October 2023 Newsletter

This month, in our top article, we look at the fixed rate cliff and some ways borrowers might be able to soften the blow of higher repayments.

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Kind Regards,

The team at Bellwether Financial Group

Newsletter Articles


Tips to help with surviving the fixed rate cliff

The low fixed rates many Australians locked in over the pandemic period are gradually expiring. If you’re worried about what’s on the other side of the fixed rate cliff, here are some tips to help.


Writing a Will? 4 nerve-wracking decisions you might face

Writing a Will can be a daunting — not to mention emotional — task. But without considering these questions, your efforts at end-of-life planning may be incomplete.


Getting super fit: What to do if your super balance is lagging

Being proactive when it comes to your super can potentially have major benefits. Here are some steps you can take to help bring the retirement you want within reach.


The ins and outs of the Age Pension

The Age Pension is an important source of income for millions of Australian retirees. But there are plenty of rules you’ll need to be aware of before you apply.


Psychological blind spots and saving for retirement

Behavioural finance expert Simon Russell shares some ways that gaps in our knowledge can affect our plans for retirement.


This month, in our top article, Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon shares some tips to save money while still getting the most from your health insurance.

Thank you to those who have taken the time to leave us a 5-star Google review recently, we appreciate your support. If you have enjoyed working with us, and would like to do the same, please visit our business page on Google.

Kind Regards,

The team at Bellwether Financial Group

Newsletter Articles


How to cut the cost of health insurance (without cutting the insurance)

Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon shares some tips to save money while still getting the most from your health insurance.


Can your super death benefit go to the wrong person?

Are you confident your super will go to your preferred beneficiary if you pass away? Here are a few scenarios that might cause trouble for you.


Why investing in your child’s name can be a bad idea

If you’re looking to invest for your child, you should know there can be major drawbacks to doing so in their name.


From empty nest to full house: Ways to cope when your adult child moves back home

Is your empty nest no longer empty? Here are some ways to navigate the emotional and financial challenges of an adult child moving back home.


How to tell a real message from a phishing scam

Learn to spot the telltale signs of fraudulent messages and help keep your finances safe.


This month, we take a look at the different ways AI (artificial intelligence) is being used by scammers to swindle people of their money. Our top article this month provides insight into what you can do to help keep your finances safe from such AI scams.

Thank you to those who have taken the time to leave us a 5-star Google review recently, we appreciate your support. If you have enjoyed working with us, and would like to do the same, please visit our business page on Google.

Kind Regards,

The team at Bellwether Financial Group

Newsletter Articles


How AI is supercharging financial scams

AI is on the rise, and one group that’s been quick on the uptake has been cybercriminals. Here are just some of the ways the tech is being used to scam and steal.


What are unlisted assets and do they belong in your super?

Super funds invest in many different assets to grow members’ retirement savings, including unlisted assets. But do you know how they work?


Can you still afford to ignore HECS-HELP debt?

For anyone with uni debt, the recent indexation increase of 7.1% might come as a shock. Here are a few things to keep in mind.


6 questions to ask when you receive your super statement

There’s more to your super statement than how well your fund has performed. Here are a few questions to ask when you receive yours.


How to cope with changes in your super balance

It can be difficult seeing your super balance go up and down, especially if you’re approaching retirement age. Here are some strategies to help you stay calm.


The new financial year is a great time to hit the review button on your finances. This can take many forms - with one in particular featured in our top article this month.

Tax and super changes you should know about

Thank you to those who have taken the time to leave us a 5-star Google review recently, we appreciate your support. If you have enjoyed working with us, and would like to do the same, please visit our business page on Google.

Kind Regards,

The team at Bellwether Financial Group

Newsletter Articles


The 1 July tax and super changes you should know about

A lot has changed in the tax and super space this new financial year. Here’s a rundown of some of the most important items you should know about.


The super decision that could cost Aussies $120,000 in retirement

When it comes to your super, small decisions can have significant consequences. If you’re worried about things snowballing, consider these strategies.


Your most valuable asset and how to protect it

The most valuable thing you own might not be your home, your car, or even your investment portfolio. We look at how to protect this often overlooked asset.


Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon: 5 household hacks to help you cut your bills

Beating inflation is no easy task, but Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon offers some handy tips to help make the rising cost of living more manageable.


Hitting your retirement goals with the three bucket strategy

If you’re worried about making your retirement savings last, it might be time to switch things up a bit. The three bucket strategy is one approach worth considering.


High inflation may have complicated your plans to retire early, but there are a few things you should consider before giving up. Our top article gives insight into whether early retirement is still possible in a high inflation environment.

Thank you again for choosing Bellwether to look after your finances. As you know, reviews and testimonials play a big part in our positive growth. If you have enjoyed working with us, we would love you to leave us a 5-star review on Google and appreciate your time in doing so.

Kind Regards,

The team at Bellwether Financial Group

Newsletter Articles


Is early retirement still possible in a high inflation environment?

High inflation may have complicated your plans to retire early, but there are a few things you should consider before giving up.


What to do if you can’t pay your mortgage

Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon shares some of the options available to mortgage holders who might be struggling to service their loan.


4 mind hacks to help turn your finances around

Do you struggle with impulsive spending or find saving money a chore? These small behavioural changes could help.


Ways to help your kids without breaking the bank

Worried that you won’t be able to give your family a helping hand in life without dipping into your retirement savings? Here are a few tips.


Are there any silver linings to the RBA's rate hike campaign?

Rising interest rates have been a thorn in the side of mortgage holders. But there is some good news to come from the RBA’s rate hikes.


Tax time is often stressful, but with a few smart strategies, you may be able to minimise your tax burden and give yourself a nice little refund at the same time. Our top article gives ideas on how to save on tax before 30 June.

Thank you again for choosing Bellwether to look after your finances. As you know, reviews and testimonials play a big part in our positive growth. If you have enjoyed working with us, we would love you to leave us a 5-star review on Google and appreciate your time in doing so.

Kind Regards,

The team at Bellwether Financial Group

Newsletter Articles


5 ideas to save on tax before 30 June

Tax time is often stressful, but with a few smart strategies, you may be able to minimise your tax burden and give yourself a nice little refund at the same time.


Are you missing out on Age Pension payments?

We look at some of the reasons your pension payments might be falling short and what you can do about it.


How to get back on your feet after a breakup

As far as life changes go, a breakup can be among the most stressful. Here are some tips on how to make it out the other side with your finances intact.


Government incentives to help you break free from the rental crisis

If rising rental payments have fuelled your desire to break into the property market, here are a few government programs that may help.


Ways to pay off your mortgage faster

No one wants mortgage debt hanging over them for longer than necessary. Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon offers some strategies to help you become debt-free sooner.


When mortgage repayments are on the up, using your home loan features to their full advantage can be a smart strategy. Our top article helps understand the difference between Offset and Redraw.

Thank you again for choosing Bellwether to look after your finances. As you know, reviews and testimonials play a big part in our positive growth. If you have enjoyed working with us, we would love you to leave us a 5-star review on Google and appreciate your time in doing so.

Kind Regards,

The team at Bellwether Financial Group

Newsletter Articles


Offset vs Redraw: What’s the difference?

When mortgage repayments are on the up, using your home loan features to their full advantage can be a smart strategy.


Why little and often can be a smart investment strategy

You don’t need a lump sum to keep the momentum going on your investments. Smaller, regular investments can be just as powerful.


3 expert tips on coping with financial stress

Financial therapist Jane Monica-Jones shares some useful strategies to have in your toolkit if things get tough.


Why knowing your retirement number can be the best antidote to FORO

If you’re suffering from Fear of Running Out (FORO), we’ve got some ideas to get you unstuck and on track with your future.


Q&A: How can we save and start a family when money is tight?

We share some smart strategies to help keep your plans to start a family firmly intact.


Helping out loved ones is often part of the parcel of being in a family. However, are you over-extending your finances and time? Our top article gives you three tips to help balance family commitments with your own.

The Sh!tbox Rally is here! Martin and Ashleigh have taken to the road, driving the all-mighty LEGGO car to the start line in Rockhampton. Thank you to everyone who has donated to support Cancer research. To find out more and show your support click here!

Thank you again for choosing Bellwether to look after your finances. As you know, reviews and testimonials play a big part in our positive growth. If you have enjoyed working with us, we would love you to leave us a 5-star review on Google and appreciate your time in doing so.

Kind Regards,

The team at Bellwether Financial Group

Newsletter Articles


Caught in the middle: a sandwich generation that keeps on giving

Helping out loved ones is often part and parcel of being in a family. But are you overextending on your finances and time?


How to stay resilient in uncertain times

Kick fear to the curb with some useful and practical tips on staying financially and emotionally resilient when things feel unsteady.


Q&A: What is inflation risk, and what can I do about it? 

Inflation; it’s one of the most talked about topics right now. But what can it mean for your longer term financial position?


8 signs your Will may need an update

When was the last time you reviewed your Will? Do you even have one? Learn the common life events that can date your current Will.


5 things to check on with insurance through super

Insurance premiums that are deducted from your super balance are easy to forget about. If you have insurance through super, read on.


There is some good news for those in their 50s. The eligibility age for down-sizer contributions has reduced, opening up another potential opportunity to help boost your super and savings for retirement. Read our top article below to find out all the details.

Thank you again for choosing Bellwether to look after your finances. As you know, reviews and testimonials play a big part in our positive growth. If you have enjoyed working with us, we would love you to leave us a 5-star review on Google and appreciate your time in doing so.

Kind Regards,

The team at Bellwether Financial Group

Newsletter Articles


The eligibility age for the downsizer contribution has changed. Do you qualify?

If you’re in your 50s and selling your home is on the radar, you may be able to use some of the proceeds to boost your super.


Facing into fear: The key to a smooth transition into aged care

Moving into aged care can be a daunting prospect. Louise Biti from Aged Care Steps shares some practical tips to help parents settle in sooner.


What to think about if you're serious about switching careers

Contemplating a career change? Read on for some practical things to consider before you take the plunge.


Q&A: How can I start a difficult conversation about money?

Conversations about money can be hard at the best of times. We share some tips on how to ease tension and get things flowing.


Why your future self could hold the key to growing your super

Simon Russell of Behavioural Finance Australia shares some insights to help get your super savings on track this year.