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

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

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

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

Entering the world of investing can be a life-changer for people of all ages. Here are seven simple steps for beginners to start their wealth journey. 1. Do a financial stocktake Before taking the leap into investing, evaluate your financial position. Assess your income, savings, living expenses and, perhaps most importantly, your personal debts (you may focus first on clearing high-interest credit card debt). An honest assessment will give you clarity about the funds you hav

Discover ways to answer the common question ‘How much do I need to retire? Learn about retirement costs How much retirement costs depends on what you want out of retirement, and your individual needs and circumstances. The lifestyle you want may look different to another person's, so your living costs will be different. For example, you might prioritise travel, whilst your friends want to stay close to the grandchildren at home. However, there are ways to get an overview of w

If you are trying to get ahead financially, it can sometimes feel harder than it should be. You budget, you plan, and you do your best, yet real progress in paying down debt and building significant savings can feel painfully slow. While managing expenses is important, there is another side of the equation that often makes the biggest difference. Increasing how much you earn. There is only so much you can financially cut back before it starts to affect your quality of life. Y

Stopping work is a big shift – especially when you haven’t planned for it. Why you might face a sudden retirement Only one-third of Australians retire because they’ve reached retirement age. For many, retirement happens earlier than they expect due to events outside their control. These can include: Job loss or redundancy: some people are forced to retire when they lose their job and can’t find another, or if their business closes Caring responsibilities: people may stop w