Schaefer Financial Planning

How to live with your parents as an adult?

Call it a sign of the times but, if you’re not living in a multigenerational household yourself, chances are you know someone who is. A recent study found that adult children who return to the family home typically cause a significant decline in their parents’ quality of life and well-being. But researchers say a startling … Read more

Federal government assistance for those severely affected by the bushfires

Help for those affected by Bushfires

Federal Government assistance for those severely affected by the Bushfires Australia’s bushfire crisis has so far claimed 28 lives, killed an estimated billion animals, destroyed more than 2000 homes and burnt through more than ten million hectares of land. If you live or operate your business in a fire-affected area, there is help available. The … Read more

Time to take the property plunge?

  For decades real estate not only delivered security and comfort to bring up Australian families but also a cast-iron vehicle for wealth building, seemingly immune from the ups and downs experienced by other types of investment. But then came the recent downturn, with falling house prices shaking our longstanding faith in bricks and mortar. … Read more

Rebooting for retirement

  As retirement comes into view, it’s time to imagine a new you for the post-work age. You remember your first day at school, your first job, your first home. And now your final pay check is in sight. You’re nearly there. That’s quite an achievement. How to be trigger happy As with other big … Read more

Are tiny houses here to stay?

  Tiny homes are seeing rising popularity among Millennials, many of whom are facing unaffordable housing prices and gig-economy jobs with unpredictable income. It’s no surprise they’re looking for innovative ways to set up a house. Tiny homes are marketed as an affordable way to achieve this. But what are the pitfalls, and are they … Read more

5 saving graces of Giftmas

  If it is indeed better to give than to receive, then Australians are a happy lot. According to the Financial Planning Association of Australia, 85% of us find more joy in giving gifts to others than in getting them ourselves. We’re also a generous bunch, spending an average of $93 on a significant Christmas … Read more

Opening up about money

Funny thing, money. On the one hand it can get us excited or give us a real sense of achievement (think reaching a savings goal). On the other hand, it’s something we tend to keep to ourselves. Whether our finances are in great shape or need a bit of TLC, talking about it openly with … Read more