HLB Mann Judd

Following an increase in income test thresholds, many more Australians are now eligible for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card and other concession schemes that provide valuable discounts. But many don’t realise they qualify even if they’re too wealthy to receive the Age Pension.

ETFs have “well and truly taken over from actively managed funds” in investor preference for growth investments, advisers say – but when it comes to cash, they recommend eschewing the increasingly popular ETFs in favour of direct investments.

A drop-off in IPO activity over the second half of last year appears likely to continue into 2023, as companies look to ride out market uncertainty by staying private for longer. Small-cap listings dominate the light pipeline, while public and pre-IPO opportunities are garnering more investor interest.

Financial planners are advising Australians to diversify out of property and put more money into superannuation, as statistics show falling asset values contributing to a nearly $500 billion decline in household wealth for the June quarter.

Dividend reinvestment plans can offer solid benefits to investors, especially those building wealth over the longer term. But there are downsides.