Categories for Wealth Advisers News

Opening hours during Christmas 2020/New Year 2021

Please note the Donegan’s offices will be closed from:
12:30pm Tuesday 22nd December 2020 through to 8:30am Monday 4th January 2021.

We look forward to catching up with you in the New Year!

A word of caution on Fixed-Term Investment Products

With market uncertainty as it is, there has been a surge in promotions for fixed-term investment products touting themselves as suitable alternatives to term deposits, but with greater returns.  However, as we’ve discussed with a number of clients, this is misleading and ASIC is clamping down.  Here’s a really good article summarising why.  Speak with us if you’d like to know more. 

https://www.nestegg.com.au/invest-money/advice/not-like-a-term-deposit-asic-delivers-risky-investment-warning

Donegan’s teams to work remotely (click for link)

In accordance with the latest advice issued from state and federal authorities regarding COVID-19, and in anticipation of further measures, the majority of the Donegan’s Edmondson Turner and Donegan’s Wealth Advisers team will now begin working remotely from Tuesday 24th March, until further notice.

Please see attached for full statement

 

 

Statement on working procedures during Covid-19 outbreak (click for link)

You will all no doubt be following closely the news and evolving government guidelines in response to the COVID-19 outbreak which is impacting individuals, businesses, industries and entire economies globally.

As the situation continues to change, we wanted to let you know Donegan’s current position and how we are responding to ensure that we are able to continue to service you as clients effectively, as well as play our part as responsible citizens in minimising any potential spread and “flattening the curve”. 

At Donegan’s, our priority is the health and wellbeing of our clients and our team.  Please see attached for full statement.

 

Jude Walton receives 2018 Georges Mora Fellowship

https://mailchi.mp/bfbe132991ce/2018-georges-mora-fellow-announced?e=8b38de4db4

ATO Warning – Emails, Mobile Phones & Phone SCAMS

The ATO have published an alert with regards to possible SCAMS. There are emails being sent to individuals/businesses claiming they are from the ATO and asking for personal information to be emailed back to them. There are also phone calls to both mobiles and land lines also asking for personal information such as bank account details, credit cards, etc. In some cases the caller is threatening fines if the information the caller wants is not given.

We highly recommend you do not answer any of the questions asked, as this call will more than likely be a scam. The ATO will not contact you via this method and seeing we are your nominated tax agent all enquiries would come to us from the ATO. In an unusual case if the ATO was to contact you directly they would send a letter to your address and then follow up with a phone call or ask you to call them quoting a particular reference.

The ATO does not contact clients via email or texting.

So if you were to receive contact from a person saying they are from the ATO, we would ask you to contact us immediately on 03 9670 5232 or the ATO on 13 28 61

See link below for further information and details from the ATO

https://www.ato.gov.au/General/Online-services/In-detail/Online-security/How-to-verify-or-report-a-scam/

Easter Break – Office Closed 4pm Thursday

Due to the Easter Break our office will close 4pm Thursday (2/4/15) and will reopen 9am Tuesday (7/4/15).

Server Upgrade

We are undertaking a server upgrade on Thursday 9 April and Friday 10 April.

As a result, we will not be at full capacity to process any urgent requests or matters.

The office will be running as normal from Monday 13 April.

How to navigate the maze of choosing insurance

Click here for more.

To discuss this further and obtain assistance with choosing appropriate insurance to meet your needs contact Alison Foenander of Donegan’s Wealth Advisers at alisonf@donegans.com.au or on 03 9670 5232

Gold for Bretherton

You may have wondered where Phil & Alison have been the past few weeks? Chasing their son, Jonno Bretherton!

Jonno

Congratulations to Chad Hewish on joining the CA Young Professionals Panel

Congratulations to Chad Hewish on his recent appointment to Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand Victorian Young Professionals Panel.

Part of Chad’s role with the Panel is to provide input and advice to CA management to ensure that a strong young member proposition is being delivered.

Congratulations to Jonno Bretherton who has made the 2014 Hockey Youth Olympics Team

Jonno will compete in the Youth Olympics hosted by Nanjing, China in August.

You can read about the official announcement here

All the best Jonno!

BGL Release Simple Fund 360

BGL have just launched Simple Fund 360 – the most flexible and automated super product on the market.

To find out more, visit their website by clicking here

February Market Update

We are pleased to enclose the February 2014 edition of Market Update.

Global economies continued to improve, with the International Monetary Fund revising its 2014 global growth forecast up to 3.7%.

Over in Europe there are signals the economic recovery is gaining momentum, with industrial production up 1.8% in November and car sales increasing for the third month in a row. However, the risk of deflation remains at the forefront of the Eurozone with CPI increasing only 0.8% in December.

In domestic news, economic growth remains weak with below trend growth rates. While the December unemployment rate did remained unchanged at 5.8%, we saw employment rates fall in every state except Western Australia. On an encouraging note, the housing market is looking positive with housing finance approvals rising by approximately 2% per month.

If you would like to discuss anything in this report please don’t hesitate to contact Alison Foenander of our office.

Any advice in this communication has been prepared without taking account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of this you should, before acting on any advice, consider whether it is appropriate to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Apogee Financial Planning Limited ABN 28 056 426 932, registered office 105 – 153 Miller Street North Sydney NSW 2060, is an Australian Financial Services Licensee and member of the National Australia Bank group of companies. From time to time Apogee Financial Planning, members of the National Australia Bank group of companies, associated employees or agents may have an interest in or receive pecuniary and non pecuniary benefits from the financial products and services mentioned herein.

RBA decides to leave cash rate unchanged at 2.5%

At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 2.5 per cent.
Since the Board’s previous meeting, information on the global economy has been consistent with growth having been a bit below trend in 2013, but with reasonable prospects of a pick-up this year. The United States economy continues its expansion and the euro area has begun a recovery from recession, albeit a fragile one. Japan has recorded a significant pick-up in growth, while China’s growth remains in line with policymakers’ objectives. Commodity prices have declined from their peaks but in historical terms remain high.

The Federal Reserve has begun the process of curtailing stimulus measures but financial conditions overall remain very accommodative. Long-term interest rates and most risk spreads remain low. Equity and credit markets remain able to provide adequate funding, but for some emerging market countries conditions are considerably more challenging than they were a year ago.

In Australia, information becoming available over the summer suggests slightly firmer consumer demand and foreshadows a solid expansion in housing construction. Some indicators of business conditions and confidence have shown improvement. At the same time, with resources sector investment spending set to decline significantly, considerable structural change occurring and lingering uncertainty in some areas of the business community, near-term prospects for business investment remain subdued. The demand for labour has remained weak and, as a result, the rate of unemployment has continued to edge higher. Growth in wages has declined noticeably.
Inflation in the December quarter was higher than expected. This may be explained in part by faster than anticipated pass-through of the lower exchange rate, though domestic prices also continued to rise at a solid pace, despite slower growth in labour costs. If domestic costs remain contained, some moderation in the growth of prices for non-traded goods could be expected over time.

Monetary policy remains accommodative. Interest rates are very low and savers continue to look for higher returns in response to low rates on safe instruments. Credit growth remains low overall but is picking up gradually for households. Dwelling prices have increased further over the past several months. The exchange rate has declined further, which, if sustained, will assist in achieving balanced growth in the economy.

Looking ahead, the Bank expects growth to remain below trend for a time yet and unemployment to rise further before it peaks. Beyond the short term, growth is expected to strengthen, helped by continued low interest rates and the lower exchange rate. Inflation is expected to be somewhat higher than forecast three months ago, but still consistent with the 2–3 per cent target over the next two years.
In the Board’s judgement, monetary policy is appropriately configured to foster sustainable growth in demand and inflation outcomes consistent with the target. On present indications, the most prudent course is likely to be a period of stability in interest rates.

http://www.rba.gov.au/media-releases/2014/mr-14-01.html (04.02.2014)

January Market Update

Donegan’s Wealth Advisers are pleased to enclose the January 2014 edition of Market Update.

Global economies last month continued to show signs of improvement, with rising employment and overall higher demand seen throughout the major economies.

In the US, the Federal Reserve started its dial down of QE3, with an initial reduction of US$10b, down to US$75b. Janet Yellen, the new Federal Reserve Chairperson elect, was also voted in by Congress.

On the home front, residential property finished 2013 on a strong note, with sales volumes at record levels in Sydney and Melbourne. The Mid Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook was also released last month, and concluded that the budget would remain in deficit throughout the forecast period until 2016/2017.

As markets continue to remain uncertain in the short term, please remember to remain focused on your long-term goals.

If you’d like to discuss anything in this report please contact Donegan’s Wealth Advisers.

Market update 15th January 2014