Investment education articles & tips

What is indexation and how does it work?

Indexation is an optional benefit on life insurance policies designed to ensure you’ll always have the same financial freedom in the event of a claim. Not all insurance policies offer indexation. But for those that do, it works by offering you an increase to the sum insured in your policy at each policy anniversary. This increase is designed ...

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The Waiting Game: VanEck’s 2024 Q3 Summary 

Please Note: This report was created and provided by VanEck. Andy Warhol once said, “You need to let the little things that would ordinarily bore you suddenly thrill you.” And that is what markets have been doing this past quarter, every percentage point outside of consensus, and every basis point change has been thrilling markets. But if...

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Retirement Savings: What Every Australian Needs to Know

Key Takeaways: According to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), to have a ‘comfortable’ retirement, single people will need $595,000 in retirement savings, and couples will need $690,000, assuming they receive part Age Pensions.1 Retirement calculators can tell you how much capital you need to support the lifest...

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Divergence: VanEck’s 2024 Q2 Summary 

Please Note: This report was created and provided by VanEck. After a few years where monetary policy around the world was more or less in sync, 2024 looks different with some central banks about to go their separate ways. China continues to ease, albeit reluctantly. The US Fed and central banks across Europe sound increasingly hot to trot on ...

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Property Market Update – Positive Start to 2024

As part of the Empower Wealth community, I wanted to share with you my initial thoughts on the property market in 2024.   Based on indications from our team on the ground and the initial data we are collecting, the property market in 2024 has begun stronger than initially expected.  What is interesting about this shift in the ...

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Wash, Rinse, Repeat: VanEck’s 2024 Q1 Summary 

Please Note: This report was created and provided by VanEck. 2023 was a year of multiplicity. We’ve seemingly experienced central banks swinging, depending on your interpretation, back and forth between tightening to loosening all year. The peaks and depths of the US 10-year government bond yields swung between 5.02% (October 2023 high) and...

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The Basics: SMSF & Property

Let’s get down to basics! In this short 90-seconds video, Ben briefly explains why superannuation is so important in Australia and the connection between Self-Funded Superannuation Fund (SMSF) and Property. It's important to remember, though, that while the video shares helpful information, it's not telling you to invest in a SMSF. Everyone's...

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Pros and Cons of SMSF Property

Discover the advantages and disadvantages of an SMSF Property! In this short video, Ben & Bryce chat about the leverage and tax benefits, the limitations and some of the compliance requirements you need to think about before buying an SMSF Property. Please note that while the video shares helpful information, it's not telling you to invest ...

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Unpacking 2023: Household Finances, Inflation, and Property Markets

Hello, Ben Kingsley here, and wow, it's been a mega year again. A very, very fast year that has been the year 2023. And as I reflect on that year, the real big theme to me has been the economy and also very much the cost of living. Everything's costing more and I wanted to bring that theme through in my Christmas message in terms of looking at...

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3 Crucial Tips Before Selling Your Property!

Are the increasing interest rates making you ponder selling your property? You're not alone! BUT Hold onto Your Property!Before you make that significant decision, take a look at this brief video to ensure you've thoroughly thought through these 3 essential must-dos! Should you be in search of experienced and qualified advisors, we're here t...

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Why Now is NOT The Time to Sell Your Property

We've been catching wind of investors offloading their properties lately. With the surge in interest rates, it's entirely understandable. However, are there alternative avenues for you? Watch this short video to discover the happenings during past crises and why holding on to your property might be a wise move to steer clear of potential f...

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A habit of Higher: VanEck’s 2023 Q4 Summary 

Please Note: This report was created and provided by VanEck. For investors, it feels like an episode of The Twilight Zone. What is happening, does not reflect reality. It remains to be seen, but only after the most recent Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting with the market sell off, did it seem like normal transmission may have resum...

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Carry Forward Concessional Contributions

This is the last year to use unused carry-forward concessional contributions accrued in the 2018/19 financial year. With stage 3 tax cuts on the horizon, now is a great time to think about using carry-forward concessional contributions.  Background  Carry-forward concessional contributions (CCs) allow individuals to use unused CC c...

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