2012 Spring Newsletter
Our new leadership team
We have some very exciting news for you in this newsletter – Melinda Planken and Carl Creasey are so happy with you, and the business, that they have bought into Muirfield Financial Services. There are now 3 owners of Muirfield.
Joanne and Hayden intend working on as financial planners for some time, but Hayden as owner of Muirfield, needed to consider his succession options. After reviewing several unsolicited external offers to buy the business, he formed the view that our existing staff are at least the equal of, and probably better than, those in any other firm. Furthermore, he would rather see you enjoy a continuation of their demonstrated excellence (backed up by our other outstanding staff) into the years ahead, than expose you to an unknown purchaser at some later stage.
Both Melinda and Carl have worked at Muirfield for over 5 years and we have been thrilled with their progressive development and maturity. They have attained the highest academic standards as Certified Financial Planners and epitomise the values, integrity, business and people skills that are so essential to looking after your financial future.
Click here to read the 2012 Spring Newsletter
The 8 Worst Money Mistakes You Can Make
Do you know what the interest rate is on your home loan? How does it compare with what the big banks are offering? If you can’t answer either of these questions then you’re guilty of one of the biggest money mistakes – not looking around for the best deal.
It’s now easier than ever to change home loans and even your regular banking accounts. So shop around for the best interest rate and refinance if necessary.
One of the best
Read More2012 Winter Newsletter
The Sun Will Shine On Investors This Financial Year
Let me go out on a limb (and I haven’t done this since climbing trees as a kid – but that’s another story!). I believe the sharemarket will recover this year.
In brief, Australia’s economy is performing very well with company profits at record levels. The high $A is making it more expensive for overseas investors than in the past. If the exchange rate moves back towards its long term average of 80c US – not $1.03 US, as it is now, it will make investment in Australia and the purchase of our goods cheaper for those overseas. The sharemarket is low but dividends from ‘blue chip ‘ shares are now often more than the interest rate you can get on Term Deposits.
It’s for these reasons that I believe the sun will shine on investors over the next year.
We have an informative eNews ahead. We hope you enjoy, and share the link to our eNews with friends and family.
Click here to read the 2012 Winter eNews
Read MoreFrom iPhone To iPad To iPod Touch To iRon
Sometimes it is good to take some time out from our busy lives to enjoy some light humour.
Here’s a funny scenario we thought you would enjoy.
It all began with an iPhone .. my son was celebrating his 16th birthday, so I got him an iPhone. He just loved it. Who wouldn’t?
Read More2012 Autumn Newsletter
In our Summer eNews we expressed our optimism for investments in 2012. As Autumn leaves start to fall, our wish for a good start is en route with a 6% rise in Aussie shares from Jan 1 to March 31. Your portfolio will have enjoyed this lift!
We have an interactive eNews ahead, with topical articles, film clips and calculators adding substance and depth. We hope you enjoy, and share the link to our eNews with friends and family.
In This Issue
- So, You Are About to Retire …
- The Carbon Tax mystery
- 5 Key Questions on Aged Care
- Protection in Super
Click here to view our 2012 Autumn eNews
Read More5 Key Questions About Aged Care
If you are considering aged care for someone close to you, there are five questions you need answered to maximise your chances of getting the best care at the most reasonable cost.
It’s a fact of life that many of us will need to one day face the daunting task of seeking aged care for someone close to us. At first the complexity of dealing with the personal, practical and financial issues may seem overwhelming, but there are positive ways to address these issues and there is help available to navigate through them.
Sooner or later many of us need to support a relative who is no longer able to manage independently in their own home.
Read MoreThe RBA Decision
The RBA board have decided to hold the cash rate for another month.
Despite Australia’s low inflation rate the RBA is clearly concerned that Australia’s forecast economic growth will push inflation higher.
Whilst unemployment and inflation remain low, it is unlikely that we will be seeing a rate cut in the near future.
We will now sit and wait to see what our home loan lenders do with their interest rates. Within the mortgage industry we are hearing every lender complain about the same problem………. the rising cost of funds.
Read MoreI am about to retire, do volatile markets mean a change of plans?
We are often asked, How much money do I need to have to retire?. Media commentator Paul Clitheroe adds his views to this age old question and discusses how to manage your retirement plans during the current market volatility.
Make sure your speakers are turned on and press play below to watch the video.
Read MoreProtection in Super
Australians are notoriously underinsured, so it’s reassuring to know that affordable, tax-effective life insurance could be as near as your super fund. Most super funds offer members at least a basic level of personal insurance cover, and holding your insurance within super – rather than in stand-alone policies – can have its benefits. The article covers the following:
– Tax efficient insurance premiums
– Cost savings
– Automatic cover
– Insurance payouts
– Tax implications
– Will it be enough?
– Erosion of retirement savings
The RBA leaves rates on hold
The RBA has decided to leave the cash rate at its current levels. This may leave our home loan lenders in a bit of a quandary. All four majors have recently commented that they need to gain some profit margin due to their rising cost of funds. This move by the RBA may force the banks to increase our current rates despite the RBA’s decision to hold. We will wait and see.
Interestingly, ANZ in an attempt to break away from the media’s expectation that they “always match the RBA decision” have decided to review their rates
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