The key points are:
Australia is seeing a gradual economic recovery with growth likely to reach 2.5% next year.
This in turn is underpinning a likely upswing in profits.
The RBA is expected to cut again in November, February and May to 2.85%, although the risk is on the upside.
Stay up-to-date with the tips, news and updates from Advice Evolution and Fintegrity’s latest newsletter.
The way to happiness and success in both life and work
3 Helpful tips to grow your superannuation
Estate planning, powers of attorney and advance care directives: why legal advice matters
Home loan savings
Last week’s Reserve Bank decision to cut the cash rate is great news for borrowers. We’re here to help you understand what to watch for when choosing a home loan — check out the guide here.
Try using the mortgage calculator to find out how much you could save by negotiating a lower interest rate.
Dealing with unexpected retirement
Unexpected retirement can disrupt your plans and bring challenges like loss of income, purpose, and daily routine.
To manage this change, focus first on addressing immediate pressures, then plan thoughtfully for the future. Read here for the five key steps to help manage unexpected retirement.
Stop, check and protect your money
Scams Awareness Week runs from 25 to 29 August. With Australians losing $945 million to investment scams in 2024, we’ve put together a refresher on what to verify before investing. Check before you invest
The key points are:
Compound interest is an investor’s best friend but can be a borrower’s worst nightmare.
The higher the return, the earlier and bigger the investment contribution and the longer the period the more it works.
To make the most of it, ensure an adequate exposure to growth assets, contribute early & often to your investment portfolio and turn down the noise around investing.
The key points are:
The RBA cut its cash rate by 0.25% taking it to 3.6%. This is the third rate cut in this easing cycle.
The RBA sees inflation running around target but has revised its growth forecasts down again. Its forecasts assume that the cash rate will continue to “follow a gradual easing path”, implying that without further easing, growth and inflation will be lower and unemployment higher than its forecasting.
We expect the RBA to cut again in November, February and May taking the cash rate to 2.85%.
The ongoing rate cutting cycle should help underpin a modest further pick up in Australian economic growth to around 1.8% yoy by year end, but with the tariff threat posing some downside risk.
Stay up-to-date with the tips, news and updates from Advice Evolution and Fintegrity’s latest newsletter.
Understanding generational traits and financial advice needs: a guide to supporting every life stage
Each generation has distinct values, experiences, and financial priorities. From those shaped by war and hardship to today’s digital natives, financial needs vary widely. Understanding these differences is vital for individuals planning their futures and advisers providing relevant support. While everyone is unique, generational traits help reveal how people approach money and the advice they seek.
Health and wellbeing across the generations: how each age group can thrive
Health and wellbeing vary across generations, shaped by the times we live in. Each faces unique challenges and opportunities to enhance life quality. By valuing the wisdom of older adults and the energy of youth, we can create healthier, happier lifestyles for all.
Generational attitudes toward property ownership and the importance of expert advice
Property ownership is a major financial milestone, but each generation approaches it with different values and challenges. Whether buying a first home, investing, or downsizing, all generations benefit from expert advice to make informed property decisions.
10 questions to ask your accountant and why a close relationship matters
A skilled accountant is essential for managing personal or business finances, offering clarity, advice, and strategies to improve financial health and compliance. Developing a close relationship with your accountant builds trust and enables personalized, proactive support.
The key points are:
The last decade has seen productivity stagnate in Australia. This has curtailed growth in living standards and real wages.
Policies to boost productivity include: deregulation; more housing supply; a cap on public spending; and tax reform.
Unfortunately, the political pendulum has moved against many of the necessary policies and the lack of a “crisis” like Labor faced in the 1980s may make many reforms difficult.
But the good news is that the Government now recognises the problem and is starting to focus on how to boost it.
Stay up-to-date with the tips, news and updates from Advice Evolution and Fintegrity’s latest newsletter.
Understanding generational traits and financial advice needs: a guide to supporting every life stage
Life insurance: why we need to be educated before it’s too late
Making the most of your FIFO years: 10 tips for money and life
Read this month’s newsletter here
July is a great time to tick a few ‘to do’ items off your list. Whether you’re lodging your tax return, resetting your budget, or just thinking about your future, we have tips and tools to help you.
Podcast episode: Stopping the scammers
This month the Inside ASIC podcast covers how fraudsters are using artificial intelligence to produce scams that leave even the experts second-guessing.
How to lodge your tax return for free
It’s that time of the financial year. We outline how you can prepare and lodge your own tax return online, using the Australian Taxation Office myTax service.
New financial year, new focus
Time for a budget reset? Our online budget planner helps you work out how much you’re earning and where your money is being spent. More than half a million people used it last financial year.
What happens to your super when you retire
Your superannuation may be a big part of your retirement planning – and you can decide what to do with it. Here are some of the common options.
Protect your super from pushy sales tactics
If someone you don’t know contacts you about your super, it’s a red flag. Learn what to watch out for.
The key points are:
The Australian housing market remains far more complicated than many portray it to be.
The Australian housing is cycle is turning up again; falling interest rates are the key driver; along with a chronic undersupply of homes of 200,000-300,000 dwellings; this partly reflects a surge in building times; poor affordability is a key constraint though; but it varies significantly between cities; and finally, mortgage arrears remain low.
Average prices are expected to rise 5-6% this year boosted by falling rates but constrained by poor affordability.
The key points are:
Chinese growth is running around 5% and while threats remain high – with the property downturn and tariffs – policy stimulus is likely to be enough to keep growth okay.
However, longer term structural challenges – around excess saving, demographics and state control – will likely see growth slow to around 3% pa over the next decade.
Australia is now less sensitive to China, but Chinese growth is likely to be enough to keep the iron ore price elevated.
The key points are:
The first half of this year saw good returns, but they were interrupted by a correction into April thanks to US tariffs.
We remain upbeat on a 12-month view but see a high risk of another correction in the next few months.
Seven key charts worth watching are: Trump’s tariffs; business conditions PMIs; long term inflation expectations; inflation; profit growth; the gap between earnings yields and bond yields; and the $US. For now, they are mixed.
The key points are:
While recession fears, worries about US tariffs and war with Iran resulted in volatility, 2024-25 saw another financial year of strong returns helped by central bank rate cuts, economic conditions proving better than feared, and as President Trump paused the worst of his tariffs and Iran fears fizzled.
Share market volatility is likely to remain high given tariff uncertainties, concerns about US debt, geopolitical threats and likely weaker growth and profits. But with Trump likely to pivot towards more market friendly policies and central banks, including the Fed and RBA, likely to cut rates further, investment returns should be reasonable over 2025-26.
However, after three years in a row of 9-10% balanced growth super fund returns, some slowing is likely to a more sustainable pace around 6-7% particularly as share valuations are high.
The key for investors including super fund members is to maintain a long-term strategy and turn down the noise.
Starting the new financial year with intent: Tips for individuals and families
A new financial year presents the perfect opportunity to take stock, reset, and plan with purpose. Much like a new calendar year inspires resolutions, July 1 offers a financial “fresh start” to review your goals, refine your spending, and make sure your finances are working for you.
For individuals and families, starting the financial year with intent can lead to greater clarity, control, and confidence in the months ahead.
Tips for small business success, starting the new financial year with intent
The beginning of a new financial year is the perfect opportunity for small business owners to reset, refocus, and plan for sustainable growth.
It’s a time to take stock of your performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and ensure your financial and operational strategies are aligned with your long-term goals. Starting the year with intent can make all the difference between reacting to challenges and proactively navigating them.
The importance of making a will
As we journey through life, planning for the future becomes increasingly important.
Every adult has the right to control their affairs, whether managing finances or making healthcare decisions. However, as we age, factors such as illness, disability, or unexpected accidents can diminish our ability to handle these responsibilities.
Financial security: four steps to protect your future
Financial stability doesn’t usually come by chance; it requires preparation and strategy. Most of us depend on a steady paycheck, but few consider what would happen if it disappeared suddenly.
Protecting yourself against financial disaster means planning ahead. Here are four key strategies to safeguard your financial future.
Caravanning life in Australia: Top tips for every traveller
Whether you’re downsizing and selling the family home to hit the road full-time, taking a career break for a six to twelve-month lap of Australia, or simply planning a relaxing weekend away, the caravanning lifestyle is booming across the country. With stunning coastal drives, wide open desert plains, and friendly bush retreats, Australia is perfectly suited for exploring on wheels.
From retirees seeking freedom to young families chasing adventure, the reasons for hitching up a van and heading off are as varied as the landscapes you’ll discover.
Stay up-to-date with the tips, news and updates from Advice Evolution and Fintegrity’s latest newsletter.
Preparing your tax return – Find out what a tax return is, what information you’ll need to prepare it and when it’s due.
What is the right amount of life insurance coverage: the role of a financial adviser
End of Financial Year: a time for reflection and new opportunity
Read this month’s newsletter here
The key points are:
The US intervention in the war with Iran has substantially increased the risk of disruption to global oil supplies and a deeper impact on share markets.
But predicting how this will all unfold is hard. The key is to stay focussed on the basic principles of successful investing.
These five charts focus on principles of investing critical in times like now: the power of compound interest; don’t get blown off by the cycle; the roller coaster of investor emotion; the wall of worry; and market timing is hard.
The key points are:
US tax cuts point to ongoing budget deficits around 7% of GDP, a rising trend in already very high public debt and a further rise in already record debt interest payments.
While a full-blown US public debt crisis is unlikely, this along with declining foreign investor confidence in US policy making could mean upwards pressure on US bond yields.
In the near-term shares look like they will break to new highs. But the risk of further tariff and US public debt worries driving another bout of weakness is high
It’s possible the $US is losing its ‘safe haven’ status. This means the $A may behave a bit less as a shock absorber in a crisis, meaning more pressure on the RBA to cut rates than might normally be the case.
End of financial year tax and super strategies: what you need to know
As the end of the financial year (EOFY) approaches, it’s an important time to assess your tax position and superannuation strategy. With regulatory changes coming into effect from 1 July, this period offers a timely opportunity to put effective plans in place.
Whether you’re focused on minimising your tax, building retirement savings, or making sure you’re compliant, EOFY is your annual reminder to act—and act smartly.
Even as children, people create this big picture in their minds — a reflection of how they envision their life to be. Whether your big picture is similar to what’s called the Australian Dream (home ownership as the key to a better life) or not depends a lot on your priorities and goals in life.
Retirees working past the age of 70: what to consider
With increasing life expectancy and shifting financial goals, many Australians are choosing to continue working beyond the age of 70.
Whether for financial security, personal fulfilment, or social engagement, part-time work in retirement can offer numerous benefits.
Recognising and responding to elder abuse: a community responsibility
Elder abuse is a growing concern in Australia and globally, affecting individuals often aged 55 and over. While many associate abuse with physical harm, it can also be financial, emotional, psychological, or involve neglect.
The reality is that elder abuse often occurs behind closed doors, frequently at the hands of trusted family members, carers, or acquaintances.
Retirement can be a fulfilling and enriching stage of life, even more so when it’s approached with purpose and creativity. For those over 70 who are single, whether by choice, separation, or the loss of a life partner, keeping active, socially engaged, and mentally stimulated becomes even more crucial for emotional well-being and physical health.
Stay up-to-date with the tips, news and updates from Advice Evolution and Fintegrity’s latest newsletter.
Navigating market volatility: smart tips for long-term investors
Make the most of EOFY: super strategies to discuss with your financial adviser
Common misconceptions about life insurance
Read this month’s newsletter here
The key points are:
As widely expected, the RBA cut by 0.25% taking its cash rate to 3.85%. This is the second rate cut in this easing cycle.
The RBA remains “cautious about the outlook”, but its overall commentary appears more dovish leaving the door wide open for further easing.
We expect the RBA to cut again in August, November, and February taking the cash rate to 3.1%. There is now close to a 50% probability of another cut as early as July though.
The ongoing rate cutting cycle should help underpin a modest further pick up in Australian economic growth to around 1.8%yoy, but with the tariff threat posing a big downside risk.