are one of the many Australians still working and growing your super, knowing more about tailored retirement income products might help to plan. There are two main ways to use super savings in retirement: through products that provide an income stream, and/or through