The UK took the world by surprise last week when its citizens voted to leave the European Union (EU). This unprecedented move has left everyone wondering what’s next. Whilst no one really has a clue, and many Australian financial institutions are downplaying the impact, there is good reason to be concerned. (more…)
Financial Planning
Avant’s 2014 ‘End of Financial Year’ Planning
The end of this financial year is now only a few weeks away. Understanding the opportunities available to you can make a significant difference to your finances. Our Last Minute 2014 EOFY Planning guide contains information and strategies which can either reduce tax or increase wealth. (more…)
‘Banking Bad’ – ABC show
Whilst highly unlikely to be as popular as the hit TV show ‘Breaking Bad’, ABC will be airing ‘Banking Bad’ at 8.30pm tonight. Banking Bad is from an investigation by ABC and Fairfax and is expected to air the practices of certain unscrupulous Financial Planners in the Commonwealth Bank. (more…)
Money Myths – How Good Are You?
Donald Rumsfeld famously stated that “there are known knowns; there are things that we know that we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns, the ones we don’t know we don’t know.” As confusing as it seems, this somewhat whimsical statement is both logical and true. And courtesy of the recent Charles Schwab ‘Money Myths Survey’ it appears the message relates to finance as much as whether Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. (more…)
Don’t Invest With Anyone Under The Influence
Avant is coming up to the first year anniversary of gaining an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL Number 436740). The significance of this cannot be understated. Since becoming a Financial Planner ten years ago I always had the ambition to achieve this; to break away from the vertically integrated model that the financial planning industry is based on. Despite the initial and ongoing costs, and the considerable time involved, I wouldn’t want it any other way. (more…)