Scams: How to protect yourself

As we enjoy an evolving digital world, scammers are becoming more sophisticated and widespread.

Many operate as international crime networks and use sneaky tactics to steal our money, information and identity. This leaves ordinary Australians vulnerable, fighting to recover their money while dealing with the emotional toll of being deceived.

The statistics are alarming. In 2024, Australians made nearly 495,000 scam reports and reported scam losses of $2 billion1. In 2023-24 nearly 11,000 scam-related complaints were lodged2.

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Security health check

Start the year with better security. Follow these three simple steps to help protect your information from scammers.

1. Secure your devices

Your phone, laptop or tablet hold a lot of personal and financial information, so it’s important to keep them safe.

  • Keep your software up to date so your devices run smoothly with all the latest security fixes.
  • Review your privacy settings to limit what apps can access, such as your location or profile. Scammers use this information to trick you.
  • Be careful with free public Wi-Fi – it’s often not secure, so avoid using it for banking or payments.
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Who will inherit my super?

Did you know that when you die, your super isn’t automatically included in your estate or Will? For many people, superannuation is one of their biggest assets, so it’s important to make sure it goes to the right people – in the most tax-effective way.

The good news is that you can control who receives your super benefits by providing specific instructions to your super fund. It’s called nominating a beneficiary, and there are three main types:

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Market Update: What’s Driving Share Markets Right Now

Key Points

  • High valuations, AI bubble concerns and uncertainty about interest rate cuts are creating short-term volatility.
  • Despite this, company profits remain strong and there are no signs of recession, which continues to support markets.
  • For long-term investors, timing markets is very challenging and can be costly. Having an appropriate long-term investment strategy and patience should reward investors.
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4 ways an early inheritance could change your child’s life

Giving your children an early inheritance, rather than waiting until you pass away, can help them during key stages of their lives.

Here are four examples of how you can enhance their financial security during your lifetime:

  1. Home deposit: Paying some or all of your child’s deposit can help them break into the property market, avoid expensive mortgage insurance and build equity for their future.
  2. Mortgage repayment: Contributing to their mortgage, either via an offset account or extra repayments, can reduce the interest paid and shorten the loan term, saving them money over time.
  3. Reducing education debt: Reducing your child’s student loan debt can free up their cashflow and help them cope with the rising cost of living and any unexpected expenses.
  4. Kickstart investments: Giving a small sum can motivate your child to develop a savings plan, helping them to combat inflation and build long-term wealth.
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Understanding Sequencing Risk: Protecting Your Retirement Savings

Market performance is unpredictable, and as you approach retirement, these fluctuations can have significant consequences. Careful planning and sound financial advice are essential during this critical period.

What Is Sequencing Risk?

The “retirement risk zone” refers to the 5-10 years around retirement when savings are most vulnerable to market downturns. Unlike younger investors, retirees may face compounding losses from early negative returns while drawing down their savings, known as sequence of returns risk.

How Sequencing Risk Impacts Retirement

For example, if you retire with $1 million and withdraw $40,000 annually, an initial 15% market drop followed by gains of 5%, 10%, and 20% over the next three years can still deplete your savings faster. Conversely, retiring in a bull market can offset withdrawals, preserving your balance.

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Planning for a Comfortable Retirement: A Simple Guide

Retirement marks a significant milestone in life—an eagerly anticipated period where we can finally unwind, pursue our passions, and cherish moments with loved ones. However, the journey to a comfortable retirement requires careful planning and consideration. Here are some steps you can take to ensure financial security in your golden years.

At the heart of any retirement plan lies a crucial question: How much do you need?

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2024-25 Federal Budget Update

Labor’s third Budget, unveiled on May 14, prioritised alleviating the cost of living for Australians. Treasurer Jim Chalmers emphasised its responsibility in balancing household support with economic stability. Key highlights include:

Tax Cuts:

  • Stage 3 tax cuts, effective 1 July 2024, will provide all tax payers with tax savings.
  • The savings range from $354 for those earning $30,000 to $4,529 for incomes exceeding $190,000.
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Rebuilding Your Financial Foundation: Navigating Finances After Divorce

Divorce is a challenging journey, emotionally and financially. As you navigate through the upheaval of separation, one of the most critical aspects to address is your financial well-being. Rebuilding your financial foundation after divorce requires careful planning, organization, and a commitment to securing your future stability. Let’s explore some key steps and strategies to help you regain control of your finances post-divorce, drawing insights from expert advice.

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