Oliver's Insights: 2025 turned out pretty good, but what about 2026? Still at the bliss point?

The key points are:

  • The key themes for 2025 were: tariff turmoil; global resilience helped by AI enthusiasm; sticky inflation; lower rates; and lots of geopolitical noise. For the third year in a row, returns were strong, albeit they slowed. 

  • 2026 is likely to see volatility around US politics, geopolitics & central bank rates at the lows, but returns should be ok. 

  • Expect the RBA cash rate to hold at 3.6%, the ASX 200 to rise to 8900 & balanced super funds to return around 6.8%.  

  • Australian home price gains are likely to slow to 5-7% with poor affordability and a less favourable rate outlook. 

  • Key things to keep an eye on are interest rates, the US midterms, AI enthusiasm, China, & Australian consumers.

Read full article

Oliver's Insights: The RBA holds rates at 3.6% and warns of rate hikes next year if needed

The key points are:

  • The RBA left its cash rate on hold at 3.6% as widely expected at is December meeting.

  • Its commentary also became more hawkish (ie leaning towards a rate hike) on the back of the further rise in inflation in October. Governor Bullock reiterated that the Board will be data dependent and effectively warned it may have to raise rates if inflation does not fall back.

  • We now expect the RBA to leave rates on hold next year with a fall back in inflation and still fragile consumer spending avoiding a rate hike but concerns about capacity constraints as the economy recovers likely preventing a rate cut and keeping the risk of a rate hike high.

Advice Evolution and Fintegrity Newsletter

Why we need to think about tax at the end of the calendar year — and how to set up for a better 2026

As the calendar year draws to a close, most people turn their attention to holidays, summer plans, or simply winding down. Yet this period is also one of the most important times to pause and consider your tax position. While tax time may feel months away, many of the decisions that influence your 2025–26 outcome need to be made before 31 December. Acting early doesn’t just help reduce stress later — it can create real financial advantages.

Why Year-End Tax Planning Matters

  1. Maximise deductions before it’s too late.

  2. Smooth out cash flow for the year ahead.

  3. Avoid surprises at tax time.

  4. Align your tax strategy to life changes.

Smart Tax Tips for 2026

Looking ahead to the 2026 financial year, there are several steps individuals and businesses can take now to set up for success.

  1. Review your income structure.

  2. Plan your deductible contributions.

  3. Organise your records early.

  4. Consider capital gains implications.

  5. Revisit your business structure.

Read More

Why Your Relationship With Your Accountant Matters

Tax is not just a once-a-year event. It’s an ongoing process that benefits enormously from a strong, proactive relationship with your accountant.
A trusted adviser brings clarity to complex rules, ensures you don’t miss opportunities, and helps you interpret how legislative changes affect your goals.

Read More

National AI plan must move fast to protect Australians

Australians are being promised better protection against scams and AI-generated abuse.
The release of the federal government’s National AI Plan comes after it said artificial intelligence would become a national priority as it consulted on copyright law changes.

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Investment markets and key developments – Weekly market update 28-11-2025

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Oliver's Insights: Australian home prices up solidly again in November - but expect some slowing in 2026

The key points are:

  • Cotality data shows national average home prices rose strongly again in November, but with the pace of growth slowing slightly to 1% mom.

  • Near record low vacancy rates is contributing to a pickup in annual rental growth to 5% yoy.

  • The lagged impact of rate cuts, the expansion of the 5% low deposit scheme and the startup of the Help to Buy scheme along with the ongoing housing shortage are expected to drive further gains in home prices next year.

  • However, the gains are likely to slow in 2026 as a result of poor affordability, the less favourable outlook for interest rates with the risk of a rate hike and APRA moving to ramp up macro prudential controls and likely to do more.

  • After around 8.5% growth this year we now expect property price growth to slow to around 5-7% in 2026.

Moneysmart tips: A monthly e-newsletter with free tools, tips and guidance.

Moneysmart tips: Resisting the hard sell | Planning big life decisions

It’s the lead up and countdown to Christmas! So, this month we have tips for resisting sales pressure and saving on bank fees.
The recent severe storms and hail activity that impacted Qld and NSW in late November have been declared an Insurance Catastrophe, with more than 44,000 insurance claims received already. Unfortunately, catastrophes like this brew up scammers – namely disaster chasers who try to exploit someone’s distress.
Please read our information below about avoiding disaster chasers when you’re impacted by a natural disaster.
And if 2026 will be your year for big life decisions - whether it’s planning your retirement or moving out of home for the first time – we’ve got you covered with guidance.

How to spot a disaster chaser

The combination of financial and emotional cost after a natural disaster might make you vulnerable to disaster chasers.

What to look out for

Moving out for the first time?

From flatmates to furniture, here’s a checklist to help you (or your kids) figure out the basics before they move. 

Get sorted

“I was ready to retire but still had a mortgage”

Across health management, debt decisions and investment choices, explore some of our retirement planning stories.  

Planning retirement

What is a lifetime income stream

A lifetime income stream is designed to give you income that lasts for the rest of your life. Learn how it can work for you in retirement. 

Income streams

$93 million of bank fees back to customers

ASIC’s recent report found that customers collectively paid over $93 million in fees that they didn’t have to, which banks committed to refund.

See if you’re eligible for a low-fee bank account.

Low-fee accounts

Pump and dump: market manipulation

In the era of social outreach, pump and dump schemes have new oxygen. International regulators say these tricks are on the rise. Learn the signs to look out for.  

Protect your money 

Avoiding sales pressure

To help you avoid a post-Christmas hangover we’ve outlined sales techniques to watch out for, to keep your spending under control.  

Resist the hard sell

Advice Evolution & Fintegrity Newsletter

Stay up-to-date with the tips, news and updates from Advice Evolution and Fintegrity’s latest newsletter.

Appreciating our partnerships: Thank you for being part of our year

As the year draws to a close, we want to extend our sincere appreciation to you – our valued clients. 

The festive season is a wonderful time to reflect on the relationships and partnerships that have shaped our year, and we are truly grateful for your ongoing trust and support. 

Your Pre-Christmas Checklist: A smooth & stress-free guide

The countdown to Christmas has officially begun, and with it comes the excitement—plus the inevitable rush—to get everything organised before the big day. 

Whether you’re hosting, travelling, giving gifts, or simply looking to unwind, this pre-Christmas checklist will help you stay on top of it all and enjoy the season the way it’s meant to be enjoyed.

Share market volatility: why time in the market beats timing the market

Share market volatility is a natural and inevitable aspect of investing. 

Investing can be a roller coaster: some tips for riding the ups and downs

Investing is rarely a smooth ride. Markets rise, fall, and sometimes loop-the-loop, leaving even the most seasoned investors feeling queasy. 

Just like a roller coaster, the ups can be exhilarating, but the drops can be nerve-wracking. The key to staying the course? Believing in your long-term goals and trusting the financial plan you’ve created with your qualified Financial Adviser.

Why we need to think about tax at the end of the calendar year — and how to set up for a better 2026

As the calendar year draws to a close, most people turn their attention to holidays, summer plans, or simply winding down. Yet this period is also one of the most important times to pause and consider your tax position. 

While tax time may feel months away, many of the decisions that influence your 2025–26 outcome need to be made before 31 December. 

Navigating the journey into aged care: A crucial and emotional life transition

Entering aged care is one of the most significant transitions an individual and their family will ever face. It represents a shift in independence, lifestyle, and routine, often accompanied by deep emotions — uncertainty, fear, relief, or even guilt. 

For many families, this moment arrives gradually through small signs that Mum or Dad may need extra support. For others, it happens suddenly, following illness or hospitalisation. 

Strategies for adult children moving out of home

The rising cost of living has become a significant challenge for adult children living at home and aspiring to move out. 

In many parts of the world, particularly in Australia, the cost of housing, groceries, transportation, and utilities has surged, making it increasingly difficult for young adults to afford their own place and support themselves independently.

The adult’s guide to embracing superannuation

Being young comes with a whirlwind of experiences and financial priorities, often pushing thoughts about retirement and superannuation to the back burner. 

Spin the globe: Festive-season travel inspiration for every age

There is a unique magic to travelling during the festive season — a time when cities sparkle, markets hum with colour, and coastlines glow beneath long summer evenings. 

For travellers dreaming of a holiday escape, imagine placing a finger on a spinning globe and letting each random stop reveal a new way the world celebrates. 

Strategies for navigating conflicts successfully

Managing a dispute effectively requires a strategic approach that considers the nature of the conflict, the parties involved, and the desired outcomes. Here are several key considerations to keep in mind when managing a dispute:

1. Understand the Root Cause
2. Communication
3. Conflict Resolution Skills
4. Neutral Third Party
5. Legal Considerations
6. Confidentiality
7. Documenting Agreements
8. Follow-Up
9. Prevention Strategies

Read More

Advice Evolution and Fintegrity Newsletter

Stay up-to-date with the tips, news and updates from Advice Evolution and Fintegrity’s latest newsletter.

Advice Evolution

  • What to ask your financial adviser about aged care — and how they can help

  • 10 money-saving tips to help build up your savings for the future

  • A generational guide to minimising tax throughout life

Oliver's Insights: Share market wobbles – what are the negatives and positives?

The key points for this note are:

  • Rich valuations, AI bubble worries and uncertainty about central bank rate cuts are the main negatives for shares at present and could see recent falls extend further.

  • Against this though, global profit growth remains strong and there is no sign of recession suggesting that the broad trend in shares may remain up.

  • For investors and super fund members, the danger in trying to time corrections and bear markets is that you miss out on longer-term gains. The key is to adopt an appropriate long-term investment strategy and stick to it.

Read the full article here

Advice Evolution & Fintegrity Newsletter

Stay up-to-date with the tips, news and updates from Advice Evolution and Fintegrity’s latest newsletter.

Government set to plant seed of new environment regimen
Environmental protection reforms are set to be presented to parliament on Thursday, following six years of political debate and negotiation.

18 Summers: Making the most of the time before they’re grown
Childhood passes quickly. Amid school runs, activities, and the daily juggle of life, those early years feel endless — until suddenly they’re not. Before we know it, our kids turn 18 and step into the world with their own responsibilities and independence.

Volatility and the value of time in the market
Market ups and downs are a normal — if uncomfortable — part of investing. Sharp swings can tempt even experienced investors to try “timing the market,” selling when prices drop and buying when things feel safer.

Top five fears of small business owners and how an accountant can provide solutions
Running a small business is rewarding but challenging. Many owners worry about financial instability, compliance, and other issues that can hold back growth.
With the right guidance, especially from an accountant, these challenges become much easier to navigate.

How to align your money with your values: Ethical investing
Today, many investors want their money to reflect their values as well as deliver financial returns. Ethical investing considers environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors alongside traditional financial analysis—investing with purpose to support positive change.

This can mean avoiding harmful industries like tobacco or fossil fuels (negative screening), actively seeking companies with strong ESG practices (positive screening), or using shareholder influence to drive better corporate behaviour.

Top 10 tips to fortify small businesses against cyber threats
Embedding cybersecurity into small business operations requires a mix of strategic planning and practical action.

Moneysmart tips: A monthly e-newsletter with free tools, tips and guidance.

Last year, Australian households made around $8 billion worth of claims on their home and contents insurance. So, ahead of storm season, we have the information you need on avoiding underinsurance, what to look for in a home insurance policy, and what to think about if you make a claim.

We also cover home loan savings - if you’re in a position to negotiate. Plus, tips to keep your retirement savings on track.

What to know about buy now pay later services

It’s pre-Christmas shopping time and buy now pay later services are common. It’s important to know, though, how your buy now pay later activity can affect your credit score - even when you pay on time.

Here's what to know

How to spot a scam website

These days, professional-looking websites can be set up easily by scammers, thanks to templates. 

Whether you’re looking online at investments, loans, insurance or government services, it’s vital to make sure you’re looking at the real thing. Here are our top tips for spotting a scam. 

Spot a scam

A retirement savings 'to do' list

No matter whether you’re planning to retire soon or sometime in the distant future, it’s good to have a simple ‘to do’ list.  We have tips to keep your retirement savings on track.  

Plan now

No rate cut, but plenty of competition

The RBA kept rates on hold this month, but there’s still a significant difference in variable home loan interest rates across lenders.

Work out how much you might save each month by switching. 

Check your savings

If you need some motivation, here's an example of a 50 basis point (half a percent) reduction in home loan rates – from 5.68% to 5.18%, across various loan sizes.

What to know about buy now pay later services

It’s pre-Christmas shopping time and buy now pay later services are common. It’s important to know, though, how your buy now pay later activity can affect your credit score - even when you pay on time.

Here's what to know

How to spot a scam website

These days, professional-looking websites can be set up easily by scammers, thanks to templates. 

Whether you’re looking online at investments, loans, insurance or government services, it’s vital to make sure you’re looking at the real thing. Here are our top tips for spotting a scam. 

Spot a scam

A retirement savings 'to do' list

No matter whether you’re planning to retire soon or sometime in the distant future, it’s good to have a simple ‘to do’ list.  We have tips to keep your retirement savings on track.  

Plan now

No rate cut, but plenty of competition

The RBA kept rates on hold this month, but there’s still a significant difference in variable home loan interest rates across lenders.

Work out how much you might save each month by switching. 

Check your savings

If you need some motivation, here's an example of a 50 basis point (half a percent) reduction in home loan rates – from 5.68% to 5.18%, across various loan sizes.

Home and contents insurance

Check you have the protection that’s right for you – at the right price. Read up on choosing home insurance, choosing contents insurance, and specifics on storm, fire and flood cover.  

We take you through the step-by-step of making a home insurance claim, plus the watch outs of underinsurance.

Check and protect

Dealing with natural disasters

Natural disasters can occur anytime, but they’re more likely in this half of the year.

We have guidance to help you prepare for, deal with, and recover from the financial impact of a natural disaster, with links to important services.

Learn more  

Advice Evolution and Fintegrity Newsletter

Stay up-to-date with the tips, news and updates from Advice Evolution and Fintegrity’s latest newsletter.

Advice Evolution

  • How to align your money with your values: Ethical investing

  • Review your superannuation and insurance before the new year

  • Top five fears of small business owners and how an accountant can provide solutions

Oliver's Insights: Investment cycles - what are they & why you need to be aware of them

The key points are:

  • Cyclical fluctuations are a key aspect of investment markets. Most are driven by economic developments but get magnified by swings in investor sentiment.

  • Of particular importance are the long-term cycles which are often driven by waves of innovation and the 3-5 year business cycle. Lately we have been in the benign phase of the business cycle and may have be entering a weaker and constrained phase of the long-term cycle.

  • Periods of poor returns invariably give way to great returns & vice versa. The key is to not get thrown by them.

CFS News Digest: Top 10 cyber safety tips

Online scams are becoming more sophisticated, making it essential to protect your personal information and finances. These top 10 tips will help you stay safe online every day.

Scammers use tactics like fake emails and impersonation to steal your data and money. The threat is real — in Australia, cybercrime occurs every six minutes, with losses exceeding $2 billion in 2024 alone. While October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, strong cyber habits are vital year-round.

  1. Use strong passphrases
    Use long, unique passphrases for every account. Avoid personal details like birthdays or pet names, and consider a password manager to keep them safe.

  2. Always set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
    Multi-factor authentication (MFA) enhances security by requiring two forms of verification: something you know, like a password, and something you have, such as a phone or security token.

  3. Recognise and report phishing
    Phishing scams mimic legitimacy and use urgency to deceive. Watch for suspicious links, attachments, and info requests—always verify before acting.

  4. Avoid clicking on suspicious links
    Always type URLs and phone numbers from official sources. Avoid clicking links in unexpected emails or messages, even if they seem to be from trusted contacts.

  5. Protect your data
    Delete old sensitive data, shred documents, secure your mailbox, and monitor your credit for suspicious activity.

  6. Keep your devices updated
    Software updates fix known vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates on your devices and restart them regularly to apply changes.

  7. Install internet security apps
    Use internet security apps like anti-malware and antivirus to protect your mobile and computer from threats.

  8. Secure your devices and passwords
    Never share your passwords or PINs, even with friends or family. Memorize them, delete any written records, and use strong, unpredictable combinations.

  9. Be cautious on public wi-fi
    Avoid sensitive transactions on public Wi-Fi. Always log out after browsing and use secure connections whenever possible.

  10. Stay informed and alert
    Cyber threats are always changing. Stay updated by checking trusted sites like Scamwatch, ASIC’s scam register, idcare.org, and the CFS Staying Safe Online hub.

Source: Top ten cyber safety tips

Oliver's Insights: Bubble trouble - is AI enthusiasm driving a bubble in shares?

The key points are:

  • Rich share market valuations are warning of the risk of a pullback in shares and fears of a bubble and it’s possible that enthusiasm for AI has run ahead of itself. But the fundamentals behind this are arguably far stronger than they were at the time of the late 1990s tech boom.

  • For investors and super fund members, the danger in trying to time corrections and bear markets that you miss out on the longer-term gains. The key is to adopt an appropriate long-term investment strategy appropriate and stick to it.

Read full article

Moneysmart tips: $2.6B ready to be found | Knowing when to take action

Find your share of $2.6 billion

When a financial institution loses touch with you, money that’s sitting in a bank account, life policy or investment can become unclaimed and get transferred to ASIC. There’s currently $2.6 billion being held - use our free search tool to check if some of that could be yours.

Unclaimed money search

Safe shopping tips

October is Cyber Security Awareness month and with pre-Christmas sales due to start soon, we have tips on staying safe when you shop online.

Shop safe

World Investor Week tips

It's World Investor Week and we have some easy actions you can take, to help you invest smart. 

Investing tips

Here's when to hang up the phone

High-pressure sales tactics are putting the super savings of Australians at risk. If someone you don’t know contacts you about your super – hang up. They’re not looking out for you.

Be super smart

Advice Evolution and Fintegrity Monthly News Update

A comprehensive guide to managing your personal finances
Personal financial planning is essential at any age. It provides a safety net for you and your family and helps you make informed decisions. Many adults are concerned with key topics like retirement and investing, showing its wide importance.

Top 5 legal issues in estate planning — and why professional advice matters
Estate planning goes beyond just writing a will—it protects your wealth, supports loved ones, and minimizes legal and tax issues after you’re gone. However, many Australians delay planning or use generic templates, risking costly disputes, extra taxes, and outcomes that don’t match their wishes.

The top 5 goals of retirees – and why good advice makes all the difference
Retirement is a new chapter filled with opportunity and uncertainty. After years of work, many retirees ask, "What’s next?" Though answers differ, five common goals often stand out.

Top 5 goals for business owners: Taking an idea to market
Starting a business begins with a spark—an idea worth pursuing. But turning that idea into reality needs more than passion; it demands strategy, resilience, and clear goals. For business owners, the right goals turn an idea into a successful, thriving brand.

Helping kids with managing living expenses before becoming independent
When a child leaves home, it brings parents mixed feelings—sadness, apprehension, and relief—while children often feel excitement. Whether during the teenage years or later, this milestone marks their step toward independence.

Debt recycling explainer: Turning debt into wealth
For many, debt is a burden to clear quickly, with paying off a mortgage seen as a top goal. But debt recycling flips this idea—using debt strategically to build wealth. It’s powerful but complex, involving debt, investments, insurance, and planning, so expert advice is essential.

Caution urged on supposedly ‘balanced’ super funds
A financial planner warns that some super funds’ “balanced” options are now heavily weighted toward risky “growth” assets. Alex Jamieson of AJ Financial Planning says providers may be “gamifying the system” to boost returns in these funds.

Oliver's insights: Medium term investment returns face five key constraints

The key points are:

  • Five mega trends still point to risks of a more inflation prone/lower growth environment than pre-pandemic.

  • These are: a move away from economic rationalist policies; the reversal of globalisation; rising geopolitical tensions; climate change and decarbonisation; as well as slowing and aging populations. A productivity boost from artificial intelligence should provide some offset though.

  • But taken together and along with rich share market valuations this will likely constrain medium term superannuation returns, potentially to around 5% pa.

Read full article

Advice Evolution & Fintegrity Newsletter

Stay up-to-date with the tips, news and updates from Advice Evolution and Fintegrity’s latest newsletter.

  • Preventing falls for those in or approaching aged care

  • Is ethical investing a no brainer? 5 Questions to ask your financial adviser

  • How to approach wealth transfer and estate planning: key considerations

Read newsletter

Moneysmart tips: Don't get caught in this super trap | Spring clean your finances

Spring has arrived – and if the idea of spring cleaning your home doesn’t inspire you, consider refreshing your finances instead. Moneysmart has put together some practical savings tips that won’t require giving up your daily coffee.

In this edition, Moneysmart has also explored the advantages and risks of becoming a guarantor, how to assess your retirement readiness, and ways to review your superannuation with confidence.

Time for a budget clean up
Spring is the perfect time to review your budget and ensure you're getting the most value for your money. Start with a few simple savings tips and use a detailed budget planner to help track your spending.

Budget planner

Set a savings goal
Now that the budget’s sorted, why not set a savings goal? The savings goal calculator was used more than 350,000 times last financial year.

Crunch your numbers

What to know about going guarantor on a loan
Spring is home buying season. If you suspect the Bank of Mum/Dad might be called on to go guarantor, here are some key things you need to know.

Know the facts

If you're in the market
The August cash rate reduction has flowed through to home loan rates. If you're in the market to buy, this mortgage calculator can help estimate how much you may be able to borrow, what your repayments might look like, and how to pay off the loan faster.

Work it out now

To do: Fact check your super account
You’ve probably received your annual superannuation statement by now (or it’s on the way). Here are five key things to check when it arrives in your inbox.

Key actions

What happens to your super if you die
Superannuation doesn’t automatically form part of your estate, which means it may be tied up rather than passed on promptly. One way to ensure your super goes to the right people is by making a binding death benefit nomination. However, according to a Super Consumers Australia survey, only one in four Australians have made this nomination.

Below is a step-by-step guide to help take control of the process.

Nominating beneficiaries

Oliver's Insights: Gold at record highs - can it keep going? Implications for investors

The key points are:

  • The gold price has surged to record highs. Key drivers have been central banks increasing their gold reserves, rate cuts, a renewed downtrend in the $US and demand for a hedge against public debt worries and geopolitical threats.

  • While gold is short-term overbought, implying the risk of a short-term correction, more upside is likely over the medium-term as a hedge against a falling $US, public debt and geopolitical worries.

  • There is a case for gold in investment portfolios, but its speculative nature suggests only a modest exposure and over the very long-term shares have done better than gold.

Read full article