Paul's Insights

I suspect there are few times in life when we take more notice of our investments, and the performance of asset markets, than in the years just before and during retirement. While many people in these life stages worry about the potential for market downturns, their wealth can be impacted far more profoundly by something much simpler - providing financial support to their adult children.

The Reserve Bank's decision to cut the official cash rate to a historic low of 0.1% was something of a blow for anyone trying to grow cash savings. But there are still valid reasons to hang onto a savings account.

Cashback deals to refinance a home loan are becoming commonplace. But do they offer good value?

The way we pay for things is changing - and in a major turnaround, Australians have wiped $6.3 billion off the nation's credit card debt during COVID.

Plenty of Australians have seen their working week - and income - cut short as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. But in true Aussie have-a-go style, around 200,000 of these people have turned the situation around, using it as an opportunity to start their own business.

Australia's super savings are now worth more than $3 trillion. That's good news, but there are weak spots in the system including over $20 billion in lost and forgotten accounts, and close to four in ten people still have more than one super account.

One of the few upsides of COVID-19 is that Australians are taking a closer look at how they manage their money.

As consumers we love choice. As investors, having too much choice can make us feel uncomfortable. But there is a way to overcome analysis paralysis and still build a diverse portfolio.

A growing number of Australia women are investing in shares, and it could close the gender wealth gap.

Buying now is easy. Paying for purchases later can be a lot harder, and a new report shows 'buy now, pay later' services (BNPL) are leading some Australians into financial trouble.

The latest ASX Australian Investor Study shows how investors have responded to the Coronavirus pandemic, and the news is surprisingly good.

New research from index fund manager - Vanguard, shows that COVID-19 has seen self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) switch out of shares and into low risk investments.

A key issue for investors is whether to tick the box for a dividend reinvestment plan or take the money as cash.

We've all had plenty to deal with this year, so it's no surprise that carry-forward super contributions may have passed under the radar of many pre-retirees.

The COVID-19 pandemic is not just influencing our lives today. It could impact our finances for many years to come.

Investment markets may be unpredictable but one thing is for sure - each year seems to go by faster.