Social media could influence us to spend impulsively.
Can social media use be linked to spending? Research shows it can. For example, one study found that social networks such as Facebook and Instagram can motivate impulsive buying behaviours.[1] But how does social media affect our spending? 1. Advertising Sites like Facebook and Instagram have evolved from social networking platforms to powerful advertising tools. We…
Read MorePutting your goals first
A goals-based investment approach isn’t focused on ‘beating the market’. It’s about tailoring your investments to meet your personal goals. Performance comparisons are unavoidable in the investment world. Every day you see investment managers measuring their success by how much they’ve outperformed the market, or their peers, over a given time period. However most people…
Read MoreMarket Wrap
Risk assets faltered The rally from December faltered slightly with most equity markets down for the month. Global shares were down 2% and up 0.3% in hedged and unhedged terms, respectively. Domestically, Australian shares underperformed international markets this month with -2.4% performance in August. Australian health care stocks continued to perform strongly with CSL (ASX:…
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Markets rallied on rate cuts… The rally from December has continued into July with most equity markets up for the month. Global shares were up 1.1% and 2.3% in hedged and unhedged terms, respectively. Domestically, Australian shares outperformed international markets this month with 2.9% performance in June. Australian health care stocks performed well with Resmed…
Read MoreSMSF regulatory update
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO), as self-managed super funds (SMSFs) regulator, has recently announced it will contact approximately 17,700 SMSF trustees in relation to their investment strategy. This is due to growing concerns that some SMSFs are invested in an overly concentrated manner, typically with real property. The ATO statement can be found here. The ATO…
Read MoreStarting Again Financially
For many women (or men), starting again after being left widowed or divorced can be difficult and overwhelming. Consider how good financial advice can make a real difference. Finding yourself alone after many years of living in a partnership can be difficult. Not only are you adjusting to emotional strains, but you may need to…
Read MoreSuccessful Investor Secrets
The investment world can change dramatically from one month to the next. But these secrets of successful investors never go out of style. Successful investing can be one of your biggest allies in the quest for long-term financial security. Unfortunately, unsuccessful investing can leave you wishing you’d kept your money in the bank. So what…
Read MoreMarket Wrap
Markets rallied on rate cuts… • The rally from December lows resumed in June with most equity markets up for the month. • Global shares were up 5.9% and 5.3% in hedged and unhedged terms, respectively. • Domestically, Australian shares lagged international markets this month with 3.7% performance in June. • Australian communication shares rallied…
Read MoreWhat the election outcome means for you?
The federal election is done and dusted, and the Coalition Government has been given another three years in power. How will this outcome affect Australians’ finances? What will change – and what won’t – when it comes to policies affecting people’s money? Can we expect any surprises? The Coalition Government staying in power will largely…
Read MorePrune, adapt and budget: Managing the rising cost of living
If you’re organised with your finances, the high cost of living doesn’t have to mean diminished savings. The increasing cost of goods and services – from food and housing to transport and utilities – is a reality most Australians have to face every day. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows that living…
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