Note: This article is updated regularly when new financial advisers join the independence club (latest update December 2012). A financial adviser does not have to be a member of the IFAAA to join the SuperGuide list, provided they can declare that they satisfy the requirements of being an … [Read more...]
Q: Hi Trish, great website, wish I had come across it sooner. My wife and I recently consulted a planner regarding strategies toward retirement. The initial consult was free. The process of developing the strategy had a cost of $1800, refundable if we go ahead with implementing the retirement … [Read more...]
Q: I’m looking for information on an approximate breakdown of how many Australian financial advisers are part of a dealer group, and how many are operating by themselves as individual businesses. I’ve asked ASIC, FAA and the FPA and I can’t get an answer. Looking through the ABS stats it also … [Read more...]
Four years ago, SuperGuide embarked on a long and arduous mission. We decided that we wanted to find every independent financial adviser in Australia, and to give these advisers an opportunity to let SuperGuide readers know that they exist. For the past 3 years or so we have published a list of … [Read more...]
Note: SuperGuide originally published this article about two years ago, but the topic remains highly relevant for readers today. We have updated the original article with information on the legal definition of ‘independence’ and the IFAAA’s version of independence.. Every week I receive … [Read more...]
Note: This article reports that the most unlikely people can be victims of investment scams. SuperGuide suggests that it is not only the scams you have to watch out for – being mis-sold legitimate but high-risk investments can be just as probable, and a lot more costly as the failed investments in … [Read more...]
Note: This article is current for the 2012/2013 year. At the start of each financial year, SuperGuide publishes an updated super checklist for readers. Use this list as a kick-start for your 2012/2013 super resolutions. You may not keep all of your resolutions, but if you do just a handful of … [Read more...]
In what must be one of the more embarrassing (and unacceptable) situations for the financial planning industry, a study was released in late March 2012 that found only 3% of financial plans were considered ‘good’. Oh dear! Not great timing, especially since the financial planning industry is … [Read more...]
On 28 April 2011, the Assistant Treasurer and Minister of Superannuation, Bill Shorten made a brave and revolutionary announcement: he struck at the heart of the financial services industry money-making machine — by banning commissions and volume-based payments. This day has finally arrived and … [Read more...]
Question: My husband and I are looking to start a SMSF. We have been able to find sources for the set up, accounting and audit of the fund and are now looking for assistance on the portfolio. We have a share portfolio outside super and so we have some knowledge in the area but do not feel confident … [Read more...]
On 24 November 2010, Bill Shorten, the Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation, announced the 18 members of the newly-formed Financial Advice Advisory Panel. The panel members are expected to improve the quality of financial advice that you receive, and basically … [Read more...]
… that is, Nick Sherry, the Assistant Treasurer, and former Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law. Senator Sherry has stood his ground against the mighty force of the financial services industry and it appears… hopefully, eventually… if the planets align, that his courage and … [Read more...]
You don’t have to get advice when choosing super funds, or when considering making extra super contributions, or for any other financial matters. If you do want advice however, do some research on reputable advisers. Advisers deserve to be paid for providing advice but you have to decide how … [Read more...]
