Posts by Katrina Haskew
Taming the Australian Share market: How Equal Weights, Factors and Structure Can Help Everyday Investors
For many Australian investors, broad index funds and familiar blue‑chip shares are the backbone of their portfolios. It’s easy to see why—these options are low‑cost, simple to understand and offer quick exposure to a wide range of local companies. But the Australian sharemarket has some unique quirks. Many investors don’t realise just how much of…
Read MoreBuilding Resilient Portfolios in a Changing Currency Landscape
The US dollar has long been the anchor of the global financial system the currency many Australians grew up believing was the safest place to turn when markets turned turbulent. But recent events and longer-term economic trends suggest that its status as the world’s unquestioned safe haven is shifting. This newsletter doesn’t tell you what…
Read MoreNew Year, New You: 3 Simple Steps to Smarter Financial Goals
The start of a new year often brings renewed motivation. Many of us set goals around health, lifestyle and personal growth and for many Australians, one of the most common resolutions is to get smarter with money. It’s a great intention, but on its own it can be hard to act on. Financial progress doesn’t happen…
Read MoreEnd-of-Year Financial Checklist: Is Your Plan Still on Track?
As the year draws to a close and thoughts turn to spending time with family, friends, and perhaps enjoying a well-earned break, it’s also an ideal time to pause and reflect on your financial position. Over the past 12 months, a lot may have changed your income, expenses, family circumstances, goals, or even how comfortable…
Read MoreSuperannuation Withdrawals Demystified: How and When to Access Your Retirement Savings
Understanding when and how you can access your superannuation is one of the most important steps in preparing for retirement. Clarity around the legal conditions of release, tax implications, and strategic planning can help turn a lifetime of savings into a sustainable income stream. This article explains in plain language how Australians can legally and…
Read MoreA PRACTICAL GUIDE TO NAVIGATING RETIREMENT CONCESSIONS AND ENTITLEMENTS
The Challenge for RetireesEvery year, thousands of Australians nearing or in retirement confront the same frustrating bureaucracy: a complex and often confusing patchwork of federal and state concession schemes designed to ease the cost of living—but difficult to find, claim, or renew. As noted in Firstlinks’ A National Guide to Concession Entitlements (2025), even well-educated…
Read MoreNavigating the Home Guarantee Scheme – Opportunity or Illusion for New Buyers?
From 1 October 2025, the Home Guarantee Scheme is set for one of its most significant transformations yet. With unlimited places for first-home buyers, the removal of income caps, and higher property price thresholds across major cities, the program aims to make home ownership more achievable for Australians who have long struggled to break into…
Read MoreFROM SHAKESPEARE TO SUPER – MASTERING TIME VALUE AND BEHAVIOURAL BIASES FOR LASTING WEALTH
From Shakespeare’s impulsive cry to modern super decisions, this article explores how time perception and behavioural biases shape financial outcomes. Discover how understanding your money psychology, automating smart habits, and leveraging compound growth can help you build lasting wealth
Read MoreStable Money in an Unstable World
As money goes digital, stablecoins promise faster, cheaper transactions—but also spark debate on privacy and financial control. This article explores the opportunities and risks of stablecoins in Australia, helping readers navigate the new era of digital payments with confidence and caution.
Read MoreNavigating Resilient Retirement
Introduction: The Legacy and Limits of the 4% Rule When Bill Bengen first delved into the mathematics of spending in retirement, his aim was to answer a deceptively simple question: how much can you safely draw from your investments each year and never run out of money? After studying a range of portfolios and market…
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