Paul Clitheroe's Insights

Since late February we've seen intense volatility on the Aussie sharemarket. This has driven a massive uptick in the number of people trying to make a quick buck on shares. But not many have succeeded.

COVID-19 has seen Australians deal with a lot of firsts - from social distancing and widespread workplace shutdowns to drive-thru health tests. The latest 'first' is negative oil prices.

Sharemarket falls can be especially challenging for retirees who don't have the benefit of ongoing super contributions to make up for negative returns. But your retirement savings may have weathered the recent market storms surprisingly well.

In response to the Coronavirus outbreak, the federal government has relaxed the rules around early access to super.

Sharemarkets have dished up a wild ride recently. But when prices fall it's a sure thing that bargain hunters will step in.

The coronavirus outbreak puts us firmly in extraordinary times. Mass lockdowns, social distancing and a widespread health threat are all new to us. But there is nothing new about volatility in investment markets.

There's never any shortage of macroeconomic commentary around investment markets. The trouble is, it's often confusing and a minefield of differing opinions. One expert says one thing; another says something very different.

First home buyers face a conundrum right now. Home loan interest rates are at record lows. But returns on savings accounts are also extremely low - and property values are on the rise.

Setting yourself up for financial success works best when you follow a financial plan, and in some cases, this can mean drawing on the support of a financial adviser. But be mindful of the fees.

Making money doesn't involve luck or knee jerk reactions. It's about planning and perspective. But sometimes the hardest part for investors is doing nothing at all.

Each year a new buzzword enters our conversations. This year's hot contender is 'neobank'.

If Cupid's arrow missed you on Valentine's Day, be wary of strangers declaring their love online.

In the world of investing, a 'black swan' is an unpredictable event with the potential for serious consequences. Right now, some commentators are saying the outbreak of coronavirus in China is a black swan.

Australians have taken to self-managed super funds (SMSFs) like ducks to water. Over 1.1 million of us are members of a SMSF, and with close to $750 billion in retirement savings, 'mum and dad' funds control nearly one third of the nation's $2.76 trillion superannuation assets.

Home and contents insurance is a must-have when you're a home owner. But following this summer's devastating bushfires, it's a fair bet that premiums will rise.

Parents around the nation will breathe a collective sigh of relief over the next few days as their kids return to school. But the respite may only last until the first batch of bills arrive.