Seven lessons from the Global Financial Crisis for investors

Seven lessons from the Global Financial Crisis for investors Key points The key lessons for investors from the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) are that: there is always a cycle; while each cycle is different, markets are pushed to extremes of valuation and sentiment; high returns come with higher risk; be sceptical of financial engineering or hard-to-understand products; avoid too much gearing or gearing of the wrong sort; the importance of proper diversification; and the importance …

The pullback in shares – seven reasons not to be too concerned

09 February 2018 The pullback in shares – seven reasons not to be too concerned Key points The current pullback in shares has been triggered by worries around US inflation, the Fed and rising bond yields but made worse by an unwinding of bets that volatility would continue to fall. We may have seen the worst, but it’s too early to say for sure. However, our view remains that it’s just another correction. Key things …

7 tips on how to retire early

7 tips on how to retire early Are you dreaming about early retirement, but unsure how to go about it? You might be surprised to learn that Aussies are retiring earlier, with 25% of men retiring before age 55 and 50% retiring between 55 to 64 years. For women, the figures are higher, with 55% stopping work before they reach 55 and 36% retiring between the ages of 55 and 64 years1. But while these …

Seven steps to cutting debt

  Seven steps to cutting debt It’s time to drop your debt weight and get financially fit.  You enjoy a challenge – right? Then step towards financial fitness by cutting your debts this year. Understand and embrace your debt. Firstly, work out where and what type of debt you have and start to plan how you’re going to cut it down. For example, if you roll multiple debts into one, you may save on fees …

Seven tips to travel on a budget

Seven tips to travel on a budget  Careful planning can help you enjoy a great holiday, whatever your budget Does it feel like ages since your last holiday? Maybe with responsibilities like paying off your credit card, saving for your first home, or paying back your university fees, your next holiday still seems a long way off… Well, don’t despair. There are plenty of ways to take a break without breaking the budget. Go social—Check …