Superannuation stumbling blocks

Superannuation stumbling blocks What’s stopping you from saving for a retirement you can really look forward to? Take a look at these four common barriers to saving more super and make a plan for having all your goals and financial priorities in order. 1. Enjoying life to the full Living for the moment is something that may come very naturally to you. Perhaps you’ve always been comfortable living month to month on your salary, seizing …

When to charge your kids board

When to charge your kids board It’s not just those aged 20 to 24 living at home – about 5% of people 40 and over are also sharing a roof with mum and dad. I recently came across a news story about a hapless New York couple, who have taken their 30-year old son to court in a last-ditch effort to get him to move out of home. My first thought was “only in America”. …

The future for working mothers

The future for working mothers On Mother’s Day 2018, we explore some of the challenges currently facing working Mums in Australia and whether they can expect better career opportunities, rewards and work-life balance in the future. Challenge 1: Mind the gap According to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, women take home on average $251.20 less than men each week (based on full-time adult earnings), creating a national gender “pay gap” of 15.3%1. This means that women, on …

Investing for kids – ways to save for their future

Investing for kids – ways to save for their future Whether you’re thinking about childcare, education or beyond, saving even a bit now could make a big difference later. It’s natural to want the best for the children in your life, whether you’re their parent, step-parent, carer, aunty, uncle, grandparent or even godparent. And, while money won’t be the be all and end all when it comes to raising happy little humans, you’d probably agree …

Should you make your kids pay rent?

Should you make your kids pay rent? Either way, some form of agreement should be reached so that what everyone wants is considered, and it’s not a one-sided affair. When your kids grow up, at least enough to hold down a steady job, one question many parents and carers might ask themselves is, should I charge my kids board? Some people will tell you yes, some people will tell you no, but at the end …

Helping your kids buy a home

Helping your kids buy a home Increasing house prices are good news for property owners but can be a bit of a hurdle for people trying to get into the market. If, like many of our clients, your goal is to help your children buy a home, there are a few ways you can help. Perhaps some of the tips below might give you an idea or two to discuss with your adviser. 1. Start …

Will my kids ever leave home?

Will my kids ever leave home? These days it can be natural for kids to stay at home until adulthood—our 7 tips can help ensure your own goals don’t pay the price. If you were expecting to have the house to yourself once your kids reached a certain age, you may have to adjust your expectations. Because for Generation Y—or millennials as they’re often called—moving out is not the rite-of-passage it once was. In 2011, …

10 reasons your kids won’t listen to your money advice

10 reasons your kids won’t listen to your money advice …and how you can bring them around Every parent wants the best for their children but kids often won’t listen to the wisdom of your experience, especially when it comes to money. Don’t give up! Here are some of the common beliefs and misconceptions kids have about managing money—and how you could get them to take your advice. Money buys happiness This is one of …

How can you give your kids money smarts?

How can you give your kids money smarts? Children learn a lot from their parents when it comes to money—arm yours for financial success. When it comes to money, your own behaviour and attitudes can strongly influence your kids.  Help your kids to be money smart by demonstrating positive money habits and teaching them valuable lessons as they grow older. Teaching money smarts Money management has always been important for children to learn about, especially …

Teach Kids the Value of Saving and Budgeting Money

Teach Kids the Value of Saving and Budgeting Money Do you want your children to make the same mistakes with money as you did? Naturally, you want your children to learn from the mistakes that you made when you were young. If you learned the value of saving your hard-earned money the hard way, you should teach your children about the value of saving and budgeting money. Instill good habits in them now, before they …