First Financial Blog

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During March and April, we have seen acute market volatility, and for many investors this has been cause for concern. But at First Financial, our unique Investment Philosophy has helped to minimise the effect on our clients’ portfolios.

Redundancy can be a life changing experience filled with many mixed emotions. The uncertainty of unemployment can feel overwhelming, but by taking control of your finances you can secure your lifestyle today and into the future.

Since writing our last investment update to you on 30 March, most investment market indices are roughly at the same point. Read our full market update from 9 April 2020.

Agreed value income protection policies have been costing Australian insurers dearly. So much so, that the industry regulator, APRA, intervened in December 2019 to put into effect several changes.

The Federal Government announced a broad range of stimulus benefits… but there is one measure that should be considered carefully before being utilised. Early access to superannuation could have significant long-term consequences that outweigh the relief it provides today.

Reducing expenses and saving money might seem like an impossible task in the current climate… but there are some practical steps you can take today to help create habits that will benefit you far into the future.

In response to the impact of the coronavirus, the Federal Government has released a stimulus package designed to financially support millions of Australians. We review key elements of the stimulus that are relevant to our clients.

As we sit here after close on Friday the 13th – the last three weeks have seen almost all global markets shed 25% and oil drop 50%. It seems clear global markets have caught the Coronavirus…

Housing affordability is a national issue and the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme is designed to enable people to purchase their first home with a deposit of just 5%, without the need for lender’s mortgage insurance.

Happiness… the state of being happy, cheerful, contented. Enjoying a pleasurable or satisfying experience. It is definitely something that we all strive for – to be happy. And when we reach our retirement, we really want to make sure that we achieve it!