The Latest News and Views from Ascent Wealth Mangement

Welcome to our latest newsletter. March is proving to be a time where recent gains in world markets are to some degreee consolidating. There has been a raft of mixed news which ultimately has had no marked effect on markets. Our first article provides some commentary on performance early on and where we may expect things to travel. As always it is important to remain diversified so as not to hit the large bumps when a particular asset class falters. My next article talks about the importance of diversification in helping you have a smooth ride.

This month I have put some focus on young families and their challenges in getting ahead. Firstly, I have outlined the importance of building a buffer in home lending to counter future interest rate rises. Our interest rates currently are really the lowest they have been for many years- there is a tremendous opportunity for those with mortgages to make significant inroads while not "paying" excessive amounts of interest. Next we shine a light on the obstacles in the way of working mothers accumulating sigificant super savings. Time out for pregnancy and childbirth can reduce the capacity to keep their contributions to super going- hence the final outcome can be significantly different from the plan. It is important wherever possible, to continue to have one eye on retirement through long periods of time out looking after kids. We can help by projecting your needs and developing a plan for contributions to make this happen.

Next for those contemplating retirement, there is always an choice that accompanies- do we move or continue to live in our current home". My next article sets out the options and their costs in one piece. I also look at the illness of Dementia, this is a conditon that is impacting more and more people, and one that needs some careful consideration when lookingat your estate planning documents.

Lastly, I'd just like to make a point about computer security. We have recently had two separate occasions where clients have had their email accounts "hacked". Both times the hacker obtained the email password of clients and set about emailing requests into us to tranfer funds to their bank accounts. Our process is to confirm these requests by phone with the client on the phone number we have been given. Therefore there was no unauthorsed use of either account.

Could I ask that you change your password regularly to ensuse appropriate security is maintained- we will always confirm any requests to switch investments, but please consider changing your email passwords say once a month to prevent future hacking.

We are also pleased to announce that we are partnering with our local Catholic College (Clairvaux MacKillop College) to support their "ways and means" lifeskills programme. I'm really looking forward to helping the school prepare its students for their financial lives in the real world. We'll give you more information about this when we next meet!

Regards

Steve and Katrina

ThreeSixty Research Market Update - March 2017

Highlights:

In February, global equity markets continued to trend higher boosted by optimism about US growth and reasonably good economic and corporate earnings data.
In the United States, the Standard & Poor’s 500 equity index rose 4.0% over the month pushing its 12-month return to 25%.
US business sentiment indicators rose further with small business optimism jumping significantly.
Chinese activity indicators suggest that economic conditions have bounced back and the economy is being supported by robust global demand.
Australia’s December quarter GDP was stronger than expected, rising 1.1% over the quarter reversing the weather-affected 0.5% contraction in the economy in the prior quarter.

If you have any questions regarding this report or would like to discuss your portfolio, please contact me directly.

Read full March market update report >>

Investment Shock Absorbers

Ever ridden in a car with worn-out shock absorbers? Every bump is jarring, every corner stomach-churning and every red light an excuse to assume the brace position. Owning an undiversified portfolio can trigger similar reactions.

In your interest: a mortgage buffer

Homebuyers who make higher repayments than the minimum required are developing a valuable buffer to help cope with future rate rises or unexpected financial setbacks.

Super baby debt

Having a family can create a ‘super baby debt’ for mothers of up to $50,000 by the time they reach retirement age.

In Australia there are both ownership and rental opportunities for retirement living options. Generally the deciding factor of whether you rent or buy is subject to your financial situation.

It may begin with forgetting where you left your car keys and can eventually lead to potentially dangerous situations such as forgetting to switch off the heater or kitchen stove.

Ascent Wealth Management Pty Ltd, Stephen Nielsen and Gavin Hammond are Authorised Representative of GWM Adviser Services Limited, ABN 96 002 071 749, AFSL number 230692 an Australian Financial Services Licensee, Registered office at 105-153 Miller Street, North Sydney, NSW, 2060 and a member of the National Australia Group of companies.

This advice may not be suitable to you because it contains general advice that has not been tailored to your personal circumstances. Please seek personal financial and tax and/or legal advice prior to acting on this information. The material contained in this newsletter is based on information received in good faith from sources within the market, and on our understanding of legislation and Government press releases at the date of publication, which are believed to be reliable and accurate. Opinions constitute our judgement at the time of issue and are subject to change. Neither, the Licensee or any of the National Australia group of companies, nor their employees or directors give any warranty of accuracy, nor accept any responsibility for errors or omissions in this email.

Room 3, Corporate House, Building 6, Garden City Office Park, 2404 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains QLD 4113
(07) 3343 9228

Unsubscribe