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Making your financial New Year’s resolutions stick

Spending time relaxing and talking with family and friends over the holidays can make us reassess our goals and priorities. Many of us make resolutions which don’t last more than a month. In this article we exmplore what helps to make new habits stick.

Posted by Daniel Arcadiou

Property Market Outlook

Despite rising interest rates, the low availability of housing stock and demand for residential property has seen steady price growth across capital city markets in 2023

Posted by Jason Calleja

Client feedback keeps us improving

Walt Disney famously had this advice for those striving to create a successful, long-term business “Do what you do so well that people will want to experience it again and ...

Posted by Lee Wapling

Staying at home for longer as you age

As we age, more and more people are aiming to stay in the family home close to support networks for as long as possible and good financial planning is an important part of making it happen.

Posted by Karl Hunting

Financial advice for divorce and separation

Navigating the end of a marriage or long-term relationship is one of the most stressful experience we can face in life and is a significant financial event for all parties involved, particularly for those with complex assets or business structures.

Posted by Nicola Beswick

Maintaining the right level of insurance

Having the right level of insurance to protect your income if illness or injury strikes is an important part of building and protecting wealth to achieve your overall financial goals

Posted by Nick Stanley

Lasting economic impacts of COVID-19

It’s been two years since the height of the lockdowns and restrictions of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. Widespread vaccination has largely restored our freedoms, but some things have probably changed forever as a result of this once in a century event. Here we reflect on some of the long term social and economic impacts.

Posted by Adam Davenport

Could a loved one act for you in legal and financial matters?

Something we don’t always think about when we are fit and well, is whether someone we trust could act on our behalf legally and financially, if we needed them to. Yet life is unpredictable, and situations can arise where you may become unable to make decisions or manage your own affairs due to illness, injury, or aging.

Posted by Nicola Beswick

May 2023 Federal Budget Update

The Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers took 31 minutes to announce his first full year budget for the Albanese Labor Government last night as he tried to provide more for those in the community most negatively impacted by rising inflation without fuelling inflation itself.

Posted by Lee Wapling

October 2022 Federal Budget Update

The Albanese Government has handed down its self-described "solid and sensible" budget in a very different economic environment to March this year when the Morrison government was revealing theirs.

Posted by Lee Wapling

2022 Federal Budget Update

The Treasurer has handed down a relatively responsible Budget, with a strong focus on cost-of-living measures along with some small-business support, cyber-security and infrastructure spending.

Posted by Lee Wapling

Supporting a parent in the move to aged care

Raising concerns when an elderly parent’s health or wellbeing at home is in decline, is one of the hardest conversations you’ll ever have as an adult child. And ...

Posted by Rebecca Poynton

Money the biggest test of happy relationships

Romance may be in the air, but it’s not all wine and roses when two people combine their finances and aspirations in the name of love. A November 2022 study ...

Posted by Nicola Beswick

Mobile phone text scams exploding

Scamwatch, the dedicated scam monitoring service run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), is urging people to be extra vigilant about text scams.

Posted by Michael Russell

How to grow your super balance year after year

Being stuck at home in endless COVID-19 lockdowns has given many people time to think about their financial future. If you are engaging with your Super for the first time in a while, here are 3 things to consider to ensure you make the most if it.

Posted by Dominic Kwok

What are share buy-backs and how do they benefit investors?

August is reporting season and, in addition to finding out how companies are performing in these challenging times, investors may also find themselves on the receiving end of an unexpected special dividend or an off-market share buy-back.

Posted by Mike Reynolds

New income protection policies set to change

Changes to government regulations are now in place that will reduce the benefits available on new income protection policies from 1 October 2021. Income protection insurance is an important part of financial ...

Posted by Nick Stanley

Economic Snapshot: A dramatic year in review

Global investors have been grappling with the trade-off between the benefits of stronger global growth for corporate profits and the potential impact to bond yields and values from higher inflation that might flow from the stronger growth.

Posted by Richard Dahl

How to tell good financial advice from bad

As experts in delivering holistic financial advice tailored for each individual and designed to help clients achieve their financial goals, here’s our top five tips for how to tell good advice from bad.

Posted by David Batchelor

Economic Snapshot: Consolidation in global markets

Global investors have been grappling with the trade-off between the benefits of stronger global growth for corporate profits and the potential impact to bond yields and values from higher inflation that might flow from the stronger growth.

Posted by Richard Dahl

Six financial lessons from COVID-19

Among the lingering effects will be the financial upheaval many people have experienced, some for the first time. Whether brought about by unexpected career change, the fluctuating value of assets, or delayed retirement or estate planning, the resulting fear and uncertainty is real.  

Posted by Jason Calleja

2021 Federal Budget Update

Budget 2021-22 follows on from the last Budget’s theme of getting Australia through the pandemic and promoting economic growth and employment. The Australian economy has progressed toward recovery more successfully than others, with a dramatic budget improvement since the October 2020 forecasts.

Posted by Mike Reynolds

Using the equity in your home to generate more money in retirement

The post-COVID housing market recovery in Australia has certainly exceeded expectations, with property prices in Melbourne up 6.1%, Brisbane 6.3% and Adelaide 4.9% so far in 2021. As prices rise, more retirees are considering downsizing their home. In turn, taking advantage of tax and superannuation incentives to maintain the lifestyle they desire in retirement and protect their wealth.

Posted by Mike Reynolds

Term deposits putting retirement income at risk

The hunt for better returns and mistrust of the share market creates the perfect environment for the rise of risky investment funds that promise returns, often too good to be true.

Posted by Jason Calleja

Why is short selling in the headlines again?

GameStop made headlines for all the wrong reasons but short selling can be a savvy investment strategy. It has been used by prudent fund managers for years and there is a place for it in balanced portfolio management.

Posted by Mike Reynolds

Economic Snapshot: Global markets rally - November 2020

The global financial markets rallied hard in response to an uncontested US presidential election result, successful Covid-19 vaccines, and support from central banks. This marked the end of a rollercoaster 2020 and indicated the start to a more settled 2021.

Posted by Richard Dahl

5 apps to get your Coronavirus budget in shape

There are now more and more online tools and apps available to help you take care of the tedious but important tasks associated with budgeting. Here is our list of the top 5 apps for efficiently managing your budget.

Posted by Anna Oudendijk

Aged care ripe for revolution

The baby boomers are at the stage of life where they are making arrangements around aged care. With their history of demanding higher standards of service across the board, this may be just the impetus needed to overhaul the Australian aged care system.

Posted by Karl Hunting

How to make the best financial decisions in difficult times 

Making good financial decisions during a crisis such as Covid-19 can feel overwhelming. However, with the support and expert guidance of a qualified financial adviser, you can make decisions today that your future self will thank you for.

Posted by Daniel Arcadiou

How a financial adviser can assist during separation and divorce

Listen to this podcast episode where Senior Financial Adviser, Jason Calleja, spoke to Partner at Nicholes Family Lawyers, Bec Dahl, to discuss how lawyers and financial advisers need to work together to serve clients navigating divorce or separation.

Posted by Jason Calleja

How money management has moved online during COVID-19

Embracing online banking and other services has been a steep learning curve for banks, service providers and customers, but people have overwhelmingly embraced technology to manage their money during this difficult time. 

Posted by David Batchelor

2020 Federal Budget Update

Budget 2020-21 is firmly billed as a recovery plan, to move Australia from crisis response towards rebuilding the economy following the once-in-a-century shock caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Posted by Lee Wapling

Economic Snapshot: The second wave of Covid - July 2020

A second wave of Covid-19 infections around the world have led to countries reimposing restrictions, which in turn has imacted employment and consumer confidence. While we wait for a vaccine, the focus remains on how economic policy can help.

Posted by Richard Dahl

Finding purpose and connection in isolation 

Physical distancing and Covid-19 have challenged us all to get creative in how we connect. For many retirees, relying heavily on technology to socialise has been a new experience, one that allows them to continue participating in the things they enjoy.

Posted by Adam Davenport

Regular financial updates in response to Coronavirus

Latest information on all things financial related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. This page is regularly updated with news on investment markets, government support packages, superannuation and anything else you need to know to stay informed and protect your wealth at this challenging time.

Posted by Lee Wapling

This video shows how FMD portfolios are weathering the storm

It's been a turbulent ride on global markets since the onset of COVID-19, but FMD portfolios are weathering the storm and are well-placed for the future. Watch this update from the FMD Investment Committee for all the latest details.

Posted by Lee Wapling

Cash flow and COVID-19

Daily life has been turned upside down for all of us due to COVID-19 and new ways of living, working and connecting have quickly become the norm. Whatever changes you are adapting to personally, adviser Michael Russell shares his tips on getting your budget under control in the face of new financial realities.

Posted by Michael Russell

Annual Client Briefing panel discussion highlights

We continue to receive fantastic feedback about our largest-ever Annual Client Briefing held at the Park Hyatt in Melbourne in December 2019 where we welcomed over 400 guests. One of the things ...

Posted by Lee Wapling

FMD is growing

Welcome to our new FMD Team Members! 2019 was a big year for FMD with a number of significant changes, including our move to operating under our own Australian Financial Services ...

Posted by Lee Wapling

The rise of Australian neobanks

2018-19 was a tough year for Australia’s major banks who faced margin squeeze from lower interest rates, fierce competition in mortgages and customer dissatisfaction in the wake of the ...

Posted by David Batchelor

Housing market recovery gathers steam

The Reserve Bank of Australia and the Government may be lamenting the fact that lower interest rates and personal tax cuts haven’t had the desired effect on consumer spending, ...

Posted by Jason Calleja

Trade wars make for volatile times

The Trump presidency has seen a rapid return to protectionism with the introduction of new tariffs on Chinese goods aimed at lowering net imports and protecting domestic industries. China responded ...

Posted by Mike Reynolds

Scams are on the rise, here's how to protect yourself

The ACCC's Scamwatch has already received 94 reports of Coronavirus-related scams and expect that number to rise. Since the Federal Government announced measures to allow people to access their superannuation, scammers have been impersonating super funds in calls and emails asking Australians to confirm their super account details.

Posted by Nick Stanley

How overseas travel impacts your Age Pension payments

Many of us dream about retiring overseas or enjoying extended periods of overseas travel during retirement. While drawing up your travel checklist, don’t forget to consider possible impacts to ...

Posted by Daniel Arcadiou

Sharing knowledge and honing skills at our 2019 adviser conference

It’s always hard to take time away from the office and our clients, but once again we were reminded of the benefits of bringing our national team together to share knowledge and hone our skills at this year’s annual adviser conference in Melbourne recently.

Posted by Lee Wapling

Election Update Series: Changes to franking credits in SMSFs proposed if Labor is elected

Proposed changes to franking credits in SMSFs are on the horizon if Labor is elected in May. There could be significant impacts for retirees with an SMSF who are wholly in the pension phase. Financial adviser, Jason Calleja, explains the potential impact and what you can do to protect your wealth if the proposed changes come into effect.

Posted by Jason Calleja

What you need to know about mixing SMSFs and property

Investing in property through a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) is a popular option for many people. However, recently tightened bank lending and increasing ATO regulation have made this harder. Here ...

Posted by Anna Oudendijk

How to ensure your insurance claim is not rejected

In December 2018, the federal government announced that insurance premiums will see an average hike of 3.25% in 2019. This is not a new story. With these yearly increases, of course you want ...

Posted by Nick Stanley

FAQs Financial advice

  • Financial advice x
  • Why shouldn't I keep managing my own money, I've done all right so far?

    Successful people are used to handling their own finances, but you may reach a point where financial management becomes too complex or time consuming and the consequences of financial mistakes far-reaching. At this stage it's wise to turn to a professional adviser who can help you build and protect wealth over the long-term.


  • How do I know if I should seek professional financial advice?

    Much like a personal trainer or career coach, your FMD adviser will help you set financial goals and hold you accountable. So you need to be ready to improve your financial position. If you are time-poor, have unresolved financial or investment decisions, need to plan for retirement or are facing lifestyle or career change, seeking advice can be a great relief. Many of our clients are successful executives or business owners who value expert financial advice so they can focus on what they do best.


  • How do I choose a financial adviser and why should I?

    The title 'financial adviser' is often misunderstood, partly because it is used to describe advisers that work for or are affiliated with banks or superannuation funds. FMD Financial is not owned by or affiliated with another financial institution, and we charge a fee for service based our clients' individual needs. When choosing an adviser look for someone qualified and experienced, who is happy to offer client references. Choose someone you like and feel comfortable talking to. Over time they will become an important person during life's biggest challenges, like redundancy, divorce or the death of a loved one. 


  • How does advice work and what does it cost?

    Our clients know quality advice is an investment in the future and they partner with us for the long-haul because their investment pays off. We're committed to being open and transparent about our fees and what you can expect from our advice process so more people can experience the confidence and that comes from getting good advice.


Tools & calculators

  • The health, wealth and happiness profiler

    At FMD financial we're on a mission to get more people on the road to Health, Wealth and Happiness, so we created Australia's most satisfying financial profiler.

    Soon you'll discover your net worth and get your own personal balance sheet to see a true picture of your financial position.

    Get Started
    The health, wealth and happiness profiler

Videos

  • What to expect from a first meeting with an FMD adviser

    What to expect from a first meeting with an FMD adviser

    It’s hard to know what to expect from a first meeting with a financial adviser, but getting your questions answered is worth it. Clients usually say ‘We wish we’d done it sooner!  We’ll cover the cost of the first meeting, to ensure FMD and your chosen adviser is right for you (duration: 2:02)

  • What to expect from the Health Wealth and Happiness financial profiler

    Get a picture of your financial position in 15 minutes using our quick and convenient online questionnaire. 
    You'll  receive a personal balance sheet, see how your super is tracking and discover your net worth. You can also book a meeting with an FMD adviser to review your detailed personal report.  We pick up the tab for the first meeting so there's nothing to loose and plenty to gain! (duration: 1:28)

    What to expect from the Health Wealth and Happiness financial profiler
  • Stop guessing and start planning your retirement now

    Stop guessing and start planning your retirement now

    We have the experience, financial modelling tools, and planning and investment expertise to show you how to make the most of your money and live the life you want.