Not all super funds are created equal

The Productivity Commission released its draft report this week into the efficiency of the Australian superannuation system. Its findings are concerning, and all Australians must take an active role in choosing the most appropriate superannuation fund for them. If you don’t, the Productivity Commission suggests it could cost you between $61k and $407k, depending on …

Read more

Financial life hacks

I recently asked my blog subscribers to share their financial life hacks. This includes any ideas, strategies, products, business or apps that you use to help you save money, organise your financial arrangement or just make life easier. I have provided an edited list below (removed repeat entries and any investment advice). I would like …

Read more

Updated: Ensuring your loans are structured correctly

Your loan structure can have a big impact on your success as an investor. It can influence interest rates, borrowing capacity, cash flow, taxation liabilities and so on. Four years ago I wrote this blog which included 7 loan structuring tips and I wanted to update you on a few matters. Funding a property owned …

Read more

Is income protection insurance really worth the money?

Income protection insurance pays you a benefit in the event you cannot work to earn your regular income due to sickness or injury. Is this insurance worth having, what do you need to look out for and how can you get the best value for money? Insuring your million-dollar asset Without a doubt, most people’s …

Read more

One simple rule to avoid all financial advisor horror stories; go independent (here’s 5 tests)

We have all read the horror stories in the newspapers or seen them on television: Mum and Dad put their trust in a financial advisor. The advisor ‘sells’ them an investment that paid him a substantial commission. The investment was poor quality. Mum and Dad subsequently lose their life savings and the advisor goes unpunished. …

Read more