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Saving money can be difficult at the best of times. But when everyday items such as electricity, groceries, and petrol prices go north, it pays to have some smart strategies up your sleeve to help you keep the saving momentum going.

As humans, sacrificing in the short term for long-term reward goes against our grain. Our brain works hard to come up with excuses for why we can’t save more. These excuses try to distract and protect us from anxiety and shame, but they don’t serve us long term.

Luckily, behavioural science can teach us a thing or two about how to find more success when it comes to saving. Whether you’re planning that long-awaited overseas trip, tackling some home renovations, or saving for retirement, try these ideas on for size.

For many of us, the period just before the end of the financial year can be an important time to look at finances. Taking stock at this time is a great way to check-in on your situation and see if any changes are needed in the lead up to 30 June.

For example, it may be a good idea to review your existing (and expected) concessional contributions to superannuation for the 2021-22 financial year—to see if you are making the most of the annual concessional contributions cap limit.

Below we’ve included a list of some key EOFY considerations to bear in mind. While these strategies may help reduce your personal income tax and/or provide for your retirement, their suitability will depend on your own eligibility and circumstances. As always, it’s important to seek qualified professional advice before making any changes to your finances.

The great Australian dream of owning property has become a tall order for first-time home buyers. And with the soaring cost of living, saving for a deposit isn’t getting any easier.

As a parent, you may be thinking about tapping into your savings or home equity or going Guarantor to help your children secure a home loan. You’re not alone. Parental contribution is on the up, with parents contributing around $90,000 per child on average^*, a 20% increase on the previous year. The ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ has become Australia’s 9th biggest mortgage lender.

Like all financial decisions, there can be some risks and important considerations to weigh up before stepping in to help. And making sure you understand the impact on your finances and your future is key.

The destructive nature of 'Sequencing Risk'

In this short video, Sam Stillone (Senior Financial Consultant) explains 'Sequencing Risk', how it can impact your portfolio and how it can destroy your retirement lifestyle plans.  Sam also discusses how you can avoid its destructive nature to secure your wealth leading up to and in retirement.

Treasurer Frydenberg delivered the 2021-22 Budget on 11 May 2021. Notably, within the Budget papers were key proposed super measures, relevant to wealth accumulators and retirees alike.

Of these measures, several encompassed changes to the Super Guarantee, the First Home Super Saver Scheme, the Downsizing measure, and the work test for super contributions.

These measures were recently introduced into parliament on 27 October 2021—within the Treasury Laws Amendment (Enhancing Superannuation Outcomes For Australians And Helping Australian Businesses Invest) Bill 2021—and are now making their way through the legislative process.

Below is an overview of these measures, due to start from 1 July 2022, if legislated (without changes).

What keeps us happy and healthy as we go through life?

If you think it's fame and money, you're not alone – but, according to psychiatrist Dr Robert Waldinger, you're mistaken. As the director of 75-year-old study on adult development, he has unprecedented access to data on true happiness and satisfaction. In this talk, he shares three important lessons learned from the study as well as some practical, old-as-the-hills wisdom on how to build a fulfilling, long life.

We are pleased to share with you a special piece from renowned Australian money educator Vanessa Stoykov.

Below, Vanessa discusses why it’s key to set investment goals and follow through with a plan to achieve them.

The Business World is Becoming a Smaller Place

There is no doubt that the internet, advances in technology and the use of platforms such as eBay and Amazon have allowed even small business to expand and access customers in previously inaccessible international regions. 

With the globalisation of business earnings, some investors may conclude that they only need to hold Australian shares and property assets to achieve an adequate level of diversification when constructing an investment portfolio.

While record low interest rates around the world have thus far managed to stave off a world wide, they are now fuelling higher prices for regular day-to-day goods and services.  This increase in prices can have both positive and negative effects for the economy, investment markets and your investment approach.