Tools & Resources
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Australia: shaken but not stirred (PDF) February 2012
The financial crisis of 2008 may be well behind us but a combination of natural disasters in our region and unresolved debt issues in ‘majors’ like the US and Europe meant economic activity in 2011 remained patchy and uncertain. This February snapshot looks at how the share market and economy performed in 2011, and examines some of the issues which may influence share prices, interest rates and the local economy during 2012 as the US continues its slow recovery and Europe tries to solve its debt issues.
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Cutting Rates - a welcome relief? (PDF) January 2012
Judging by the headlines, most of us are pleased when the Reserve Bank drops interest rates as they did in late 2011; it means lower mortgage and business rates. However, lower returns on term deposits and a slower economy are not so welcome. This newsletter takes a look beyond the headlines to see what interest rate moves mean for Australian investors in 2012, as the global economy struggles to grow and Europe faces major issues. And we take a glimpse at what might emerge as banks grapple with rising funding costs.
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Economic Update (PDF) December 2011
We kick off with an important issue too often overlooked by Australians: protecting our most valuable assets (you!). So before the year is out, we ask that your please take the time to be comfortable with the answers to the 3 questions posed in our first article about insurance. In "Winning Windfalls", we address a problem that we'd all like to have. In difficult times, we all tend to look for a silver lining and for some of us, this comes as an inheritance or windfall. However, once the initial excitement fades, how do you make sure you take advantage of your good fortune, especially if you are choosing between cutting your mortgage or boosting superannuation? Next, we look back at the life of the visionary Steve Jobs, the man behind Apple and the iPad, to see what we might learn from this leader who started with nothing and inspired millions.
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Investing today: Getting the right mix (PDF) November 2011
As you will have seen, October was a stellar month for the Australian share market - it ended up posting its biggest one month gain in 2 years. Nonetheless our share market, like those around the world, is likely to experience continued fluctuations as the Eurozone grapples with its debt problems. This Snapshot compares the volatility of shares, property, bonds and cash and explains the importance of focusing on total returns rather than simply headline prices and interest rates.
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Brazil, Russia, India & China: Australia’s future fortunes? (PDF) October 2011
We are all aware that share market fluctuations are continuing both locally and overseas. This snapshot steps back from the current upheaval to take a broader view of what is taking place, what it means, and why it is significant for Australian investors. Emerging, rapidly growing economies like those of China, India, Brazil, Russia and others are outpacing the traditional but slow-growing economic powerhouses of the US and Europe. In particular, we look at how Australia is positioned for this emerging future.
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Economic Update (PDF) September 2011
In this issue we look at sovereign debt levels in Europe and the US, and why concerns about debt seem to have set off the upheaval the markets experienced in August. In particular, we look at why the turmoil overseas may be relevant to Australians. We also put the focus on one of the vital areas of insurance, income protection. There are many options available which help to provide households with financial breathing space when it is most needed. Our final article takes a look at the growing trend towards saving our pennies. It seems we are doing what our grandparents would have advised us to do by saving for those rainy days.
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Holding onto our Hats (PDF) August 2011
In the face of media headlines and the market turmoil of last week, most investors are asking themselves questions about how to react. This article summarises the major overseas issues affecting share prices, and takes a look at things from an Australian angle to try to sort out the way forward. While Australia is only a small player and there are many unknowns remaining, we go back to the basic principles of investing to look for guidance on how to respond.
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Carbon Tax (PDF) August 2011
The proposed carbon tax and carbon emissions trading scheme look like being a dominant issue facing federal parliament in this current term. Despite agreement on the objective of reducing carbon emissions by 5 per cent by 2020, there is real dispute over its policy mechanisms and impact. Without endorsing one view or another, this month's Snapshot summarises key points in the policy with the aim of providing food for thought on its possible impact on investment opportunities. During the past 12 months, and what is in prospect over the months ahead.
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The Econmic Recovery...Really? (PDF) August 2011
Twelve months ago, Australia and the Asia zone had emerged well from the global financial crisis but the US and Europe still had some hard decisions to make. While those tough decisions are still looming and Australia is grappling with the impact of natural disasters, our economic fundamentals are sound even if the strong dollar and commodity prices are presenting challenges. This snapshot looks at how the Australian sharemarket and economy actually fared during the past 12 months, and what is in prospect over the months ahead.
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- New Financial Literacy Website (Link)
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) have launched their new personal finance website called MoneySmart. MoneySmart is for all Australian - young or old, rich or poor, investing or paying off debt. The website offers free, independent guidance so you can make the best choices for your money. MoneySmart covers not only the basics such as budgeting, saving, credit cards and loans, but also more complicated topics such as Self Managed Super Funds.
Visit the new MoneySmart website...
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MCL Viewpoint on Japan (PDF)
When catastrophe strikes somewhere in the world and many lives are lost, and the human suffer is unbearable for all involved, questions about the economic cost of the disaster and the impacts on financial markets inevitably arise, and they require an answer.
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GST & The Integrity of Your Business Systems (PDF)
Are your business systems costing you time and money?
When the systems businesses use for capturing and recording GST information fail, often those businesses will go on to report incorrect amounts of GST and make potentially costly errors. We refer to these errors as the integrity of business systems (IBS) risk. This document from the ATO contains practical checklists and case studies that all SMEs can follow to ahieve peace-of-mind.
Read on for more … - Taking Care of Business - Budgeting (PDF)
Turnover is vanity, profit is sanity, cash flow is reality (Anonymous). If you are able to keep this statement (and the three key components) top of mind then Taking Care of Business is more likely to be achiveable. One of the key drivers of making a business successful is you need to take care of it.
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Estate Planning to protect your wealth (PDF)
Estate Planning is not just about having a Will, it's about tidying up business structures and successions. Estate planning is about taking control. It involves thinking about how you will provide for and protect your family, how you will build and protect your wealth, and how you will share your wealth with the people you care about.
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Snelleman Tom Cashflow Programme (PDF)
Why is it that working harder and earning more money doesn't always translate into wealth? What's your exact financial position - right now? Do you know how much you're spending? In conjuntion with one of our partners we have a built a toolkit suited for you, so before you know it you will be in CONTROL of your cashflow. If you would like a free copy, please call or email us via our contact page.
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When To Invest In Property Via Your SMSF (PDF)
Here is the second edition of our E-Education Series.
Many people reeling from the recent turmoil in global financial markets are looking for different ways to invest their superannuation. We are being asked more often these days if there are ways to make our 'hard earned money' work in more creative ways, such as superannuation into bricks and mortar.
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Has the GFC Changed Retirement Forever? (PDF)
Another Snelleman Tom Whitepaper from our Senior Advisors focusing on the changed environment we live in post-GFC; the issues of a lower standard of living for retirement and the actions required to ensure that the quality of life we want for our family is maintained.
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Cashing in the Chips
Interested in finding out more about Business Exit Strategies?
For more information Contact Us to receive a free copy of our brochure.
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The Pros and Cons of Negative Gearing (PDF)
Our Senior Advisors have just released a research paper on this topic. In this article, it looks at the various 'noise' that often influences investors trying to build their wealth. And also outlines the pros and cons of negative gearing to determine whether it is a legitimate wealth creation strategy and use some hard evidence to demonstrate the effects of negative gearing.
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Self Manged Super Funds (SMSF's): What's All The Hype About? (PDF)
Here is the first edition of our E-Education Series.
It's a common misconception that having a super fund with low fees or one with the best performance will be enough to secure your retirement. Advertising Agencies prey on this topic and we have all seen commercials suggesting that a lower administration fee is the key to your retirement income.
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