It is very easy to let emotion control our investment decisions when experiencing market volatility: especially when we are being bombarded with constant media coverage reporting gloomy performance and falling share prices. Many people put off investing simply because they don’t know when to start – they are seeking “the best time”. Others who are already in the market worry when the news is … [Read more...]
Legal Issues associated with retirement villages
Legal Issues associated with retirement villages Buying into a retirement village is different from buying other residential property. The financial structures and legal titles can vary from village to village, so it's important to talk to your lawyer so that you understand their implications. Get independent legal advice before you sign up with a retirement village. You are … [Read more...]
When is a self-managed super fund a good idea … and when is it not?
The use of self-managed super funds has grown rapidly in Australia over the past five – seven years. But, is this the most appropriate vehicle for you? Self-managed super funds are also known as DIY super funds. They can have up to four members and are generally established by an individual, a family or business partners to manage the investment of their own superannuation … [Read more...]
It’s a new financial year…get your money working harder for you
It’s a new financial year … get your money working harder for you Now that you have reviewed your spending habits, set some goals and planned a budget, it’s time to review and potentially refine how you make your money work for you. Rather than spending your income with the hope of having something left over to invest (which almost never works), set aside a portion of … [Read more...]
How Much Superannuation Will I Need?
How much Superannuation will I need? Your retirement may be a distant thought or it may be just around the corner. Either way, it's important to know you'll be able to afford the lifestyle you want and deserve. While Australian employers are required to contribute at least 9.5% of your salary to super, you need to work out if this will be enough for you to live comfortably in … [Read more...]
HFI will help you build a brighter future for your children
Unlike the world we grew up in, children today are born into a far more competitive environment. It is more difficult to get a head start in life, with education and specialisation now critical to job and income security. It’s therefore not surprising that many parents and grandparents want to provide an investment nest egg to give their children and grandchildren a platform to build an … [Read more...]
HFI Super Strategies can make a real difference
It’s a known fact. Australians on average are living longer. We commonly spend over twenty years in retirement and the need to accumulate savings while we are still working to fund this increasing retirement period has never been greater. Luckily, there are still some super strategies available to help boost your retirement nest egg and the sooner you start the better. But remember that when … [Read more...]
Are there alternatives to income protection?
Research tells us that 69% of Australians do not own income protection insurance*. This alarming statistic begs the question about what the alternatives are for those people who choose not to insure their income. The first factor to establish when looking at the issue of whether income protection may be worthwhile for your situation is to examine the potential loss that you may face if … [Read more...]
Hall Finance & Insurance Solutions – Early Stage Melanoma a condition covered under the Trauma Plus Option
Slip, slop, slap - Early Stage Melanoma Extra care for the country with the highest incidence of melanoma in the world. With summer well and truly underway, chances are you have been enjoying the great outdoors, especially while on your holiday break. With this in mind, organisations such as Cancer Council Australia have taken the opportunity to remind all Australians that protecting themselves … [Read more...]
Rising Cost of Claims
Rising cost of claims The amount of paid out to customers who make claims is the biggest single cost of any insurance company.Claims levels across Australia have reached unprecedented levels over the past year as a result of a spate of natural disasters. For example, CGU received 25,000 extra claims over the 2010/2011 summer period alone as result of events including cyclones and floods across … [Read more...]