Trump’s early weeks in office have been marked by a raft of tariffs including 25% on Australian steel and aluminium imports. Canada and Mexico have also been hit with 25% tariffs on everything except energy (which is 10%) and he has imposed a 10% tariff on China. Since then, Trump has agreed to a one-month delay on the tariffs to Canada and Mexico subject to border and drug conditions. With Governments around the world responding in a multitude of ways, the uncertainty and threat of more tariffs means market volatility will likely remain high. What does this mean for Australia?

For many people thinking about money feels intimidating, stressful, or even boring! BUT taking a bit of time out to put your financial foundations in place will provide you with enormous peace of mind and a map for your future security. It may also help you weather any unexpected financial hiccups if they arise.

The biggest mistake you can make when it comes to money is not getting started. Procrastination can negatively impact your long-term wealth. If you are someone who tends to put financial matters to the side, you are not alone. Getting on top of things such as insurances, tax planning and investments will ultimately provide peace of mind and set us up for a more secure future. Here we discuss common roadblocks and provide tips for overcoming reluctance to tackle financial tasks.

A healthy financial plan requires saving and investing and it is important to know how they differ. Putting some money aside in a savings account is good for providing a safety net and achieving short-term goals, while investing may provide higher long-term returns and should create wealth and income over time.

Total and Permanent Disablement (TPD) approvals are granted when someone has experienced a life changing health event or injury. Naturally, they come with concerns about future financial security and clients are often quite distressed. If you have had a superannuation TPD claim recently approved, we recommend you seek financial planning advice before you make a withdrawal. TPD payouts allow for some unique and technical financial strategies.

Investing in your family is always a good thing however research consistently shows that women are more likely to take time out of paid work to care for children. This leads to a short fall when it comes to retirement savings. The latest research from ASFA shows a 25% difference, with the median balance for those aged 60 to 64 at $211, 996 for men and $158, 806 for women. 

Financial setbacks hurt. They are not uncommon and happen for many reasons. If this has happened to you or someone you know it is important to know that you can rebuild. 15 years ago, a new client appeared on our doorstep seeking advice on how to get back on his feet. We love this story as it is a pin up case study on the benefit of a financial planner and a disciplined client working together.

In recent years, the Australian government has implemented significant tax reforms aimed at providing cost of living relief to taxpayers. Most notable are the stage 3 tax cuts, which come into effect on 1 July 2024. These changes will amend personal income tax rates and thresholds, offering tax relief for all income earners.

This provides a timely juncture to review your financial plan. Get in touch with your adviser about the best solution for your individual circumstances to ensure you maximise potential benefits of these tax savings.

On Tuesday evening, the treasurer Jim Chalmers handed down his third Labor Budget. A Budget surplus of $9.3 billion is forecasted for 2023-24 which will be short-lived with an underlying cash deficit of $28.3 billion is expected in 2024-25 (and a $42.8 billion deficit for 2025-26). The Budget noted a weak and uncertain global economy where growth is forecast to remain subdued over the next few years.