Last night, Treasurer Jim Chalmers handed down his third budget trying to balance the fine line between providing cost of living relief and not stoking more inflation, aiming to avoid a pre-election interest rate rise.

It's time to think about important planning opportunities including additional superannuation contributions, reviewing your capital gains or losses, and ensuring minimum pension drawings are taken.

Tax cuts due on 1 July 2024 are good news for young professionals, potentially freeing up money for saving and investments.

As electric vehicles (EVs) become cheaper and more popular, more clients are asking if buying an electric car stacks up financially.

Our new-look website is making it easier for clients to find information and news and easier for those new to FMD to meet our advisers and book a first meeting.

FMD’s Martin Hawkins, Senior Adviser in our Brisbane office, and his wife Rhiannon, are preparing for a once in a lifetime walk to fight Motor Neuron Disease (MND).

Stage 3 tax cuts and changes to super offer new wealth building opportunities, from planning the timing of asset sales, to the potential to grow your super balance faster.

The average age of inheritance is now between 55-59 and by then, your kids’ financial circumstances and family dynamics may be quite complex.

Clients often ask us how they can help their kids build wealth faster and become more financially savvy. In this article we consider a way to financially assist those completing studies with student loans.

Spending time relaxing and talking with family and friends over the holidays can make us reassess our goals and priorities. Many of us make resolutions which don’t last more than a month. In this article we exmplore what helps to make new habits stick.

It has been a big year for products and partnerships that support FMD's commitment to investing in the health, wealth and happiness of the next generation.

We’re proud to announce that, thanks to the dedication and generosity of FMD staff and clients, this year we raised over $15,000 for cancer research and services.

What to do if you notice a decline in an elderly loved one this Christmas and common signs they may need more support.

Is it worth paying for a financial adviser? Discover the financial and mental health benefits of investing in good financial advice.

Despite rising interest rates, the low availability of housing stock and demand for residential property has seen steady price growth across capital city markets in 2023

Walt Disney famously had this advice for those striving to create a successful, long-term business “Do what you do so well that people will want to experience it again and ...

Clients. family and friends get the royal treatment with our $100 Sign-Up Bonus to get more people enjoying the benefits of investing sooner.

As we age, more and more people are aiming to stay in the family home close to support networks for as long as possible and good financial planning is an important part of making it happen.

Rev Invest portfolio returns since inception, demonstrate the value of being invested in high quality Exchange Traded Funds (ETF’s) managed by a proven investment team, at a low entry cost.

Having the right level of insurance to protect your income if illness or injury strikes is an important part of building and protecting wealth to achieve your overall financial goals

Navigating the end of a marriage or long-term relationship is one of the most stressful experience we can face in life and is a significant financial event for all parties involved, particularly for those with complex assets or business structures.

It’s been two years since the height of the lockdowns and restrictions of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. Widespread vaccination has largely restored our freedoms, but some things have probably changed forever as a result of this once in a century event. Here we reflect on some of the long term social and economic impacts.

We are witnessing a significant shift in generational wealth accumulation and concerns that the next generation could be the first since Federation to be worse off than their parents.

With redundancies set to increase as the economy slows in response to consecutive interest rate rises, it's reassuring to know that good financial planning can help minimise the impacts of late-career change.

Something we don’t always think about when we are fit and well, is whether someone we trust could act on our behalf legally and financially, if we needed them to. Yet life is unpredictable, and situations can arise where you may become unable to make decisions or manage your own affairs due to illness, injury, or aging.

Our low-cost online investment offer, Rev Invest is designed to help the next generation build wealth, with the confidence of knowing a proven investment team is behind it.

The Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers took 31 minutes to announce his first full year budget for the Albanese Labor Government last night as he tried to provide more for those in the community most negatively impacted by rising inflation without fuelling inflation itself.

New research about the value of working with a professional financial adviser shows Australians with an active advice relationship are better off in four important ways.

It’s that time of the year when make new financial goals, promise to leave bad habits behind and recommit to a positive financial future. 

Spending time with elderly relatives can make us more aware of declines in their health and wellbeing.

The Albanese Government has handed down its self-described "solid and sensible" budget in a very different economic environment to March this year when the Morrison government was revealing theirs.

From Uber, to Netflix and online banking, getting things done at the touch of a button is now an expected part of every day life. Yet the price of this convenience is that so much personal data is now stored online, becoming a potential target for cyber criminals.

Everyone can benefit from financial planning, but women often have different career and lifestyle goals and circumstances to men, and different triggers for seeking advice.

The building industry is facing a perfect storm of supply chain challenges, increases in raw materials prices and labour shortages.

In its 10th anniversary year, the 2022 World Happiness Report provides an insight into the happiest countries in the world.

When inflation and interest rate are impacting all asset classes at once, it’s difficult to remember that it’s normal for investment returns to vary greatly from year to year and still grow over the long-term.

Retirement village living and residential care are often seen as alternatives, but the fact is they are not true substitutes.

Register for our property webinar for the latest insights into residential property markets and find out why the stars are aligning for downsizers. Family and friends of clients welcome to join.

Scamwatch, the scam monitoring service run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), is alerting the public to a new trend re-targeting previous scam victims with offers of help to recover lost money.

The Treasurer has handed down a relatively responsible Budget, with a strong focus on cost-of-living measures along with some small-business support, cyber-security and infrastructure spending.

Despite the challenges and uncertainties of the pandemic we’ve experienced a once in a generation property boom, fuelled by low interest rates and migration to smaller capital cities.

Changes to superannuation contributions bring new opportunities

Raising concerns when an elderly parent’s health or wellbeing at home is in decline, is one of the hardest conversations you’ll ever have as an adult child. And ...

How to get the new Director identification numbers (DIN) required by company directors in Australia

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. A November 2022 study ...

Scamwatch, the dedicated scam monitoring service run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), is urging people to be extra vigilant about text scams.

Scamwatch, the dedicated scam monitoring service run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), is urging people to be extra vigilant about text scams.

Being stuck at home in endless COVID-19 lockdowns has given many people time to think about their financial future. If you are engaging with your Super for the first time in a while, here are 3 things to consider to ensure you make the most if it.

August is reporting season and, in addition to finding out how companies are performing in these challenging times, investors may also find themselves on the receiving end of an unexpected special dividend or an off-market share buy-back.

The latest consumer confidence research from ANZ-Roy Morgan shows 25% of Australian families are better off now than this time last year.

Changes to government regulations are now in place that will reduce the benefits available on new income protection policies from 1 October 2021. Income protection insurance is an important part of financial ...

The superannuation concessional contributions cap was recently lifted from $25,000 to $27,500, but there are also changes to the consequences for going over the new cap.

While it's not quite business as usual due to COVID-19 restrictions, the FMD team is fully operational and your adviser will be ready to conduct your regular review meeting, or any other meeting as required, in a virtual setting. These instructions will help you prepare for a virtual meeting with your adviser.

As experts in delivering holistic financial advice tailored for each individual and designed to help clients achieve their financial goals, here’s our top five tips for how to tell good advice from bad.

Among the lingering effects will be the financial upheaval many people have experienced, some for the first time. Whether brought about by unexpected career change, the fluctuating value of assets, or delayed retirement or estate planning, the resulting fear and uncertainty is real.  

Budget 2021-22 follows on from the last Budget’s theme of getting Australia through the pandemic and promoting economic growth and employment. The Australian economy has progressed toward recovery more successfully than others, with a dramatic budget improvement since the October 2020 forecasts.

The post-COVID housing market recovery in Australia has certainly exceeded expectations, with property prices in Melbourne up 6.1%, Brisbane 6.3% and Adelaide 4.9% so far in 2021. As prices rise, more retirees are considering downsizing their home. In turn, taking advantage of tax and superannuation incentives to maintain the lifestyle they desire in retirement and protect their wealth.

The hunt for better returns and mistrust of the share market creates the perfect environment for the rise of risky investment funds that promise returns, often too good to be true.

On Feb 26, 2021 the final report from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety was presented outlining 148 recommendations. What are some of the implications?

GameStop made headlines for all the wrong reasons but short selling can be a savvy investment strategy. It has been used by prudent fund managers for years and there is a place for it in balanced portfolio management.

From 1 July 2021 the superannuation transfer balance cap will increase to $1.7 million. This limits how much money you can keep in tax-free super. This change adds further complexity to super and it is imperative to get advice to navigate and maximise the benefits super can offer.

There are now more and more online tools and apps available to help you take care of the tedious but important tasks associated with budgeting. Here is our list of the top 5 apps for efficiently managing your budget.

Making good financial decisions during a crisis such as Covid-19 can feel overwhelming. However, with the support and expert guidance of a qualified financial adviser, you can make decisions today that your future self will thank you for.

The baby boomers are at the stage of life where they are making arrangements around aged care. With their history of demanding higher standards of service across the board, this may be just the impetus needed to overhaul the Australian aged care system.

Has your role been made redundant during Covid-19? Here are some of the key things to consider that can help you land on your feet and start to build a strong financial future.

FMD Financial's Annual Client Briefing 2020 is here. 26 November 2020 will see us celebrate a year of many wins for our clients despite the global pandemic and geopolitical upheaval across the globe.

Listen to this podcast episode where Senior Financial Adviser, Jason Calleja, spoke to Partner at Nicholes Family Lawyers, Bec Dahl, to discuss how lawyers and financial advisers need to work together to serve clients navigating divorce or separation.

Embracing online banking and other services has been a steep learning curve for banks, service providers and customers, but people have overwhelmingly embraced technology to manage their money during this difficult time. 

Budget 2020-21 is firmly billed as a recovery plan, to move Australia from crisis response towards rebuilding the economy following the once-in-a-century shock caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Covid-19 has caused significant upheaval to the Australian property market. To understand the impact, FMD Financial CEO Lee Wapling chatted with property expert David McMillan, Director of Performance Property Advisory in this webinar held on 11 September 2020.

In this interview with FMD Financial, property expert David McMillan talks about the current impact of the pandemic on Australia's property market and what we can expect as we emerge from the crisis.

To support the economic recovery from the ongoing devastation by Covid-19, the Government is extending and further tailoring temporary economic measures to support individuals, businesses and communities that continue to face the biggest challenges.

Physical distancing and Covid-19 have challenged us all to get creative in how we connect. For many retirees, relying heavily on technology to socialise has been a new experience, one that allows them to continue participating in the things they enjoy.

Having an updated Will and Estate Plan is the only way to protect your wealth, provide for your family in your absence and safeguard your financial legacy. COVID-19 has shown us just how much these factors impact our health, wealth and happiness.

Post Covid-19, global markets have rallied in response to decisive government action and economic stimulus. While it’s tempting to feel relief at this partial recovery, ongoing volatility is expected as we begin the new normal.

While regular travel may be off the cards for the foreseeable future, virtual travel experiences have gotten better than ever. All you need is a good internet connection and a comfy chair.

Latest information on all things financial related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. This page is regularly updated with news on investment markets, government support packages, superannuation and anything else you need to know to stay informed and protect your wealth at this challenging time.

We can all relate to feeling like every day is the same, or not even knowing what day it is, as we stay at home to battle COVID-19. Adviser, David Batchelor shares his thoughts on coping with the rapid change in our lives, and recommends some great movie viewing to deliver a much-needed laugh.

It's been a turbulent ride on global markets since the onset of COVID-19, but FMD portfolios are weathering the storm and are well-placed for the future. Watch this update from the FMD Investment Committee for all the latest details.

Daily life has been turned upside down for all of us due to COVID-19 and new ways of living, working and connecting have quickly become the norm. Whatever changes you are adapting to personally, adviser Michael Russell shares his tips on getting your budget under control in the face of new financial realities.

We continue to receive fantastic feedback about our largest-ever Annual Client Briefing held at the Park Hyatt in Melbourne in December 2019 where we welcomed over 400 guests. One of the things ...

Welcome to our new FMD Team Members! 2019 was a big year for FMD with a number of significant changes, including our move to operating under our own Australian Financial Services ...

2018-19 was a tough year for Australia’s major banks who faced margin squeeze from lower interest rates, fierce competition in mortgages and customer dissatisfaction in the wake of the ...

With one decade coming to an end and the roaring ‘20s about to begin, FMD was “Looking back to look forward” when more than 400 clients and friends joined us recently ...

The Australia Talks National Survey (fielded in July 2019) shed light on what Australians are most worried about. When presented with a list of 27 worry factors ranging from money to survival ...

The Reserve Bank of Australia and the Government may be lamenting the fact that lower interest rates and personal tax cuts haven’t had the desired effect on consumer spending, ...

What do you imagine when you think about your retirement? Do you picture yourself in a relaxing seaside town on the Sunshine Coast? Or maybe you’re drawn to the ...

Over the last few years the FMD team has donated thousands of dollars and countless volunteer hours to fundraising activities for worthy causes, and we're grateful for the continuing support ...

The Trump presidency has seen a rapid return to protectionism with the introduction of new tariffs on Chinese goods aimed at lowering net imports and protecting domestic industries. China responded ...

In July 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 ...

People who seek out financial advice see great returns on their investment and feel confident in their financial future. Still, many Australians shy away from expert financial advice. Here's why.

Looking for smart strategies to make the most of your redundancy payment? Our advisers share tips on maximising your redundancy payment and securing your financial future.

The ACCC's Scamwatch has already received 94 reports of Coronavirus-related scams and expect that number to rise. Since the Federal Government announced measures to allow people to access their superannuation, scammers have been impersonating super funds in calls and emails asking Australians to confirm their super account details.

Super regulations are always changing - there have been 43 legislative and regulatory changes in Self-Managed Super alone in the last five years! (1) While super may still be the most tax-effective ...

Updated on 31st July 2019: Since this interview, the Reserve Bank cut the official cash rate by 25 basis points in June and again in July to a record low 1.00 per cent. ...

The old adage that people are more likely to change their partner than their bank may not be true for much longer. In the coming years open banking is expected ...

Many of us dream about retiring overseas or enjoying extended periods of overseas travel during retirement. While drawing up your travel checklist, don’t forget to consider possible impacts to ...

Negative gearing to be limited to newly built properties from 1 January 2020 if Labor wins the election. What this could mean for investors and the property market?

Will this budget result in a comeback for the Government in time for the “sometime in May” federal election? Mike Reynolds demystifies the 2019 Federal Budget

It’s always hard to take time away from the office and our clients, but once again we were reminded of the benefits of bringing our national team together to share knowledge and hone our skills at this year’s annual adviser conference in Melbourne recently.

Proposed changes to franking credits in SMSFs are on the horizon if Labor is elected in May. There could be significant impacts for retirees with an SMSF who are wholly in the pension phase. Financial adviser, Jason Calleja, explains the potential impact and what you can do to protect your wealth if the proposed changes come into effect.

Investing in property through a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) is a popular option for many people. However, recently tightened bank lending and increasing ATO regulation have made this harder. Here ...

The ‘January effect’ is a well-known phenomenon among economists and psychologists alike. Regardless of market realities, consumer optimism and share prices often see a temporary boost and so does our ...

In December 2018, the federal government announced that insurance premiums will see an average hike of 3.25% in 2019. This is not a new story. With these yearly increases, of course you want ...

If you know how much money is in your wallet, and keep a record of what you spend, you’re probably a saver. If, on the other hand, you have ...

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, ...

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 ...

Article update: The Basic Daily Fee and means-tested care fee mentioned in this article are as per The Department of Human Services' revised aged care fees released on 21 June 2019. Making ...

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?

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 ...

How active management of your super investment builds wealth faster Building wealth sooner is the best way to live the lifestyle you've worked hard to achieve for longer. Instead of ...

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 ...

The information in this article is superseded by the latest superannuation information published in our article, Everything you need to know about superannuation to live the dream. New superannuation laws ...

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 spoke at ...

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. ...