This short article examines the cost of financial scams, the impact they have on Australians and emphasises the importance of awareness and preparedness in combating cyber fraud.

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According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), in 2022 financial scams cost Australians around $3 billion.

Financial fraudsters deceive, manipulate and exploit victims into making financial transactions or investments, or sharing sensitive information for illegal profit, money laundering or even funding terrorism activities.

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To avoid financial stress caused by unexpected expenses, it's important to build an emergency fund. This fast financial fact quickly details how.

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Many people find themselves under pressure when unexpected bills arrive or costs of living increase, often leading to maxed-out credit cards or costly personal loans.

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This article explores how diversifying your portfolio over different asset classes and industry sectors can minimise risk and provide more stable returns over time.

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Diversification is a crucial strategy to reduce investment risk and achieve stable returns over the long term. By spreading your portfolio across different asset classes like equities, fixed interest, property, and cash, you can protect your capital during adverse market conditions while benefiting from potential growth during prosperous times.

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This fast fact explores the distinction between being rich and being wealthy, highlighting the importance of financial literacy, personal values, long-term perspective, and strategic planning in achieving true financial success and freedom.

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Financial success is more than just being rich; it's about achieving sustainable wealth.

Being rich means having money and assets, but being wealthy involves long-term investments and passive income streams.

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A quick reminder to search for lost super accounts based on astounding figures released by the ATO.{tab Introduction}

Yes, that sounds incredible but the Australian Tax Office announced in November 2018 that there is an unclaimed (lost) superannuation account holding $220,000! That’s enough to make you find out if it could be yours – or a family member’s?{snippet alias="article-message"}{/tabs}

This Fast Financial Fact is a quick reminder to keep an estate plan, particularly the Will, current.{tab Introduction}

Estate planning ensures that when we die, our assets can be passed promptly and tax-effectively to the people we love or the charities we support.

Many events can trigger a need to review your Will, such as:

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This fast fact reminds your readers to not get caught up in the commentary and opinion associated with the latest Federal Budget proposals and to wait to see what is actually passed as law.

[Subscriber note: we will be writing about the changes announced in the Federal Budget as they become law. This creates more certainty for your clients about what may actually affect them vs mere proposals.]{tab Introduction}

Please remember that although the Federal Budget generates media frenzy, most of the major changes announced are only proposed changes.{snippet alias="article-message"}{/tabs}

This fast fact explains the effect holding more equity has on a mortgage interest rate. It highlights the opportunity for people with more equity in their property to get lower interest rates.

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Ever wondered why some people get better interest rate deals than others? Perhaps you’ve had a chat at a barbecue and discovered your host is paying a lesser rate than you?

This could be the reason…

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A short but important reminder for your small business clients to regularly compare actual results to budgets.

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When was the last time you reviewed your business budget?

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This fast fact reminds your readers to not get caught up in the commentary and opinion associated with the latest Federal Budget proposals and to wait and see what is actually passed as law.

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Please remember that although the Federal Budget generates media frenzy, most of the major changes announced are only proposed changes. They will not come into effect until passed by both Houses of Parliament and receive the Governor General's Assent.

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This fast fact briefly outlines the main changes effective 1 January 2017 to the age pension. For full details download article RETA015.{tab Introduction}

Currently, pensions are reduced by $1.50/fortnight for every $1,000 of assessable assets above the assets-test free amount for a full pension.

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Is it a) your house, b) your superannuation, or c) your income?

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