This article highlights some of the key super issues (excluding investment markets) that should be at the forefront in these volatile times. The article covers salary sacrifice to cash, and life insurance through super.
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When markets get bumpy or household budgets feel tighter, it’s common for people to start questioning their super. If your balance has dipped or returns haven’t met expectations, you might wonder whether continuing to contribute is worth it — or whether super is really doing its job.

Before making any big decisions, it helps to step back and consider what superannuation is designed to do, and how it can still play a useful role even when conditions feel uncertain.

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This detailed article explains the different types of income-generating investments available, from those that have no potential to lose capital value to those with the potential of capital loss, and those in between.

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Share markets are renowned for taking unexpected downturns and while history shows that markets eventually recover, this rebound in value can occasionally take time. Investors concerned about this risk might consider a stronger focus on income-generating investments. These can range from those that have no potential to lose capital value to ones with a higher risk of capital loss. Outlined below are some options.

Investments with no ‘growth’ component

The following will give you back what you put in plus interest:

Online savings accounts pay a higher rate of interest because there is less cost involved in managing these accounts. The customer “does all the work” meaning the bank doesn’t need to allocate staffing resources. Interest on these accounts can vary substantially between providers and there can be enticing offers of extra or bonus interest for new customers or if you maintain a certain balance. The best advantage of these accounts is that you have access 24/7 to your funds.

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Investment risk is tightly linked to return. Not taking on sufficient investment risk can expose investors to other risks. This article looks at achieving the right balance. It includes a case study to explain.

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If you own an investment property you will be aware that the return from the investment comes from two sources: income in the form of rent paid by the tenant and growth in the form of an increase in the value of the property while you own it. Likewise from a share investment, an investor can receive dividends (income) and capital gain (growth).

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This article helps readers understand the impact of inflation on savings and investments. It shows how cash and low-risk investments can be eroded by inflation, and focuses on the value of a diversified investment approach to safeguard against inflation’s effects.

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Inflation is a slow force working against your financial goals. It can quietly erode the purchasing power of your money over time. While it’s tempting to see cash as a safe haven, failing to factor in inflation could mean your savings are worth less when you need them most.

So, let’s dive into the showdown between inflation and your savings, and explore strategies to fight back!

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This article explores the influence of behavioural biases on investment decisions and offers practical strategies for managing these biases to achieve better investment results.

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Market trends aren't the only factors affecting your investment portfolio—behavioural biases can significantly impact your returns.

These psychological tendencies, like confirmation bias and herd mentality, often lead to poor investment decisions.

Behavioural biases are mental shortcuts or blind spots that can mislead us, even when our choices seem rational.

Understanding the most common biases and their impact on our investment decision-making is crucial for achieving the best possible returns.
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In this article, we will cover five essential steps to get you started on your journey to mastering the art of investing… You’ll be the Da Vinci of investing in no time!

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In an age where investing has evolved from an elite club to a widespread phenomenon, even the novice investor can thrive. But have you ever stopped to wonder what separates successful investors from the rest?

"Investing should be more like watching paint dry or watching grass grow. If you want excitement, take $800 and go to Las Vegas." - Paul Samuelson

The answer lies in mastering the art of investing, a skill accessible to anyone willing to learn but that requires patience, consistency and discipline… much like any artform.

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This article discusses why investors turn to gold during volatile economic times, the benefits and consequences of investing in gold, interesting historical examples of gold stockpiling, and options for modern investors to get exposure to this asset class.

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As investors navigate through unpredictable and volatile economic times, it is essential to consider asset classes that can provide a level of stability and protection against market fluctuations. One such asset that has stood the test of time is gold. For centuries, gold has been a symbol of wealth and has played an essential role in the global economy. In this article, we will explore why investors turn to gold during uncertain times, the benefits and consequences of investing in gold, and how investors can get exposure to this precious metal.

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Surprisingly, many women are retiring in poverty, but this may be about to change. This article discusses why female investors are quickly rising in numbers and how their portfolios tend to differ from their male counterparts.{tab title="Introduction"}

Investment and portfolio building has traditionally been a male-dominated world, but these days more women are trading on the market – and they’re good at it!

According to an ASX Australian Investor Study completed in 2020, women make up 42% of Australian investors, yet 45% of those only began investing in the year prior to 2020.

It’s intriguing that younger women – known as Next Generation Investors aged 18 - 25 – are taking up stock portfolios. Their goals include saving for a holiday (50%) or paying down existing debt (34%). {snippet title="Article Subscribe Message"}{/tabs}

Can you really become wealthy from a get-rich-quick scheme? This article addresses the many “investment opportunities”, both legal and illegal, that promise big returns over a short period of time, explaining the risks associated with each, and the importance of professional advice.

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According to the Collins English Online Dictionary, a get-rich-quick scheme can be defined as, a promise to make a person extremely wealthy over a short period of time, often with little effort and no risk.

If you think that sounds a bit dodgy, you could be right. Yet ordinarily sensible and cautious people signup to such schemes every day.

In difficult times, we can be forgiven for trying to find a simple way to move our finances forward, yet if it seems too good to be true…well, you know the rest.

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With property prices high and interest rates low, many potential homebuyers are struggling to save a large enough house deposit. With the use of a case study, this article discusses the pros and cons of investing your savings if you are a few years out from buying a home.

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It’s never been easy to save the deposit for a home, but low interest rates make it even more difficult. For starters low rates drive up house prices, forcing homebuyers to come up with bigger deposit amounts. Then those low rates rob buyers of the ability to earn a decent, low risk return on their hard-earned savings. When the traditional savings vehicles of homebuyers – savings accounts and term deposits – offer only token rates of interest, aspiring homebuyers start to ask themselves what can they do to build their deposit more quickly?

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Just as night follows day, it seems part of the regular cycle of the world’s share markets that downturns and falling prices follow good times and rising prices.

The impact of the COVID-19 Global Pandemic was typical of such downturns, prompting a 35 per cent sell off in world share markets and a dramatic fall in economic activity. Tourism and hospitality industries, in particular, were brought to their knees by sudden and prolonged closures.

For many, it has prompted memories of other equally, and sometimes more devastating, downturns in the world’s share markets.

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Investing in different asset classes such as equities, commodities, and fixed-income assets is a great way to accumulate wealth, but it is important to have a sound investment strategy in place. This article covers five warning signs that you may be gambling instead of investing.

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The potential financial results of investing can feel limitless, and it can be tempting to think that just one stock pick could make you an overnight millionaire. Yes, stock-picking can have a place in your investment strategy, but if you're focused on the allure of a "get rich quick" mentality, you may be gambling, not investing.

What's the difference?

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The uncertainty that market downturns bring, can cause fear and chaos among clients and investors. This article discusses reasons for market downturns and provides the alternative view that there is a buying opportunity as valuations reduce. There is also a call to action to seek advice from a financial adviser.

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Most people view share market downturns as unequivocally bad events. Suddenly, hard earned savings aren’t worth as much as they were yesterday. It seems as if our money is evaporating, and in the heat of the moment selling up can look like the best course of action.

The alternative view

But on the opposite side of each share sale is a buyer who thinks that they are getting a bargain. Instead of getting 10 shares to the dollar yesterday, they might pick up 12 or 15 to the dollar today. When the market recovers, the bargain hunters can book a tidy profit.

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And so too, a man is a fool if he thinks he can successfully predict the future of the global economy. Like the weather it can be the most unpredictable and destructive threat to your investment earnings. But with a carefully built portfolio based on sound foundations, you have a much better chance of weathering any financial storm.

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