Financial Industry

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Enhance your digital literacy and security with our comprehensive guide for seniors. As tax time approaches, it’s crucial to stay vigilant against scams. Learn practical tips to protect your personal information and enjoy a safer online experience.

In late January, news emerged of amendments to stage three tax cuts aimed at alleviating the financial burdens faced by Australians amidst rising living costs. Here, we provide a concise summary of the key points.

Unfortunately, in today’s tech-driven world, cyberattacks have become a common occurrence. News stories about data breaches at big brands have majorly distressed their clients. That’s why financial data security has never been more important.

Earlier this year, mortgage affordability reached its lowest point in over three decades. An estimated six million properties in Australia have mortgages against them. This implies that current economic conditions are impacting a lot of Australians.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers presented the Federal Budget 2023 on Tuesday May 9. Here is a summary of what we saw and what we wanted to see in the budget.

With HECS indexation expected to peak at 7% this year, you might be wondering if you should repay your child’s debt for them- if you’re able to do so.

In an industry traditionally dominated by men, women are now on the rise. We’re seeing more women in finance, and First Financial is a proud supporter of growing the careers of young mums and other women.

The recent spectacular collapse of three major US banks has caused concern for investors globally, including here in Australia. While it is natural to be cautious during such events, the potential impact on Australian investors may not be as significant as some fear.

Unfortunately, scammers rely on that ‘leap of faith’ mentality to trick unsuspecting victims every day. So how can you protect yourself from scams and safeguard your hard-earned money?

The team at First Financial were all ears when the new Labor government handed down its 2022/23 budget update on October 25 and we have collated some points that may interest you.

Elder financial abuse is the misuse of money or assets of an older person, usually by a family member or friend.

The RBA lifted rates by 0.25% at the beginning of May 2022, which was the first time the rate had increased in more than a decade. We spoke with Tim Farrelly about the current situation and the outlook on interest rates.

Buy now, pay later (BNPL) is everywhere! You can purchase almost anything using one of the numerous service providers… from clothing to car parts, holidays to home entertainment products… you can even pay for a trip to the dentist this way.

Are you considering a financial adviser career? People put their trust in you. Your role is to empower them with information and give them the guidance they need to make crucial financial decisions.

Here in Australia, reaching the big six zero is somewhat of a milestone. Not just because you are getting closer to embracing retirement, but because you could become eligible for a range of concession card benefits.

Do you like browsing the web? Do you use your computer or your smartphone for transactions like banking, shopping or paying bills? It’s important that you understand how to keep your data safe and secure.

The financial services industry has been under a microscope for the last few years. This is why you should be on the lookout for a self-licensed financial adviser. They have greater autonomy.

Australian Prudential Regulation Authority released results from their first MySuper Product Performance Test. We discuss why our clients are protected from this poor super fund performance.

2020 has been a challenging year. The economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic has been felt across the entire country. We look at the Government support for business.

We hosted a webinar run by Tim Howard, Technical Consultant at BT on Friday 16 October. Tim unpacked the budget announcements and discussed what is likely still to come.

The coronavirus pandemic has dramatically impacted the lives of millions of Australians. People have lost their jobs, their primary source of income and many have been facing financial hardship. Find out about extended mortgage relief.

Median house prices in most capital cities have dramatically increased over the past few decades and the nation’s house price to income ratio, which measures house prices against disposable income, sat at 106% as of 2019’s fourth quarter.

Scammers love to prey on people who are emotionally drained… and the heightened anxiety felt across our society during the recent health crisis has unfortunately provided them with new opportunities.

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

The $84 billion stimulus passed through both the House of Representatives and the Senate and includes the first round of measures announced on 12th March, partnered with the additional package announced on 22nd March.

The First Home Loan Deposit Scheme (FHLDS) began in January 2020 and is the Australian Government’s latest initiative to support first home buyers secure their property sooner.

With scammers using highly trusted companies as their cover and presenting themselves as professional staff members, it’s not surprising that they manage to succeed in stealing people’s funds.

There’s no doubt that current interest rates are unlike anything we’ve ever experienced in Australia before.We spoke with Graeme Quinlan, Senior Adviser and head of the First Financial Investment Committee, about the cause and impact of the low rates.

The results of the Federal Election on 18th May 2019 came as a surprise to most people. But for many financial advisers, it was a nice surprise.

The Government handed down its 2019-20 Federal Budget on 2nd April. This Budget was highly anticipated as the next election is now set for 18th May, and many Australians rely on these policies to help them make their decision at the polls.

The scam starts with a phishing email that looks like it is from Medicare, asking you to update your Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) details…

…so you can start receiving payments for Medicare benefits and claims.

The Aussie dream of home ownership has taken a battering in recent years.

House prices have skyrocketed making it almost impossible for first home buyers to get into the property market.

It’s been a month since the treasurer handed down the 2018 Federal Budget. The aged care sector and older Australians came out on top of the list of winners and losers.

The Government wants more older Australians to receive care at home. The aged care sector gets $1.6 billion in the budget over four years to assist the elderly to stay in their homes while accessing care services.

We’ve been closely watching the tax debate around Labor’s proposed policy to abolish a cash rebate for shareholders who pay little or no tax.

Have you received an automated voicemail message claiming to be from Centrelink which asks you to call a Canberra number?

If so, do not call the number as this is a scam.

We have had a number of clients receive phone calls from people purporting to be from the ATO and Centrelink. They have been asking for personal details such as date of birth, Tax File Numbers, Bank account numbers, etc., in order to either steal their money or steal their identity.

On Tuesday 9 May, the Government handed down its Federal Budget for the 2017–18 financial year. According to Federal Treasurer Scott Morrison, this year’s Budget is founded on the principles of fairness, security and opportunity.

Overnight, we witnessed America’s Brexit moment. Republican Donald J. Trump will now occupy the White House as the 45th leader of the ‘free world.’ Was this a Trump vote, or merely a protest vote against the establishment?