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.

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 ...

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

COVID-19 continued to spread around the world, leading to further slowing of economic activity, disruptions to global supply chains, and pockets of inflationary pressures.

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.

Some key readings of economic activity in June were lower than in previous months, leading markets to revisit the “peak growth theme”.

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.

Global investors have been grappling with the trade-off between the benefits of stronger global growth for corporate profits and the potential impact to bond yields and values from higher inflation that might flow from the stronger growth.

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.

Global investors have been grappling with the trade-off between the benefits of stronger global growth for corporate profits and the potential impact to bond yields and values from higher inflation that might flow from the stronger growth.

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.  

March saw further good news about the pace of global economic recovery, with the OECD revising up its forecasts for global growth.

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.

March saw further good news about the pace of global economic recovery, with the OECD revising up its forecasts for global growth.

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.

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?

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.

February 2021 saw further improvement in the Australian economy, with higher employment and stronger business conditions and consumer confidence. 

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.

January 2021 saw further improvement in the Australian economy, with higher employment and stronger business conditions and consumer confidence. 

From a global pandemic that is still around, US presidential elections and aggressive moves from China, to government support, rallying markets and Covid vaccines; a year that started innocently enough turned into one for the history books.

The global financial markets rallied hard in response to an uncontested US presidential election result, successful Covid-19 vaccines, and support from central banks. This marked the end of a rollercoaster 2020 and indicated the start to a more settled 2021.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The resurgence of Covid-19 infections in the northern hemisphere and the uncertain US elections made October 2020 an uncertain month for global equity markets. In Australia, infections declined and interstate restrictions relaxed.

A federal budget in Australia, upcoming elections in the U.S., a slowing global economic recovery, and the ongoing efforts to develop a Covid-19 vaccine. An eventful month draws to a close.

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.

Renewed lockdowns in a number of countries saw progress in managing second waves of infections, resulting in a slow return in consumer confidence in some regions.

A second wave of Covid-19 infections around the world have led to countries reimposing restrictions, which in turn has imacted employment and consumer confidence. While we wait for a vaccine, the focus remains on how economic policy can help.

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.

A global recession, bushfires, an ongoing pandemic - 2019/20 has been the most dramatic year for financial markets since the GFC. What does this mean for us as we step into a new financial year?

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.

Globally, economies are reopening after the COVID-19 lockdown. Markets seem committed to the V-shaped recovery story, with equities showing great optimism and ignoring bad news.

April saw the equity markets rally in response to a flattening curve and reports of possible medical treatments. However, we've just started to glimpse the depth of the hole the world has to collectively climb out of.

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.

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.

Summary March was the most turbulent month for global financial markets since the onset of the GFC. Evidence of COVID-19 spreading into Europe triggered a sharp fall in equities and ...

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.

Summary The first three weeks of February saw further good performance by global equity markets. The news from China about COVID-19 seemed to be getting better and the latest economic ...

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 ...

Summary January was a dramatic month for the world economy and financial markets, starting with hostilities between the US and Iran and ending with fears about the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) ...

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 ...

Summary December closed out 2019 on a positive note with equities, bonds and commodities all rallying as key economic data steadied and the US and China agreed to sign the Phase ...

Summary November was a good month for equity markets as the broad risk-on theme continued. Both the local and US equity markets reached new highs. In contrast, the performance of ...

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 ...

Summary After starting October on a cautious note, markets became a little more optimistic about global economic conditions as the month progressed. News that the US and China would sign ...

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 ...

Summary September’s market action was in clear contrast to the previous month. August’s concerns about global growth, trade wars and geopolitics gave way to a somewhat more optimistic ...

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.

Summary August was a turbulent month for global financial markets with heightening concerns in relation to the ongoing trade dispute between the US and China, and about how much the ...

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.

The Summary July was all about central banks cutting interest rates to support growth. This spurred equity markets to new highs in both Australia and the US. The Reserve Bank ...

The Summary May was not a good month for global equity markets. The prime source of concern was the escalating trade dispute between the US and China, leading markets to ...

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 ...

The Summary With the Federal Election victory now confirmed for the Liberal–National coalition, we no longer need to plan around changes to franking credits, negative gearing, reductions in CGT ...

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 ...

The Summary In March, the world’s financial markets continued coming to grips with the implications of the sudden slowdown in global growth in recent months. Data for the manufacturing ...

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.

The Summary February saw further signs of slowing global growth, muted inflation and ongoing geopolitical risks. Key policymakers have responded with more of the “patience and flexibility” message they have ...

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 Summary After a very difficult month in December, markets bounced back strongly in January as fears about US monetary policy and a potential recession were alleviated by a mix ...

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 ...

The Summary 2018 was a year in which global investors significantly reduced their appetite for risk in the face of slower than expected growth, a tightening in US monetary policy, and ...

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 ...

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?