Planning for aged care is an important part of later-life financial and lifestyle planning. Understanding how the aged care system works and what happens during an aged care assessment can help clients make informed decisions and prepare for future care needs.

A few tweaks to a popular first home buyer scheme has driven a “surge” in Gen Zs buying their first home. And it’s not the only upside giving first home buyers a boost now.

The expansion of the popular 5% Deposit Scheme, combined with recent changes to rules for property investors, may be opening doors for young home buyers.

Tax time is just around the corner, so now is the time to get ahead and find out what strategies may be available to you before 30 June.

A good first step is to review your investment strategy. With recent market volatility, things may have shifted and your risk tolerance may have changed considerably.

For many, the goal of investing is about creating wealth for a comfortable financial future, as well as a legacy that supports your children and grandchildren for decades to come.

But one of the greatest risks to that legacy can be the challenge of dealing with sudden wealth. When adult children inherit large sums or significant assets without preparation, sometimes the result is family tension, poor decisions or erosion of wealth.

As the days grow shorter and the mornings a little crisper, winter is quietly making its entrance. In some places it brings frosty weather and extra layers, while in others it is a gentle shift with cooler evenings and a respite from the heat. Either way, the change in season often brings a noticeable difference in mood, energy, and overall health.

Property booms and market swings shape the case for property and shares.

Hot property markets and volatile share markets add extra intrigue as investors weigh up whether to put their money into property or equities. But the decision could come down to a few key considerations.

Balancing Australian and global shares means weighing growth, income & currency risk.

Getting investment exposure to global companies through share markets makes sense, but weighing up risks such as currency fluctuations is important.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has framed the 2026 Federal Budget as “the most important and ambitious budget in decades”.

“This Budget is about getting us through the global oil shock and taking pressure off Australians while building a stronger economy, better tax system, a more sustainable budget and lifting living standards,” the Treasurer told Parliament.

Jim Chalmers’ fifth Budget included significant tax reforms with the package billed as “the most significant tax reform package in more than a quarter of a century”.

While Australian workers and small businesses are likely to be happy, property investors and those with discretionary (family) trusts face new rules and tax rates that will require careful review.

Investors can employ diversification strategies beyond just asset allocation

The concept of diversification, not putting all your eggs in one basket, as a means of reducing risk has been an enduring investment concept.

Volatility is how the return on an asset fluctuates over time. Using the share market as an example, volatility is often measured by changes in the price of a share. When the market is volatile, as it has been recently due to the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, prices can rise or fall a lot in a short time.

7 simple steps to get on the investment ladder

Entering the world of investing can be a life-changer for people of all ages. Here are seven simple steps for beginners to start their wealth journey.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is pushing to take card surcharges off the table as early as October 2026, in a move that could impact small businesses that currently pass the fees on to customers.

With only a few months left before Payday Super begins on 1 July 2026, small business employers need to act now. Here are some steps you can take to get your business Payday Super ready.

If you provide work vehicles or other perks to employees – even if they're provided occasionally – you may be providing a fringe benefit. This means you could have FBT obligations for the FBT year.

If you have ever checked your super balance and wondered whether you are “behind” for your age, you aren’t alone.

To see where you truly sit, you should ignore “averages”, which can be skewed by a small number of very large balances. Instead, we look at the median, which is the middle value. Half of people have more than this amount, and half have less.

If you have an SMSF, find out how the new Payday Super Regulations will impact SMSFs when Payday Super starts from 1 July 2026.

With the Payday Super Regulations starting from 1 July 2026, take the time to see how the changes will impact your SMSF.

When we talk about your long-term financial plan, we cover investments, superannuation, retirement income, and estate planning.

But there’s one area that’s often overlooked, and it can have a significant financial impact if it’s not planned properly: aged care.

In Australia, ageing isn’t a single event - it’s a journey that unfolds over decades.

The difference between a smooth transition and a stressful one usually comes down to timing. When you plan early, you have options. When you don’t, decisions get made for you.

Here’s how that journey typically unfolds - and what to do at each stage.

Deciding to downsize is a big life step. It is not just about moving to a smaller house. It can be about leaving behind a home full of memories, familiar streets, and routines you have built over many years.

For many, the idea of simplifying life, reducing maintenance, and freeing up finances can be very appealing. But for some, the reality of downsizing does not always match the rosy picture.