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2024 Q2 June Quarter Review
Read more: 2024 Q2 June Quarter ReviewEconomic Overview Q2 2024 was a more subdued quarter than some seen recently, with flat to negative returns in many asset classes. Global markets saw small gains with artificial intelligence again providing a strong lead, although a strengthening Australian dollar clipped returns for unhedged investors. As has become the norm, interest around the timing of any potential rate cuts was again a focus in Q2. In the US there were concerns early in the quarter that the economy was overheating, but by the end of the quarter there were hopes of a soft landing again! For its part, the European…
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What Worries You About Aged Care?
Read more: What Worries You About Aged Care?If you are worried about the need to access aged care, you are not alone. When the time comes it can be daunting, with a lot of new information to take in and many decisions to make. The responsibility to make the right decision for yourself, or a loved one, may weigh heavily on your mind. From our experience, the four of the most common worries that people raise include: Quality of care: One of the main concerns is whether the quality of care provided will meet needs and expectations. Reports of inadequate staffing, neglect, or instances of abuse have…
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The USA
Read more: The USAAs of writing the S&P 500 in the US is up nearly 15% year to date. That would be a decent annual return, but we’ve not yet notched six months in 2024 so it’s a very impressive return for half a year. Recently a poll conducted for the Guardian found 49% of Americans believed the S&P 500 was in the red this year. Still, that’s an improvement from September 2023. Back then 59% of Americans thought the S&P 500 was down for the year. At the time it was up 16% and finished up 26% for 2023. Unemployment? That’s never…
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Get Ahead of Frailty with a Life Plan
Read more: Get Ahead of Frailty with a Life PlanThe COVID-19 pandemic gave us all a sneak peek into what life might be like if we lost independence and mobility. But what if the limitations were not due to an international pandemic and were not affecting everyone in your street, but just you? What if it was your own personal capacity (physical or mental frailty) that was restricting your independence? Many retirees live independent lives, but research shows that on average, you might expect 17-25% of your retirement years to be frailty years. While this may sound grim, it is not all bad. Just don’t let frailty creep up…
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End of Financial Year Reminder 23/24
Read more: End of Financial Year Reminder 23/24Things to consider as the end of the financial year approaches. Changes to be aware of… Increased Tax Savings via Concessional Contributions Before 30 June 2024 Given tax rates across most income brackets will be lower in the next financial year due to Stage 3 tax cuts, making voluntary concessions contributions before June 30 may offer a greater tax benefit. For example, for someone earning $80,000 their marginal tax rate drops from 34.5% to 32% while the tax rate on superannuation remains at 15%, so any contributions made in the current financial year, where their marginal rate is 34.5%, will…
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