Recently we had a strange review appear on our Facebook page. It was not regarding our people, nor our services – but it was just specific enough to seem passably legitimate to the uninitiated.
Navigating Geopolitical Events
Recent conflict between Russia and Ukraine is an important reminder that geopolitical risk is a part of investing.
Banking on Change
In the past few years, we’ve seen moves from big banks offloading their investment and insurance offerings.
We Had Better Have a Plan – Corrections, Risk and Tolerance
With the corrections occurring in the market and the markets doing what they have always done efficiently… It’s time to stop, breathe deep with both feet firmly on the ground, and reassure ourselves of the why and what is of our financial position and plan.
Volatility: Give it Time
When we say ‘volatility’, it’s usually referencing the amount of risk or uncertainty associated with a security’s value. If you’re looking at the volatility of certain assets, you’re looking at how largely the prices swing up or down around the mean price.
For Want of a Nail
Complaints about lending have increased with banks leery of the risk and opting to take a harsh line instead – leading to reports of people being turned down for mortgages because they were buying drinks at the dairy, spending money at Kmart, or because of pregnancy.
It’s a Jobseeker’s World, After All
Data suggests New Zealand could be on the cusp of something similar to the Great Resignation seen in the USA and UK – in sentiment, anyway.
10 Reasons for Financial Advice
When life changes, money changes. And when money changes, life changes.
Transitions in life aren't just inevitable. They're constant. These crucial moments of transition may shape your entire future.
What's "Independent" Anyway?
We know that if people have a vested interest in something, they are more likely to steer you towards the outcome that most benefits them. It’s the same thinking that tells us to get an independent AA check when buying a car, because we know the salesperson at the yard gets a commission whether they sell us a reliable car or a lemon.
In With the New
There’s something extremely satisfying about being able to put 2021 to bed, even if it’s more symbolic than anything else.
Prepping the Piggybanks
The New Default(s)
Every seven years, the Government reviews the default KiwiSaver providers to make sure you, the investor, are getting the best bang for your buck. They conduct these reviews based on a number of factors including investment performances, services, and fees. The idea is that the default funds selected by this process are going to give you the best outcome for your retirement journey.
The Downsides of DIY Investing
With home ownership out of reach for many people, we’re seeing shifts in investing priorities that align with generational differences, particularly from Millennials and Gen Z. Following on from Boomers, who are tipped as the wealthiest generation in history, things are tough in a world where costs keep rising and outpacing income.
The Hard Yards
Do the mahi, get the treats.
Historically we could see this saying as a rallying point to work harder, push more and get ahead for your future self. However, since COVID has (and continues to) highlight inequities between the haves and have nots, many have become disillusioned to the idea.
Turning up the Heat on Housing
New Zealand house prices are over 160% higher now than in 2011. Yep, that’s a real number. Let that sink in for a minute.
Getting Super Motivated
The “I” word keeps popping up at the moment; Inflation.
What will your money be worth in a years’ time? Or ten? What will you be able to afford by then? Do you have enough to retire on?
When it Rains, it Pours
A Consumer NZ sentiment tracker recently reported that 15 per cent of New Zealanders have no savings, 27 per cent were anxious about the level of their savings, and one in ten of the respondents indicated spending more than they saved over the past three months.
The Skinny on CEFEX Accreditation
We are frequently asked by investors and trustees – do financial advisers get audited?
As an investor, you want peace of mind. You need to know that not only is your adviser competent, but also that they’re acting in your best interest.
Riding for a Fall
There’s an ironic certainty to the Cup, given the pony-picking premise. We know that it’ll happen every year on the first Tuesday of November (not even COVID could stop it, though it did keep the fans at home last year). Beyond that there are so many variables for the punters – weights, age, barrier draws, recent form, the race distance, the weather and the state of the track.
If you’re trying to pick stocks, the options are just as bewildering.
Let's talk Inflation
If you weren’t already weary of living through historic events in recent years, here’s another driver for rapid change: inflation is on the rise, and quickly. In New Zealand the annual inflation has jumped to 4.9% in the September quarter compared to the June 2021 quarter which was reported to be 3.3%.
