OPTIMISM IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 2021

A decade from now, or once this pandemic is over, people will be posting throwback images of what it was like during this time. Even now, despite the absence of throwback pictures, we tend to look back over the past year and think about how it changed every aspect of our lives.

We’ve been lucky here in Australia. However, we cannot let our guard down and should continue with the good habits that we have built as we try to move towards normality. This includes the positive financial habits that we have developed in the past 12 months.

As we welcome the second quarter of 2021, some changes are becoming apparent in the financial world. The latest McKinsey Global Survey points to an overall sense of optimism among global investors but still continues to recognise the threat that COVID -19 poses.

One such threat still lies in unemployment and one of its staple consequences: poverty. In Australia, the end of the JobKeeper payment and the Coronavirus Supplement may leave at-risk households uncertain over their financial prospect.

Coupled with this financial uncertainty is the role of mounting household debt.

The RBA lowered the interest rate to help stimulate the economy, rendering debt repayments more affordable allowing people to consume more goods to keep the economy afloat. With the stimulus ending, people will now face the prospect of repayment without support from the government.

On another note, trouble is brewing as the ASFA (Association of Super Funds of Australia) is now faced with a new reality: Aussie retirees are exhausting their super savings years before their passing. Can this be a result of a bigger problem?

What of property prices that continue to rise as a result of the Government’s home buying grants and schemes? Is this surge also more of a cause than an effect on the average Aussie’s ability to sustain themselves?

With all of these events occurring, some Australian’s are learning their lessons and are taking steps to help minimise, if not, curb their financial struggles. This is the case of the couple in one of our stories who used to be large spenders. Having been confronted with the harsh financial reality, they realised that something is amiss in their money habits. So they took practical steps to mitigate, if not eliminate, their financial woes.

It does excite us to see people manage their financial affairs and build healthy financial habits that will serve them well now and into the future.

The team at Make Work Optional hope you have a fantastic April!

The Effect of COVID-19 on Global Economic Sentiment

With COVID-19 inoculations being implemented around the world, investors are expressing renewed optimism in the global economy in the next six months. Check out the latest McKinsey Global Survey.

The End of JobKeeper and Coronavirus Supplement

With income-related stimulus payments having ended on Sunday, talks about poverty have now resurfaced. But granted that there are many ‘poverty lines’ to speak of, not one may keep struggling Aussies afloat.

Curbing Australias Growing Household Debt

With the interest rates at record lows, lending has helped spur economic activity, especially in real estate. But with the rising property prices, the RBA and APRA may now be facing an imminent challenge.

Aussie Retirees are Dying without Super Savings

Recent research by ASFA found that more Australian retirees are exhausting their super savings years before their death. What does this mean for the Australian superannuation system?

House Prices Rise; Fastest in 32 Years

Capital cities are recording an unprecedented increase in house prices. Even then, Sydney is well ahead of runners-up Melbourne and Brisbane. Is it the same for units? Check the numbers.

From Spender to Saver Plain and Simple

A couple recounts how after indulging themselves amidst, came to realise the real financial threat of the pandemic. Without spreadsheets, they were able to prove that budgeting is really about necessities.

The MWO life.

A TASTE OF IRELAND

When was the last time that you made the time to go and watch a live theatre performance?

For thousands of years, there have been people telling very beautiful extravagant stories to each other. Yet we are in a time where technology is everywhere and tells stories through tv shows and movies, but why not experience it the old fashioned way of stories being told live in front of audiences.

This month I was lucky enough to attend the theatre in Orange to be told a story through tap dancing called ‘a Taste of Ireland’.

This was an experience I thoroughly enjoyed. Not only the performance but the opportunity to spend quality time with family.

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