Investment Committees Benefit All Advice Models
In early November, Joe sat down with Professional Planner to talk about the value of having an Independent Member on Investment Committees. On the Stephan Independent Advisory Investment Committee, our independent member is Dr Steve Garth. Steve’s expertise and experience contributes to the formulation and ongoing review of asset allocation and investment strategies and assists […]
What do our kids know about financial literacy?
For an average Australian, ‘financial literacy’ is probably a term that is heard very often. Financial literacy is the ability to understand and effectively use various financial skills, including personal financial management, budgeting and investing. Financial literacy is a lifelong pursuit. It forms the foundations for our relationship with money. The earlier in life you […]
Rate Expectations
Since the end of 2021 equity and bond markets have been grappling with the consequence of increasing interest rates as central banks grapple with decade-high inflation. Now investors are betting on interest rate cuts, after hopes that the US Federal Reserve had tamed inflation drove a powerful rally across global markets at the end of 2023. But do rate expectations in the US translate to rate cuts in Australia?
Climbing the Peak
There’s something almost mesmerising about the ongoing rally in global equity markets. Rather than a spectacular race to the peak, this quarter has seen a more slow and steady climb. By the end of March both the S&P/ASX 200 Index in Australia and the S&P 500 Index in the US are reaching new record highs every other day. With interest rates about to start coming down, is there anything to stop the markets climbing higher and higher?
Cash is King, until inflation steals the crown
As interest rates have gone from 0.1% in 2021 to 4.35% at the end of 2023, mortgage holders have been hit hard. But those investors who prefer the security of term deposits to generate income are happy to see returns leap higher over the past 2 years. However, there is one big problem: inflation remains persistent, and it is eating away at the income from the term deposit.
5 ways to get your kids involved in money decisions
If you have seen any of our recent videos and articles, you would have noticed that we have been stressing the importance of educating your kids about financial literacy concepts. This seems like it could be a tough job, but it really doesn’t have to be. It can start as simply as having a conversation. […]
5 Reasons to Talk to Your Financial Advisor
Managing your finances and planning for your future is an ongoing process that requires a lot of care, attention and adjustments as life unfolds. Even though you have regular progress meetings with your Financial Advisor, there are times in between those meetings when you should be reaching out. Here are 5 reasons to talk to […]
Investment Lessons from 2023
No year in markets has ever been like any year preceding it. Each year’s end gives us a moment to
reflect on the year that was and assess our investment approach. Much will be written about what
happened in financial markets last year, but there are three key lessons investors can take out of 2023.
The Gift of Giving
The holiday season: a time for family, relaxation and joy. It’s a time when families gather, gifts are exchanged, and acts of kindness become more pronounced. One such act of kindness that resonates deeply during this season is charitable giving.
Finding the Right Adviser
Have you ever seen one of those Shape-O toys? It’s one of those baby toys which has holes cut to specific shapes. To complete the game, you need to make sure that you put the right shape into the right hole. A mismatch means that you won’t be able to progress or finish the game. […]