The reality is we never know what will happen today or tomorrow – whether we're in good times or bad. Understandably, the uncertainty in the world right now has many feeling nervous about the future and their finances. Here, Tim Townsend explains how we invest our client's wealth, in good times and bad, and how we’ve responded to the uncertainty in the markets over the last year or two to minimise the impact of a significant downturn, should one occur. This advice has been prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Therefore, you should consider the appropriateness of this advice in light of your own objectives, financial situation and needs before acting.

The ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ is a reality of the very expensive world in which we live. Today, around 40% of first home buyers rely on help from their folks to get into the property market. Here, Rod Cobain shares some considerations, observations, and advice for those who are thinking about, looking to, or actively helping their adult children financially. Ultimately, the last thing anyone wants when helping our children is to inadvertently create issues in the relationship and because it is in everyone's interest that the Bank of Mum and Dad is secure. This advice has been prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Therefore, you should consider the appropriateness of this advice in light of your own objectives, financial situation and needs before acting.

We're conditioned to work for our money. But, the key to achieving true financial independence is learning to make our money work for us. From early childhood we're given 'pocket money' for doing chores around the house. From there we move on to our first job and establishing and building a career – all of which is centred around working for money'. But, while working and saving are critical to getting ahead financially, the key to achieving true financial independence, where you choose to work because you want to, not because you have to, is learning to make money work for you. This advice has been prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Therefore, you should consider the appropriateness of this advice in light of your own objectives, financial situation and needs before acting.

Seeing our parent's age can be confronting. And as they age, a host of financial and legal considerations will likely emerge. By planning for them together, you can make these changes easier to navigate. One will likely outlive the other... There may come a time when they need to move out of the family home and into a care facility... Their cognitive capabilities may diminish... They may face a significant health event. Without plans in place, these types of events can cause enormous stress for them and for you. By helping them put in place the right financial structures and legal instruments and define and document their wishes, before these things occur, you can help them maintain and protect their independence. This advice has been prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Therefore, you should consider the appropriateness of this advice in light of your own objectives, financial situation and needs before acting.

Almost all of our clients have told us within a few weeks of starting to work with us, 'gee, I wish I had done this sooner'. Often they have put off talking to an adviser because life is busy and they just haven't gotten around to it. Other times it is because they're worried they’ll be told something they don’t want to hear or that they’ll be judged for what they have or haven’t done with their money. But, they quickly discover that those fears were unfounded and that the process of engaging an adviser and partner is empowering and brings with it a sense of confidence and peace of mind about their position that they didn’t have before. This advice has been prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Therefore, you should consider the appropriateness of this advice in light of your own objectives, financial situation and needs before acting.

If you have an SMSF, own a variety of assets and entities or have significant wealth, a Will may not be enough to ensure your wishes are followed. While your Will will set out how you want your assets to be distributed, if the financial structures, legal instruments and instructions aren’t there to facilitate it, it can become a minefield for your loved ones and your Executor to navigate. Here, Rod Cobain explains the intricacies involved and why it is important to discuss your Will and wishes with your financial adviser to ensure the financial structures and legal instruments are in place to allow your wishes to be carried out. This advice has been prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Therefore, you should consider the appropriateness of this advice in light of your own objectives, financial situation and needs before acting.