Tag: Retirement
How to stay focussed in volatile markets
Investing in markets means volatility. When done well, you are getting paid for taking on risk. So why is it that sharp drops in the market have such a visceral impact on us? We only have to go back to early February, when markets dropped 4.6% in a few days to recall such a time of alarming headlines and concerned conversations.
Maximising your retirement benefits
After working hard for so many years, naturally you want your retirement to be as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. That’s why it’s worth knowing which types of government support you may be entitled to when you’re transitioning into this new phase of life.
How to avoid isolation and stay safe in retirement
It’s a common enough scenario facing many older Australians: you find yourself living alone, due to divorce or the death of a partner, and the kids have moved away – often interstate or overseas – leaving you with no close family nearby.
Funding retirement income in a low interest rate environment
While a traditional bank deposit is generally regarded as one of the safest forms of investment, it also currently offers amongst the lowest returns. For those relying on bank deposits to fund their retirement income, the current record low interest rate environment offers little reward.
Don’t be driven by short-term sentiment and emotion
Arguably, the most common fear holding an investor back from achieving a great return is a misunderstanding of what happens when markets fall (as they invariably do). In order to use fear to our advantage, we would be well served to seek to understand the following three principles around shares and their value …
Millions but not all to benefit from 2017 super changes
With changes to super now in effect, numerous Australians will get a leg up, many being low-income earners. According to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), more than four million Australians will benefit from the super changes that came into effect on 1 July 2017.
Ways to manage your debt leading up to and during your retirement
While most Aussies had planned to retire at age 65, the reality is that around a quarter of us are expecting to delay our retirement. The most recent Retirement and Retirement Intentions survey data released by ABS in 2015 found the number of people aged 45 and over who intend to retire later than age 65 is 23%, compared to only 8% of people surveyed in 2004-051.
Do you have insurance in your lost superannuation?
Would you go out for a coffee and leave $10,000 on the table because you forgot? Of course you wouldn’t, and if you did, you would go back and get it! Then why are so many of us losing track of our superannuation accounts and potential insurance that they usually carry?
Super reforms explained
If you are waiting for the superannuation reforms announced in the Budget to pass Parliament before working out what they mean to you, you might miss out on any opportunities available.
Make my retirement funds last the distance
Retirement should be a time when we reap the rewards of our working life, and being able to enjoy your preferred lifestyle calls for some planning.
How do transition to retirement strategies work?
Even if you’re nearing retirement age you might not be looking to leave the workforce just yet. Maybe you want to save more money or perhaps you enjoy the interaction and mental stimulation.
Election Battleground – Your Retirement Savings!
For the first time in my life, I watched the budget reply speech in May. The problem is, both Government and Opposition budget proposals are now purely election promises. With the Election called for 2nd July, the Federal Government has moved into Caretaker mode.