First Financial Blog

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Owning your home outright is often a key financial goal for many Australians. But should you be solely focused on paying your mortgage off early to save on interest costs? Or are there other ways to optimise the spare dollars you have?

Working from home has become the new normal during the coronavirus lockdown, and the First Financial team has truly embraced the digital conditions to make sure our clients continue to receive our high level of service.

Everyone’s wondering how the banks will fare as we inevitably head into a coronavirus driven recession. We have seen all 4 of the major banks’ share prices decline more heavily than the broader market.

When you start investing in the share market, you embrace the process with optimism. Unfortunately, market volatility can dent your optimism and set you on a roller-coaster of emotions.

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.