In their Retirement Income Report based on their October 2017 survey of 7,305 Australians over the age of 40, Investment Trends, an Australian research firm, revealed that only 46% of Australians feel prepared for ...

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, ...

If your role has been made redundant, you don't need us to tell you that it can cause a lot of emotional and financial stress. The good news is that ...

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 ...

In Jul 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 ...

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?

Making the move to residential aged care can be a difficult and stressful time for families, both emotionally and financially. While aged care financial advice needs to be tailored to ...

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 ...

High quality professional wealth management advice is something we take seriously and our clients know it sets us apart. Building wealth sooner is the best way to live the lifestyle ...

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 ...

New superannuation laws came into effect from 1 July 2017 With every change in super laws, it's important to review your super plans to ensure you are in compliance with new limits ...

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, Alva Devoy, ...

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 ...

Vigorous debate on tax, superannuation and pensions is to be expected in the lead up to any Federal Budget, even more so in an election year. What will be announced ...

  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 ...

Last week’s federal budget announcement has been assessed as unfair by some and with many measures still blocked in the Senate, it means it is nuanced with good and ...

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, ...

There are now more and more online tools and apps available to help you take care of the tedious tasks associated with managing your money. From handling your bank accounts, ...

From 1 January 2015, account based pensions will have new rules in place, changing the way Centrelink determines assessable income under the income test. The change means account based pensions may now ...

You don’t need to know much about the investment market to know that Australia is experiencing high property prices in its major cities. In fact, according to RP Data, ...

When it comes to international measures of health, wealth and happiness, latest findings from the OECD Better Life Index confirm what most of us know deep down: Australian’s have ...

Finding the right person to manage your finances can be a difficult and time-consuming process for many people. Understandably, your money and assets are vitally important to both your immediate ...

It comes as no surprise that we’re paying much more for property today than any generation before us. With housing prices surging in Australia’s capital cities, we’re ...

In a relationship each individual brings something different to the table. We see couples everyday who have different attitudes toward how they deal with and respond to managing their finances. ...

A recent report by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission has highlighted an alarming number of Australians who may have purchased an unsuitable life insurance policy, after receiving advice from ...

Divorce costs the Australian economy $14 billion a year, and recent figures estimate taxpayers now pay close to $1100 per annum to support families in crisis. While the divorce rate declined between 2002 ...

The end of September marked the end of yet another AFL premiership season (well done, Hawks!) and the NRL Grand Final between the South Sydney Rabbitohs vs.Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs now ...

We recently got talking about the reasons why people avoid seeking financial advice. Here are our top six. 1. You can do it yourself The thousands of DIY financial advice websites ...

An article from The Australian last week highlighted the impact on pre retiree’s super balances from the Government's last minute deal with Clive Palmer to repeal the Mining Tax. ...

Describe what you consider to be an ideal Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) candidate: I think the only person who needs to set up an SMSF is someone who wants to ...

Is it time to get a plan?The focus around the 14th Annual Financial Planning Week this year is aimed at educating Australians on what financial advice is and more ...

Purchasing a home can be one of life’s greatest milestones. Home ownership brings a sense of achievement and adds to your asset portfolio. A home is also likely to ...

People aged 65 and over are our nation’s fastest growing age group and one million Australians already receive Aged Care – a figure set to soar to 3.5 million over the next 40 ...

A healthy, active lifestyle is something we all strive to achieve and maintain. We know that healthy eating and regular physical activity benefits our mental and emotional wellbeing but did ...

Australians now enjoy longer, more active lives than previous generations – a fact which has helped transform retirement as we know it. Recent figures by the Australian Tourism Board reveal in ...

Thanks to the Royal Commission into the banking and financial services industry, there is plenty of media coverage about the poor advice provided by some planners, mostly those linked to ...

No debt is good debt - a popular principle our parents were taught, our politicians regularly preach and one many of us aim to apply to our lives to some ...

The title 'financial adviser' is often misunderstood. This is partly because the title is used to describe advisers that work for - or are affiliated with - banks or superannuation ...

If you or your children have insurance through an Industry Super Fund (e.g. Australian Super) now is the time to review the included insurances.  In the past, Industry Super ...

Are you a part of the large proportion of Australians who feel only ‘somewhat’ financially prepared for retirement? A recent report (1) released by super fund, REST, surveyed 1000 Australians over 50 who ...

With change on the horizon, early preparation and sound financial advice has never been more important to managing aged care with confidence. From July 1, 2014, changes to the Residential Aged Care ...

The Government’s 2014-15 Budget announcements shook up much of the Australian economic landscape. Surprisingly – yet pleasingly – superannuation appears to have escaped without any major changes. In fact, some of ...

There has been plenty of commentary surrounding the ‘winners and losers’ since the wash-up of the recent 2014 Federal Budget, but there is also plenty of opportunity to maximise your current ...

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 ...

Estate Planning is not something we think about every day and it’s all too easy to put off. So when should you begin thinking about it? Many people think ...

In Summary March 2014 proved to be a relatively benign month for investment portfolios as conflicting market outcomes neutralised diversification. In particular there was an unexpected strengthening of the A$ which ...

With the RBA announcing the cash rate will remain at a record low 2.5 per cent and continued economic recovery providing supportive conditions for good share market returns, we’re predicting 2014 ...

Time to Invest?Salary sacrificing is a smart strategy at any time but with super concessional (before tax) contribution limits changing to $25,000 for everyone from July 1 2017, it's even more important ...

 Earlier this month the Federal Government introduced the most significant changes to privacy laws in over 25 years. If you’re currently borrowing money from a lender or planning to do ...

There’s no doubt a number of major economic shifts are impacting the outlook for professional and management careers in Australia.  From the restructuring of the manufacturing sector to a ...

Despite online shopping becoming increasingly mainstream across the generational divide, some reluctance remains due to concerns about online security. Here are some tips for protecting yourself against identity theft and ...

As of 1 July 2013 the Superannuation Guarantee (SG) increased to 9.25%, the first step in what was to be a progressive increase to 12% by 2019, however following the Federal election the coalition government ...

Before they came to see us, many of our clients wondered if it was too early to get advice. They worried about whether they had enough money to benefit, or ...

We’ve spent the last 12 years helping clients build, manage and protect their wealth and we look forward to remaining your trusted partner on the journey ahead. Our new look ...