Your Finances

Investments Options

Without the guidance of an experienced professional, investing in a complicated market, like Australia, can be dangerous. And those who may have had their fingers burnt in the past may avoid investment opportunities that would have otherwise been quite desirable. How do you choose companies or products that will suit you when there are so many to choose from? It is important to look past all of the marketing hype that surrounds most of the financial institutions, investment houses and insurance companies in Australia, as many of these organisations are very effective marketers. When was the last time anyone heard one of these companies publicising bad news? Never.

When investing in Australia, it is essential to try and take a few steps back, so to speak, and prioritise what YOU both want and need to achieve. This is essentially a goal setting process, or as a client explained one day, 'its getting your ducks in a row'. So whether it is aiming for a comfortable retirement, managing short term cash flow, buying a house, putting your kids in school, or simply to satisfy your visa, it is important to write these goals down and set a time frame to satisfy them.

Once these goals have been written down, it is time to formulate strategies and choose the right financial tools to facilitate their achievement. This is where the assistance of a licensed financial advisor is critical.

Under the Australian Corporations Law, financial advisors are required to hold a 'proper authority' issued by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC), who are the government body charged with regulating the industry. During you initial consultation as a potential client, you should ALWAYS be provided with a copy of these licenses. A financial advisor must provide a copy of their Financial Services Guide (FSG) and a Life Broker must provide a Disclosure of Capacity, regardless of the organisation they represent. If this does not occur, the 'professional' that you are consulting with, may not be appropriately licensed and does not meet the criteria to provide financial advice

Decisions that you may make concerning your financial situation may affect you adversely both in the short term and long term without your knowledge. ASIC requires financial advisors and life brokers to satisfy two tests: that they know their clients and they know their products. Regular audits and continuing educational requirements are essential to maintain a license. These stringent standards are your comfort in knowing that you are receiving advice that is tailored to your situation.

Please contact one of our licensed advisors if you would like any further information. As a first contact point, email Mark Longhurst on mark@aussiemigrant.com and he will refer you to the relevant advisor.