Education: investment strategies, superannuation & managed funds explained
Financial planning
At Asgard, we believe that the best way to achieve your financial dreams is to seek financial advice.
We also know that asking a financial adviser for help might be a bit of a scary concept - you may not have everything quite as well organised as you'd like - but don't worry, your financial adviser has seen it all before!
Even if you are nowhere near retiring, your financial adviser can still do plenty to help you with your investment strategy and achieve your financial dreams.
In fact, given recent global market activity, there's never been a better time to get good advice. These difficult times underline the real benefit that a good financial plan and adviser can provide.
So what are you waiting for? Find a financial adviser in your area and get started today.
Regular investing
To achieve financial success, two elements are needed: a financial
goal - developed with a financial planner, and regular investments.
A small amount invested regularly can have a greater impact on your
investments than larger sums invested irregularly. The first step
to regular investing is to set a financial goal.
Regular investing guide
Managed investments
If you'd like to invest in shares, property, bonds and cash but don't
have unlimited time or money, managed investments may be the solution
for you. Managed investments pool the money of many individual investors,
and then invest that money on behalf of those individuals.
Managed investments guide
Investing internationally
Investing internationally is one of
the best ways to diversify your portfolio, maximise
investment opportunities and build your wealth.
There are a whole host of reasons why investing
offshore can be a valuable addition to your portfolio.
Investing internationally guide
Investment risk
Understanding investment risk is the key to developing a successful investment plan. There are three main types of investment risk:
- Permanent loss of capital
- Fluctuating returns
- Not achieving your goals
While all investments potentially have these risks, all three
can be managed and minimised.
Investment risk guide
Superannuation - do you have enough?
Superannuation is one of the most tax-effective ways of saving
for retirement. By saving a portion of your income today, you
can ensure that you will have enough money to live comfortably
by retirement. The question is, how will you make sure you have enough?
Superannuation guide
Allocated pensions
So, you've finally made it to retirement. You've accumulated
a healthy balance in your superannuation account and are now looking
forward to those retirement years you've been dreaming about.
But what happens now? How do you ensure you are going to get the
most out of your superannuation? One option is to purchase an allocated
pension with your super, to provide you with a regular and tax-effective
income stream during your retirement years.
Allocated pensions guide
Investment platforms
Like an investment
supermarket, a platform,
such as a master fund
or wrap, gives you access to an extensive
list of investment products offered
through many different retail fund managers at
wholesale prices. Many investors choose to invest
through a platform to gain efficient access to
a range of managed investments. Platforms are
administration facilities for investment and
superannuation money. They simplify the investment
process because they consolidate all the investment
reporting and administration for you, and send
you regular portfolio valuations and tax statements.
Importantly, the better platforms give you access
to world-class investment managers at wholesale fee rates.
Investment platforms guide
Self Managed Super
Do-it-yourself (DIY) super via a self managed super fund (SMSF) is
becoming an increasingly popular choice for investors who want to
have control of how their superannuation monies are invested. However,
if you are thinking of leaving you public offer fund to get better
returns or other benefits from your own DIY fund, you'll want to
discuss you options in detail with your financial adviser.
Your guide to self managed super
Investing in shares
When buying shares, you become a part-owner of a business listed on the stock exchange. As a part-owner, you will receive a proportion of the profits (dividends), and you will benefit from any growth in the share price. The share market is a place where people can buy and sell shares, and where companies can raise capital by issuing shares to investors. You can invest in shares directly, or via a managed investment or separately managed account.
Margin lending
Margin lending (or gearing) is another term for borrowing to invest and it can be an excellent strategy to enhance your investment performance. People gear investments so that they have more money working for them, in order to create wealth more quickly.
If you'd like further information, or personal advice on any of these topics, speak to your financial adviser. Click here to find an adviser in your area.