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When it comes to investing in shares, it’s often said that time is your friend. The data shows that investing small amounts consistently over time and riding out the ups and downs of the market by holding onto your investments for the long term, can produce a healthy return. Over the past two decades, the top 500 US companies averaged a 10 per cent annual return and Australia’s S&P ASX All Ordinaries Index recorded an average annual return of 9.2 per cent.i Those returns have been delivered despite some catastrophic events that sent the markets plummeting including the dot-com bubble…

With property remaining a high-priced asset, it’s more important than ever for investors to ensure their property investments are a financial success. The latest data demonstrates property’s popularity. One-in-five households (21%) owns a home in addition to their usual residence.i Maximising taxation benefits is one key element but the ATO recently found 9 out of 10 returns were incorrect, so it’s essential to check your paperwork as we approach the end of the financial year.ii Get your structure right As with any investment asset, ensuring the right ownership structure for a property asset is vital because it can make a…

Key points: The aged care system in Australia has three main pillars — home care, residential aged care, and retirement villages If you can’t afford aged care services, the Government will help pay for the services you need There are other services that provide allied health and wellness supports Examples of care at home could be extra help cleaning the home or more complicated services like nursing care. If you require 24/7 care, you may find a nursing home a better option for your needs. If you are still independent but want added protection and security, you may like to move into…

These three common mistakes are easy to avoid. Making them could be costly.  Sharp downturns on global financial markets are always unsettling. Recently and largely in response to growing fears that the United States is heading into a recession, share markets fell heavily before rebounding. Share markets may remain volatile over the short term. But a key lesson is that it never makes good investment sense to be swayed by the day-to-day movements of share markets into making knee-jerk investment decisions. Rash decisions made in response to short-term events will invariably have negative long-term consequences. What’s most important is to…

Think of your finances like your home: how its foundations are built and maintained determines its ability to stand strong for years to come. Money expert Helen Baker shares how you can get your finances in tip-top shape. Most of us are feeling the pinch from the cost of living crisis: essentials like housing, groceries, and energy keep ballooning in front of our eyes. Simply surviving day-to-day is taking focus from planning for the future. However, having strong financial foundations is critical for both the long and short term, as well as to help you weather any unexpected shocks that may arise.…

Tips for saving money Being a good saver has plenty of advantages beyond your short-term financial goals. It can be the difference between keeping your head above water during difficult financial times and being in financial hardship. Here are our tips to help you become a better saver. 1. Set a savings goal Saving is easier when you have a goal in mind. It might be a holiday, a house deposit, or just a rainy-day fund. To work out the amount you’ll need, be realistic about what you can afford to save each week, fortnight or month. 2. Make a…