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The Advertiser
01-07-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Find the expert guide for your financial goals journey
This is branded content for NGS Super. In life, it's always good to have a plan, particularly a financial one. This is the vital plan that involves setting your financial goals and then progressively working toward them. To be confident we're heading in the right direction and making our money work as hard as possible, it's handy to have someone more experienced to guide us - a financial adviser who's an expert in smart strategies to achieve those goals. But what does working with an adviser involve? NGS Super financial expert Trudy Jenkins is here to help us understand what to expect. The best way to prepare for your meeting with a financial planner is to make a list of your questions and be ready to provide details of your situation. "Bring along relevant financial documents to give the planner a clearer picture of your financial situation," says Ms Jenkins. "This might include payslips, super statements, details of other income sources, assets, and any debts you have." The planner's first step will be to ask a series of questions so they can better understand how they can help. "This is your opportunity to share what matters to you and the goals you wish to achieve," says Ms Jenkins. "For example, you may want to optimise your financial position as you approach retirement, or you might be close to retiring and want to understand how your income will be structured going forward. The planner will explain the process, including costs and timeframes. While for some people, the initial meeting may provide enough general guidance to get started, for others it will be the start of an in-depth journey." You may have heard the terms general advice and personal advice. Ms Jenkins says both types can help you achieve your financial goals. However, general advice does not consider your financial situation or needs, while personal advice is tailored to your unique circumstances. "General advice may be appropriate if you simply want broad information, while personal advice is best for more complex situations, like preparing for retirement or investing funds," she said. "Personal advice can cover a wider range of topics, including superannuation, investing, estate planning, and Centrelink entitlements." Both general and personal advice providers must hold an Australian Financial Services Licence, so always ensure you're receiving advice from a licensed professional. At the end of your first meeting, the planner will be able to tell you whether they can assist you with personal financial advice, and you can decide if you'd like to proceed. "During this initial session, the planner will outline any costs and explain the next steps," said Ms Jenkins. "In the next meeting, you'll discuss your views on investing and risk tolerance to ensure recommended investments suit you." Once the planner has the information needed, they'll typically ask you to sign an Advice Service Agreement - your formal agreement to proceed with receiving advice. Your planner will then develop a detailed strategy, and when your plan is ready, you'll be invited to meet with them to review it. "Take your time reviewing the plan before signing associated paperwork," said Ms Jenkins. "Once you're happy, the planner will implement it." To book a free, no-obligation chat with an NGS financial planner, just visit Trudy Jenkins is an Authorised Representative #1234906 of Guideway Financial Services Pty Ltd AFSL #420367. Any advice in this article is general and doesn't take into account your financial situation, needs, or objectives. Before acting on the information, consider your financial circumstances and whether the advice is appropriate for you. Read the Financial Services Guide at This is branded content for NGS Super. In life, it's always good to have a plan, particularly a financial one. This is the vital plan that involves setting your financial goals and then progressively working toward them. To be confident we're heading in the right direction and making our money work as hard as possible, it's handy to have someone more experienced to guide us - a financial adviser who's an expert in smart strategies to achieve those goals. But what does working with an adviser involve? NGS Super financial expert Trudy Jenkins is here to help us understand what to expect. The best way to prepare for your meeting with a financial planner is to make a list of your questions and be ready to provide details of your situation. "Bring along relevant financial documents to give the planner a clearer picture of your financial situation," says Ms Jenkins. "This might include payslips, super statements, details of other income sources, assets, and any debts you have." The planner's first step will be to ask a series of questions so they can better understand how they can help. "This is your opportunity to share what matters to you and the goals you wish to achieve," says Ms Jenkins. "For example, you may want to optimise your financial position as you approach retirement, or you might be close to retiring and want to understand how your income will be structured going forward. The planner will explain the process, including costs and timeframes. While for some people, the initial meeting may provide enough general guidance to get started, for others it will be the start of an in-depth journey." You may have heard the terms general advice and personal advice. Ms Jenkins says both types can help you achieve your financial goals. However, general advice does not consider your financial situation or needs, while personal advice is tailored to your unique circumstances. "General advice may be appropriate if you simply want broad information, while personal advice is best for more complex situations, like preparing for retirement or investing funds," she said. "Personal advice can cover a wider range of topics, including superannuation, investing, estate planning, and Centrelink entitlements." Both general and personal advice providers must hold an Australian Financial Services Licence, so always ensure you're receiving advice from a licensed professional. At the end of your first meeting, the planner will be able to tell you whether they can assist you with personal financial advice, and you can decide if you'd like to proceed. "During this initial session, the planner will outline any costs and explain the next steps," said Ms Jenkins. "In the next meeting, you'll discuss your views on investing and risk tolerance to ensure recommended investments suit you." Once the planner has the information needed, they'll typically ask you to sign an Advice Service Agreement - your formal agreement to proceed with receiving advice. Your planner will then develop a detailed strategy, and when your plan is ready, you'll be invited to meet with them to review it. "Take your time reviewing the plan before signing associated paperwork," said Ms Jenkins. "Once you're happy, the planner will implement it." To book a free, no-obligation chat with an NGS financial planner, just visit Trudy Jenkins is an Authorised Representative #1234906 of Guideway Financial Services Pty Ltd AFSL #420367. Any advice in this article is general and doesn't take into account your financial situation, needs, or objectives. Before acting on the information, consider your financial circumstances and whether the advice is appropriate for you. Read the Financial Services Guide at This is branded content for NGS Super. In life, it's always good to have a plan, particularly a financial one. This is the vital plan that involves setting your financial goals and then progressively working toward them. To be confident we're heading in the right direction and making our money work as hard as possible, it's handy to have someone more experienced to guide us - a financial adviser who's an expert in smart strategies to achieve those goals. But what does working with an adviser involve? NGS Super financial expert Trudy Jenkins is here to help us understand what to expect. The best way to prepare for your meeting with a financial planner is to make a list of your questions and be ready to provide details of your situation. "Bring along relevant financial documents to give the planner a clearer picture of your financial situation," says Ms Jenkins. "This might include payslips, super statements, details of other income sources, assets, and any debts you have." The planner's first step will be to ask a series of questions so they can better understand how they can help. "This is your opportunity to share what matters to you and the goals you wish to achieve," says Ms Jenkins. "For example, you may want to optimise your financial position as you approach retirement, or you might be close to retiring and want to understand how your income will be structured going forward. The planner will explain the process, including costs and timeframes. While for some people, the initial meeting may provide enough general guidance to get started, for others it will be the start of an in-depth journey." You may have heard the terms general advice and personal advice. Ms Jenkins says both types can help you achieve your financial goals. However, general advice does not consider your financial situation or needs, while personal advice is tailored to your unique circumstances. "General advice may be appropriate if you simply want broad information, while personal advice is best for more complex situations, like preparing for retirement or investing funds," she said. "Personal advice can cover a wider range of topics, including superannuation, investing, estate planning, and Centrelink entitlements." Both general and personal advice providers must hold an Australian Financial Services Licence, so always ensure you're receiving advice from a licensed professional. At the end of your first meeting, the planner will be able to tell you whether they can assist you with personal financial advice, and you can decide if you'd like to proceed. "During this initial session, the planner will outline any costs and explain the next steps," said Ms Jenkins. "In the next meeting, you'll discuss your views on investing and risk tolerance to ensure recommended investments suit you." Once the planner has the information needed, they'll typically ask you to sign an Advice Service Agreement - your formal agreement to proceed with receiving advice. Your planner will then develop a detailed strategy, and when your plan is ready, you'll be invited to meet with them to review it. "Take your time reviewing the plan before signing associated paperwork," said Ms Jenkins. "Once you're happy, the planner will implement it." To book a free, no-obligation chat with an NGS financial planner, just visit Trudy Jenkins is an Authorised Representative #1234906 of Guideway Financial Services Pty Ltd AFSL #420367. Any advice in this article is general and doesn't take into account your financial situation, needs, or objectives. Before acting on the information, consider your financial circumstances and whether the advice is appropriate for you. Read the Financial Services Guide at
The Advertiser
02-06-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
How will tariff increases affect your superannuation?
This is branded content for NGS Super. Global tariffs have been one of the big topics dominating news headlines lately, but what does it all mean for you? In this column, NGS Super's Chief Investment Officer, Ben Squires, breaks down what's happening, the potential effect on superannuation, and how NGS Super is responding. US President Donald Trump has implemented various policies impacting the global economy, including tariffs on products imported into the US. Australia isn't exempt from the new tariffs, including on our steel and aluminium. The impact is small, less than one per cent of our exports go to the US, however, Australia can't completely escape the consequences - the effects are being felt globally, with trade slowing down, and share markets fluctuating. At NGS, our priority remains protecting and growing members' wealth with a diversified portfolio that can navigate different market environments, such as heightened volatility and equity downturns. By diversifying across asset classes, NGS does not rely solely on share markets for returns. While equities remain a core driver of growth, we actively manage risk through defensive strategies. Our international share portfolio declined only three per cent since February 19 to May 13, 2025, compared to a four per cent drop in the S&P 500 over the same period. To mitigate downside risk, we have a multi-asset strategy that balances equities with defensive exposures including precious metals, government bonds, hedging strategies, alternative assets and diversifiers. In recent years, we've seen strong returns from markets, and a market pullback isn't entirely unexpected. While the Diversified MySuper option posted a negative 1.5 per cent return for March and share markets fell into correction territory of around a 10 per cent fall in the start of April, the Diversified MySuper option has recovered, delivering a Financial Year To Date return of 8.84 per cent, as at May 13, 2025. Despite the sharp declines in equity markets during February, March and into April, the US S&P 500 index made a strong recovery following the announcement of a 90-day pause on tariffs. Even though this was welcomed news, there is much uncertainty on the path of tariff negotiations, and this presents more downside risk for share markets until these matters are fully resolved. We therefore continue to maintain a balanced view on risk. If you'd like to review your investment strategy, it's a good idea to speak to a financial planner. Seeking advice is a way to plan for your future, mitigate risks and make the most of your saving opportunities. Education is integral to the planning process - staying informed will help you feel more confident about your super and your retirement. You can speak to one of NGS's Super Specialists - it's complimentary, and they can answer general questions about super, investments, insurance or transition to retirement. To learn more or book your free chat with an NGS Super Specialist call NGS Super on 1300 133 177 or go online to This is general information only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this information, or making an investment decision, consider whether it is appropriate to you and read NGS's Product Disclosure Statements and Target Market Determinations. Also consider obtaining financial, taxation and/or legal advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Financial products are issued by NGS Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 003 491 487 RSE Licence L0000567 and AFSL 233 154. Market projections and predictions are based on current assumptions and are subject to change. These are not guarantees of future results. Information current as at May 13. This is branded content for NGS Super. Global tariffs have been one of the big topics dominating news headlines lately, but what does it all mean for you? In this column, NGS Super's Chief Investment Officer, Ben Squires, breaks down what's happening, the potential effect on superannuation, and how NGS Super is responding. US President Donald Trump has implemented various policies impacting the global economy, including tariffs on products imported into the US. Australia isn't exempt from the new tariffs, including on our steel and aluminium. The impact is small, less than one per cent of our exports go to the US, however, Australia can't completely escape the consequences - the effects are being felt globally, with trade slowing down, and share markets fluctuating. At NGS, our priority remains protecting and growing members' wealth with a diversified portfolio that can navigate different market environments, such as heightened volatility and equity downturns. By diversifying across asset classes, NGS does not rely solely on share markets for returns. While equities remain a core driver of growth, we actively manage risk through defensive strategies. Our international share portfolio declined only three per cent since February 19 to May 13, 2025, compared to a four per cent drop in the S&P 500 over the same period. To mitigate downside risk, we have a multi-asset strategy that balances equities with defensive exposures including precious metals, government bonds, hedging strategies, alternative assets and diversifiers. In recent years, we've seen strong returns from markets, and a market pullback isn't entirely unexpected. While the Diversified MySuper option posted a negative 1.5 per cent return for March and share markets fell into correction territory of around a 10 per cent fall in the start of April, the Diversified MySuper option has recovered, delivering a Financial Year To Date return of 8.84 per cent, as at May 13, 2025. Despite the sharp declines in equity markets during February, March and into April, the US S&P 500 index made a strong recovery following the announcement of a 90-day pause on tariffs. Even though this was welcomed news, there is much uncertainty on the path of tariff negotiations, and this presents more downside risk for share markets until these matters are fully resolved. We therefore continue to maintain a balanced view on risk. If you'd like to review your investment strategy, it's a good idea to speak to a financial planner. Seeking advice is a way to plan for your future, mitigate risks and make the most of your saving opportunities. Education is integral to the planning process - staying informed will help you feel more confident about your super and your retirement. You can speak to one of NGS's Super Specialists - it's complimentary, and they can answer general questions about super, investments, insurance or transition to retirement. To learn more or book your free chat with an NGS Super Specialist call NGS Super on 1300 133 177 or go online to This is general information only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this information, or making an investment decision, consider whether it is appropriate to you and read NGS's Product Disclosure Statements and Target Market Determinations. Also consider obtaining financial, taxation and/or legal advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Financial products are issued by NGS Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 003 491 487 RSE Licence L0000567 and AFSL 233 154. Market projections and predictions are based on current assumptions and are subject to change. These are not guarantees of future results. Information current as at May 13. This is branded content for NGS Super. Global tariffs have been one of the big topics dominating news headlines lately, but what does it all mean for you? In this column, NGS Super's Chief Investment Officer, Ben Squires, breaks down what's happening, the potential effect on superannuation, and how NGS Super is responding. US President Donald Trump has implemented various policies impacting the global economy, including tariffs on products imported into the US. Australia isn't exempt from the new tariffs, including on our steel and aluminium. The impact is small, less than one per cent of our exports go to the US, however, Australia can't completely escape the consequences - the effects are being felt globally, with trade slowing down, and share markets fluctuating. At NGS, our priority remains protecting and growing members' wealth with a diversified portfolio that can navigate different market environments, such as heightened volatility and equity downturns. By diversifying across asset classes, NGS does not rely solely on share markets for returns. While equities remain a core driver of growth, we actively manage risk through defensive strategies. Our international share portfolio declined only three per cent since February 19 to May 13, 2025, compared to a four per cent drop in the S&P 500 over the same period. To mitigate downside risk, we have a multi-asset strategy that balances equities with defensive exposures including precious metals, government bonds, hedging strategies, alternative assets and diversifiers. In recent years, we've seen strong returns from markets, and a market pullback isn't entirely unexpected. While the Diversified MySuper option posted a negative 1.5 per cent return for March and share markets fell into correction territory of around a 10 per cent fall in the start of April, the Diversified MySuper option has recovered, delivering a Financial Year To Date return of 8.84 per cent, as at May 13, 2025. Despite the sharp declines in equity markets during February, March and into April, the US S&P 500 index made a strong recovery following the announcement of a 90-day pause on tariffs. Even though this was welcomed news, there is much uncertainty on the path of tariff negotiations, and this presents more downside risk for share markets until these matters are fully resolved. We therefore continue to maintain a balanced view on risk. If you'd like to review your investment strategy, it's a good idea to speak to a financial planner. Seeking advice is a way to plan for your future, mitigate risks and make the most of your saving opportunities. Education is integral to the planning process - staying informed will help you feel more confident about your super and your retirement. You can speak to one of NGS's Super Specialists - it's complimentary, and they can answer general questions about super, investments, insurance or transition to retirement. To learn more or book your free chat with an NGS Super Specialist call NGS Super on 1300 133 177 or go online to This is general information only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this information, or making an investment decision, consider whether it is appropriate to you and read NGS's Product Disclosure Statements and Target Market Determinations. Also consider obtaining financial, taxation and/or legal advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Financial products are issued by NGS Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 003 491 487 RSE Licence L0000567 and AFSL 233 154. Market projections and predictions are based on current assumptions and are subject to change. These are not guarantees of future results. Information current as at May 13.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Older daters warned of financial pitfalls
As more Australians find new partners in their 40s, 50s, and beyond, these couples often bring with them substantial financial assets, including the family home and a large super pile which could be a risk without the proper conversations. NGS Super financial planner Trudy Jenkin, told NewsWire, while it might not be the most romantic aspect of a relationship, it is important for couples dating later in life to get their finances sorted. 'It's definitely not romance but it can be union building in a way because if you're burying your head in the sand and issues arise down the track in a relationship, it can cause a lot more grief down the track,' she said. 'But I think people who come together later in life are a lot more pragmatic about these things in terms of financial issues rather than couples who are much younger and you're much more comfortable joining a union because you're often saving towards a common goal like a family or a house.' Ms Jenkins said older Australians who are dating in their 50s, 60s and 70s generally will have at least a modest super balance as well as equity in their family home meaning they have more wealth behind them they might think. She also said these later in life couples also have considerations outside of the couple including helping children from previous relationships. 'They really want to protect their adult kids more potentially than a generation or two ago,' she said. 'It used to be okay. I've done my job, my kids are raised and they have their foot in the housing market. 'But now it may be well, so if something happens to me I want my kids to get my estate so they can at least buy a home that they might not be able to afford otherwise.' Ms Jenkins' advice follows the latest yearly marriage stats released by the ABS in August 2024 showed 118,439 couples were married in Australia. A further 48,700 divorces were granted, although this was a slight reduction from 2023, sliding 1.1 per cent. According to the ABS Aussies are also getting divorced later in life. Men are now getting divorced at 47.1 years, which is 1.2 years older in 2023 compared with 2019, while for women it is up 1 year to 44.1 This was driven by a fall in divorces among younger people. Ms Jenkins urged those who found a new partner later in life to start thinking about their financial situation as the relationship matures over a certain amount of assets held by the individuals. 'Nobody really wants to have these chats because it feels like if I do this then the inevitable will happen [and the couple breaks up]. 'But if you get it done, put it in the bottom drawer then there's no grey areas. 'If you have great communication to start with on these matters then it's not going to be an issue that will cause grief down the track as both parties are clear and comfortable about their financial arrangements.' With The Golden Bachelor – a television dating show featuring older Australians – coming to Australia in 2025, Ms Jenkins said the spotlight on later-life romance is intensifying. 'Many couples are so caught up in the excitement of new love that they overlook crucial financial considerations,' Jenkins says. 'This oversight can lead to significant problems down the track.' Instead, she urges these couples, especially if one partner wants to protect their wealth coming into the relationship 'I don't think everybody necessarily needs a binding financial agreement but if you've got both parties on the same page about it, or at least one party wanting to protect their wealth, it certainly goes a long way to protecting that,' she said. 'You might have both people totally opposed to it and that's fine for their relationship … but with one in two couples ultimately separating the odds are necessarily in your favour.' Sign in to access your portfolio
News.com.au
01-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
‘Not Romantic': Older Aussies urged to have ‘pragmatic' finance talks
As more Australians find new partners in their 40s, 50s, and beyond, these couples often bring with them substantial financial assets, including the family home and a large super pile which could be a risk without the proper conversations. NGS Super financial planner Trudy Jenkin, told NewsWire, while it might not be the most romantic aspect of a relationship, it is important for couples dating later in life to get their finances sorted. 'It's definitely not romance but it can be union building in a way because if you're burying your head in the sand and issues arise down the track in a relationship, it can cause a lot more grief down the track,' she said. 'But I think people who come together later in life are a lot more pragmatic about these things in terms of financial issues rather than couples who are much younger and you're much more comfortable joining a union because you're often saving towards a common goal like a family or a house.' Ms Jenkins said older Australians who are dating in their 50s, 60s and 70s generally will have at least a modest super balance as well as equity in their family home meaning they have more wealth behind them they might think. She also said these later in life couples also have considerations outside of the couple including helping children from previous relationships. 'They really want to protect their adult kids more potentially than a generation or two ago,' she said. 'It used to be okay. I've done my job, my kids are raised and they have their foot in the housing market. 'But now it may be well, so if something happens to me I want my kids to get my estate so they can at least buy a home that they might not be able to afford otherwise.' Ms Jenkins' advice follows the latest yearly marriage stats released by the ABS in August 2024 showed 118,439 couples were married in Australia. A further 48,700 divorces were granted, although this was a slight reduction from 2023, sliding 1.1 per cent. According to the ABS Aussies are also getting divorced later in life. Men are now getting divorced at 47.1 years, which is 1.2 years older in 2023 compared with 2019, while for women it is up 1 year to 44.1 This was driven by a fall in divorces among younger people. Ms Jenkins urged those who found a new partner later in life to start thinking about their financial situation as the relationship matures over a certain amount of assets held by the individuals. 'Nobody really wants to have these chats because it feels like if I do this then the inevitable will happen [and the couple breaks up]. 'But if you get it done, put it in the bottom drawer then there's no grey areas. 'If you have great communication to start with on these matters then it's not going to be an issue that will cause grief down the track as both parties are clear and comfortable about their financial arrangements.' With The Golden Bachelor – a television dating show featuring older Australians – coming to Australia in 2025, Ms Jenkins said the spotlight on later-life romance is intensifying. 'Many couples are so caught up in the excitement of new love that they overlook crucial financial considerations,' Jenkins says. 'This oversight can lead to significant problems down the track.' Instead, she urges these couples, especially if one partner wants to protect their wealth coming into the relationship 'I don't think everybody necessarily needs a binding financial agreement but if you've got both parties on the same page about it, or at least one party wanting to protect their wealth, it certainly goes a long way to protecting that,' she said. 'You might have both people totally opposed to it and that's fine for their relationship … but with one in two couples ultimately separating the odds are necessarily in your favour.'
The Age
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Age
The top 10 super funds that beat Trump's tariff terror
And funds weighted for greater safety, capital stable funds, equalled balanced funds' monthly 0.6 per cent gain, while their year-long performance was a more muted 6.5 per cent. But the data also reveals the funds that 'Trump-ed' the rest as fear of the potential tariffs took hold – shares fell a confronting 8 per cent-plus from March's top to its close and bottom. Leading the 10 Aussie balanced super funds to shake off the rout most effectively were HostPlus (Balanced), NGS Super (Diversified MySuper) and Australian Food Super (Balanced) – all three managed to contain losses for members to just 1.4 per cent. First Super (Balanced), AMP SuperDirections (Diversified Balanced), Bendigo SmartStart (Balanced Wholesale Fund) and CareSuper (Balanced) kept the month's falls to only 1.5 per cent. And Mercer Super Trust (Mercer Select Growth), MLC MasterKey Business Super (MLC Balanced) and Colonial First State (First Choice – CFS Moderate) preserved all but 1.6 per cent of balances. Those are impressive defensive results; we will learn how these funds fared amid the April low and recovery when the individual fund figures are finalised, shortly. Loading But the thing to realise is that returns could forge higher again this month. Since that April 7 low, the ASX 200 is up more than an astonishing 14 per cent. This is precisely why you don't panic and sell when markets have had a big, extreme reaction to a geopolitical, global medical (yep, the pandemic) or economic event: that initial moment is likely to be the worst time to do so. We are also well above – more than 5 per cent – trading levels just before Liberation Day (still below the high set on February 14 though). Only a portion of that rebound is captured in the latest super data. As of Friday, shares are also on an eight-day winning streak. But it's not over yet… the tariffs are only on pause. And in a further blow to Australia, in the president's sights most recently is film and entertainment, with imports in that industry now in line for 100 per cent tariffs. Investors – and super members – should prepare themselves for ongoing volatility. SuperRating's Kirby Rappell says: 'Setting and sticking to a long-term strategy remains the best approach to achieving long-term success, and we encourage any member thinking of changing their strategy to seek advice from their fund or a trusted financial adviser.' Hear hear.
