Thoughts on money, from a Financial Planner in Perth
Michael O'Hara 
When you manage private wealth, you quickly learn to tune out the structural marketing hype and look for where systemic risk hides. Right now, global indices are treating the artificial intelligence boom as an unmitigated earnings miracle. But if you peer underneath the hood of the major U.S. listings, the ledger reveals areas where valuation … Read more
Should you hold more Australian shares, or more American? It’s a question that sounds simple enough. But ask six experienced investment professionals and you’ll get six different answers—often contradicting each other directly. One argues that up to 87% of apparent US outperformance disappears when you adjust for currency movements. Another insists the US dominates global … Read more
An Australian Financial Review article yesterday claimed that it was. So let’s use this as an example of how to look at news articles on financial matters—but from a financial planner’s viewpoint. What the Article Says The heart of the article is covered in the opening two paragraphs: “A key valuation metric touted by legendary … Read more
“When the system calls itself balanced, check who built the scales.” When is ‘Balanced’.. balanced? If you’re a member of a balanced super fund, this is a moment to ask what that really means in practical terms. “Balanced” super fund members will soon be finding out just how ‘balanced’ their fund is—or is not. I’m … Read more
This is a link to Michael’s Musings Facebook page feed. Here, you’ll find all our latest posts, thoughts, and updates on financial planning, current trends, and practical advice. The Facebook page will usually include more regular updates – simply because my day-job is Financial Planner. Musing on websites and the like is an occasional extension … Read more
Do you ever catch yourself saying, “I don’t need a financial planner”? You’re not alone. Many Australians hold onto this belief, often due to misconceptions about financial planners and the services they offer. Let’s address some of these common assumptions head-on. So, why might you actually need a financial planner, even if you think you … Read more
Here’s a Michael’s Musings look at financial planner bias from the perspective of the a financial planner. Why financial planner bias? Because financial planner bias is a key issue driving commentary, legislation and daily financial planner activity today. Community perceptions and assumptions of financial planners have changed over the years, with the decades-long battles between bank … Read more
Results released in August this year showed that 13 super funds failed to meet the new super performance test. The funds have been forced to write to their members, informing them of this failure and suggesting they consider other funds. There are over 1 million super members involved and around 7% have since swapped out … Read more
DIY investment plans are a good start. Once you’ve tackled your investments, start working through your broader financial plans and dreams.
When cash earns nothing, how do you make sense of money anymore? Why are we faced with this question? A financial planner view…