You may have heard your financial planner, the news or your super fund mention ‘private markets.’ Put simply, you can't buy and sell these investments on the stock exchange. Private markets can earn higher returns but come with longer lockups and more risk, while public markets are easier to cash out of but tend to earn less. In this context, it’s worth understanding how they work and considering your goals when deciding where to invest your money.

For nearly 30 years, Australian investors have relied on the 50% CGT discount when selling shares, property and other assets held for more than a year. From 1 July 2027, that changes. If you're retired or planning to be, now is the time to understand what's different and what you can do about it. Good advice can help you manage the impact on your investments.

Many Australians spend decades building their superannuation balance, only to face a completely new challenge when they receive a large inheritance. Recently, we worked with a couple approaching retirement who unexpectedly inherited $1.7 million in cash. They already had approximately $900,000 in superannuation, and while they believed they had enough money to retire comfortably, they had no clear strategy for managing it.

If you’ve received a windfall such as an inheritance, bonus or tax return, deciding where to put it is an important consideration. A common question from clients is ‘should I put extra cash into the home loan or invest in super?’ The answer to this question is not clear-cut and can depend on your age, appetite for risk and goals.

Blended families are increasingly common. Second marriages, de facto relationships, children from previous relationships, stepchildren, and shared assets accumulated over different lifetimes can add complexity to inheritance. Estate planning for blended families balances the need to provide for a surviving partner with the protection of your biological children's inheritance. A carefully considered plan can help to minimise stress for loved ones when you’re gone.

The rapidly evolving geo-political environment and rise of conflict in the world has investors concerned. With headlines focusing on uncertainty, it’s natural to feel unsettled but when it comes to investing it’s important to take a long-term view. 

While events such as the current conflict with Iran can have a significant short-term impact on share markets and superannuation returns, these events are part and parcel of any long-term investment journey. History tells us that every crisis, market downturn and recession comes to an end.

When you think about financial planning, do you find yourself focusing on numbers - returns, account balances, or how much you should be investing? This is very common, but as financial advisers we always ask a crucial question, ‘how much risk are you actually comfortable taking?’ Knowing your risk tolerance allows us to create a financial plan that not only works on paper but in real life for you.

Managing your money doesn’t have to feel dull or restrictive. A good financial plan should leave room for joy - the holidays, the dinners out, the little luxuries that make life meaningful. When your goals aren’t clear, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking there’s never enough left over for fun. A financial adviser can help you map out a future that balances both responsibility and reward.