The Reserve Bank of Australia and the Government may be lamenting the fact that lower interest rates and personal tax cuts haven’t had the desired effect on consumer spending, ...

What do you imagine when you think about your retirement? Do you picture yourself in a relaxing seaside town on the Sunshine Coast? Or maybe you’re drawn to the ...

Over the last few years the FMD team has donated thousands of dollars and countless volunteer hours to fundraising activities for worthy causes, and we're grateful for the continuing support ...

The Trump presidency has seen a rapid return to protectionism with the introduction of new tariffs on Chinese goods aimed at lowering net imports and protecting domestic industries. China responded ...

In July 2017, the government introduced new rules that make it imperative for higher income earners to pay close attention to their annual super contributions or risk retiring without enough money ...

While scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, many people believe they would never fall victim. Scams Awareness Week, which ran from 12–16 August, urged Australians to reconsider the 'too smart to be scammed' position and become aware of the latest scams.

Looking for smart strategies to make the most of your redundancy payment? Our advisers share tips on maximising your redundancy payment and securing your financial future.

While scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, many people believe they would never fall victim. Scams Awareness Week, which ran from 12–16 August, urged Australians to reconsider the 'too smart to be scammed' position and become aware of the latest scams.

Super regulations are always changing - there have been 43 legislative and regulatory changes in Self-Managed Super alone in the last five years! (1) While super may still be the most tax-effective ...

Updated on 31st July 2019: Since this interview, the Reserve Bank cut the official cash rate by 25 basis points in June and again in July to a record low 1.00 per cent. ...

The old adage that people are more likely to change their partner than their bank may not be true for much longer. In the coming years open banking is expected ...

Many of us dream about retiring overseas or enjoying extended periods of overseas travel during retirement. While drawing up your travel checklist, don’t forget to consider possible impacts to ...

Negative gearing to be limited to newly built properties from 1 January 2020 if Labor wins the election. What this could mean for investors and the property market?

Will this budget result in a comeback for the Government in time for the “sometime in May” federal election? Mike Reynolds demystifies the 2019 Federal Budget

It’s always hard to take time away from the office and our clients, but once again we were reminded of the benefits of bringing our national team together to share knowledge and hone our skills at this year’s annual adviser conference in Melbourne recently.

Proposed changes to franking credits in SMSFs are on the horizon if Labor is elected in May. There could be significant impacts for retirees with an SMSF who are wholly in the pension phase. Financial adviser, Jason Calleja, explains the potential impact and what you can do to protect your wealth if the proposed changes come into effect.

Whenever market volatility increases, concerned investors naturally want to know if they should do anything different to protect and maximise their wealth. As an investor myself, I understand this. We ...

Investing in property through a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) is a popular option for many people. However, recently tightened bank lending and increasing ATO regulation have made this harder. Here ...

The ‘January effect’ is a well-known phenomenon among economists and psychologists alike. Regardless of market realities, consumer optimism and share prices often see a temporary boost and so does our ...

In December 2018, the federal government announced that insurance premiums will see an average hike of 3.25% in 2019. This is not a new story. With these yearly increases, of course you want ...

Australians are conducting more of their financial affairs in a digital environment and the Australian superannuation industry is huge even in global terms, so it is little wonder that 95% of ...

If you know how much money is in your wallet, and keep a record of what you spend, you’re probably a saver. If, on the other hand, you have ...

According to research by Investment Trends, 51% of retirees expect to outlive their retirement savings. If you aim to live on more than the Age Pension (full Age Pension rates plus supplements are $35,916 for a couple, or $23,824 for a single person, applicable since 20 September 2018), you will need to use smart strategies to find the additional income. Unlocking the equity in your home can be an effective way to achieve your lifestyle goals and generate more income in retirement.

Most people believe there is a right time to seek financial advice – close to ‘retirement age,’ with a good amount of money to invest and an estate to plan. However, ...

However rewarding our careers and growing families may be, most professional women also look forward to a future where they’ll have more time for themselves. Whether the goal is ...

Purchasing a home is one of life’s greatest milestones, but it can puts the brakes on your wealth accumulation. What if you could build wealth and still pay down your home loan?

Article update: The Basic Daily Fee and means-tested care fee mentioned in this article are as per The Department of Human Services' revised aged care fees released on 21 June 2019. Making ...

The Royal Commission continues to expose the poor conduct occurring in the banking and finance industry and we’re glad the Commission is giving a voice to those impacted. Though ...

There comes a time when the kids move out, you’re ready to travel or you’re getting older and the family home starts to become too big or too ...

As busy working professionals we all want more convenience in life. The number of comparison websites and online aggregators available for every product or service under the sun is evidence ...

How active management of your super investment builds wealth faster Building wealth sooner is the best way to live the lifestyle you've worked hard to achieve for longer. Instead of ...

We all understand that certain sectors of the market do better during particular stages of the economic cycle than others. However, trying to pick the timing of a market rotation – ...

Are you Queensland born and bred? I grew up in Warsaw, Poland and came to Australia in 1999. I first lived in Adelaide where I began my FMD career in 2009 and ...

No doubt Amazon’s highly anticipated arrival in Australia will shake up an already sluggish retail sector. So what could this mean for share prices and how should investors prepare? ...

Many people are not aware of the full costs of buying a retirement village unit, particularly some of the extraordinary costs that only come into play when you try to ...

Despite the downturn in residential property prices in Sydney and Melbourne, buyer behaviour indicates that many Australians still believe that an investment property is all you need to be set ...

They say there's no formula for success, but with years of experience offering personalised investment advice and now with over $1 billion of funds under management, our investment committee has learned ...

The information in this article is superseded by the latest superannuation information published in our article, Everything you need to know about superannuation to live the dream. New superannuation laws ...

How often do you think about your super balance? Twice a year? Less often? Does it matter, I hear you think? I can’t access it for 20 years, right? Right, ...

Romance may be in the air, but it’s not all wine and roses when two people combine their finances and aspirations in the name of love.     According to Relationships ...

Research shows 46% of employees worry about their finances and that worry can stop them achieving at work and feeling positive about their job. It's a statistic that is motivating employers ...

It is no surprise we’re spending more on Christmas each year and it seems Gen Xers, at the peak of their careers and earning power, typically spend the most. ...

From 1 January 2017, if you receive an Age Pension and are asset tested, your pension may change. What will change from 1 January 2017? The value of assets you can own before your ...

Could technology innovation and demographics be the best investment indicators in a uncertain world? Recently the Australian head of one of the most forward thinking global investment firms spoke at ...

In late 2014, Philip and Fiona Beggs found themselves at a cross-roads. After long and fulfilling teaching careers and in their late 50s, Philip was considering applying for the role of ...

One of the most satisfying things about providing high quality, personal financial advice is helping people follow their passions beyond work. Vice-President Alzheimer's Australia, Tony Newman, shares his story to ...

Yes, after months of debate of debate and a federal election we finally have some certainty on Superannuation. On November 23, superannuation legislation was passed by both houses of parliament. Major ...

There is now an update to the below information as new superannuation legislation was passed on 23rd November 2016 Here's everything you need to know. Yes, the government keeps tinkering with ...

There are many moments in our lives where we find ourselves at financial cross-roads. At these times we become committed to being more disciplined about our finances so we are ...

What do Australian couples really argue about? Research shows finances are one of the leading causes of marital conflict in Australia, with 34% of respondents saying that they argue about money. ...

In September 2015 a study conducted by the Financial Planning Standards Board in association with the Financial Planning Association (FPA) found 70 per cent of Australians did not know who to trust ...

At FMD, we are always talking to our clients and community about the importance of setting financial goals and taking small steps now towards the future they desire. We support ...

From 1 January 2017, if you receive an Age Pension and are asset tested, your pension may change. What will change from 1 January 2017? The value of assets you can own before your ...

Despite growing media coverage about the gap in women’s super and the necessity to start growing your super blanance as soon as possible, it can be hard to know ...

Mistakes are a normal part of life but financial mistakes can be expensive, financially and emotionally - bringing about feelings of regret and a lack of control over your own ...

It’s been 15 years in the making, but the vision which inspired FMD founders Greg Fagan, David Murray and Adam Davenport to build a relationship-driven, fee-for-service advisory firm is now ...

Many people in their 30s and 40s are already concerned with their ability to save, achieve financial goals and adequately grow their superannuation for the future. For them, financial planning ...

What is the formula for creating health, wealth and happiness at every stage of life? After nearly two decades of providing personalised advice to our happy clients, our financial advisers share FMD Financial's six pillar approach.

Australia’s world-beating life expectancy rates and the high quality healthcare system that underpins them are impressive. Unfortunately, the downside of our longevity is the increased pressure it places on ...

The information in this article is superseded by the latest superannuation information published in our article, Everything you need to know about superannuation to live the dream. Vigorous debate on ...

  Whilst there are media conversations aplenty about the gap in women’s super it seems the message, whilst acknowledged, is not spurring women to take action. Professional advice is widely ...

Thanks to all who rode the MS Cycle on Sunday 6th March and to all who donated. We had a fantastic day and it was great to ride with the ...

Retirement is something people often wait for all their working lives, yet few consider how they will spend their time once the freedom to do whatever they like wears thin. ...

SMSFs are increasingly growing in popularity, ten years ago they made up for 12 per cent of total superannuation – now that figure is at 30 per cent. It’s great to know ...

Changing role of Australian grandparents The generation of free thinkers who changed the world are now busy transforming retirement into the very antithesis of a slowing lifestyle. For Australia's 5.3 million ...

A move into aged care raises many complex issues that can be confronting and difficult to navigate.  Both emotional and financial challenges can be faced, not only for those entering ...

How many times have you heard it said? Mahatma Gandhi fasted for three weeks in order to change the world, no doubt he was hungry, weaker, and somewhat thinner but ...

Financial markets are back in the headlines for the wrong reasons. A variety of concerns has led to a level of volatility that hasn’t been seen for a number ...

As the education sector faces a shortage of teaching staff, the challenges to keep up with constantly changing technology and growing governance demands, fees can be expected to keep rising. ...

In Australia today, women are helping drive the knowledge economy with 63% holding year 12 qualifications compared to 58% of men. However, findings from a recent ANZ report reveals the national gender pay ...

As our lives continue to get busier, and notably more stressful, people are turning to mindfulness – a type of meditation – to improve health and well-being. Melbourne Demons coach Paul Roos ...

The media focus on market fluctuations is a growing obsession. There are 34 business and finance programs and publications across Australian newspapers, radio and television broadcasts, with updates available 24 hours a ...

Australians have never been more spoilt for choice when it comes to managing superannuation to fund retirement, but these choices can be so overwhelming that many people don’t really ...

While the Australian banking system came through the crisis relatively well and interest rates remain positive, the RBA’s latest cut sees us adopting a record-low 2% cash rate. Like central ...

Over 40% of life insurance in Australia will be purchased online by 2021. The advertising is fierce and the market competitive but can you buy life insurance like you would clothes, shoes ...

There is no doubt Australian society has changed dramatically in just a few short decades let alone over the last century.   Yet success and happiness are still built on the ...

We interview FMD adviser, Lauren Abela, who works with busy, established professional and entrepreneurial women, passionate about life and gaining confidence around their money. What are the greatest financial issues ...

The information in this article is superseded by the latest superannuation information published in our article, Everything you need to know about superannuation to live the dream. Last week’s ...

The end of financial year period is a great time to take stock, reflect on past events and tie up loose ends - and it’s also the perfect time ...

The recent rate cut was anticipated by the overall market, but perhaps not this early in the year. A cut of 25 basis points is a standard reduction, but we haven’...

The RBA met yesterday and have cut rates by 25 basis points. This takes the official cash rate to a new historical low of 2.25%.  It is a welcome decision for borrowers ...

Dear FMD, I have been thinking about purchasing a second residential investment property, and my friends suggested that I can use my super for a deposit if I establish an ...

Volunteering has a resounding effect on a community, and as it happens, good deeds lead to good grey matter. ABS research shows 61% of Australian volunteers who gave up their time ...

There has been much commentary on the changing family unit in Australia but the reality is 70% of primary carers of children are women. Although many wouldn’t change this situation, ...