Investing today: Getting the right mix
Avant’s November newsletter compares the volatility of shares, property, bonds and cash and explains the importance of focusing on total returns rather than simply headline price and interest rates.
BRIC: Australia’s future fortunes?
There is a flurry of daily news about the drop in share values, but behind the headlines perhaps we are seeing a significant shift taking place. If powerful new economies are emerging and traditional economies are slowing, how will Australia fare? Avant’s October newsletter looks at emerging economies which are outpacing the traditional but slow-growing economic powerhouses…
The debt crisis – not our problem?
From watching the recent market turmoil around the globe Australians may feel like innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire of sovereign debt battles in the US and Europe. With a AAA credit rating does Australia have to worry?
Hold onto our hats
It’s been a shocking few weeks and markets have fallen sharply over recent trading sessions. Fear has set in and investors around the globe simply do not know whether to sit tight or sell up.
End of Financial Year Planning
Last minute things to consider prior to 30 June 2011. Also included are some things to consider for the 2011/12 financial year. 2011 EOFY Planning
2011-2012 Budget Summary
The attached discusses some of the key areas of the Federal Budget that relate to financial planning; namely superannuation, taxation and social security. 2011-12 Budget Summary
The Benefits of Index Funds
It is clear that managed funds offer greater diversification than most people can achieve through direct share investing. Whilst there are many thousands of managed funds they can essentially be broken down to two groups, “active” and “passive”. Active managed funds attempt to outperform the benchmark index through wise stock selection whilst ‘passive’ managed funds…
The Importance Of Budgeting
As a Financial Planner there is one thing I consider to be the most important starting point for anyone wishing to plan for their future. It sounds exciting, but I’m afraid it’s not. It’s actually pretty boring, and tedious; which is perhaps why so few people actually do it… budgeting. Something most people would prefer…
The sun shines on us all
I am always on the look-out for ways my clients can either make money, get given money or reduce tax – preferably in a risk-free way. Solar Power systems are moving onto the roofs of Australian households at an exponential rate. Every day you can see numerous adverts from solar panel providers in the print…
What is Financial Planning?
I thought it wise to share with you what a financial planner actually does, because in my experience most people either have misconceptions or just don’t know. I like to think of financial planning as the process where the client and planner get together to initially discuss the clients’ current situation. The financial planner and…