Educating your children is a major expense — the sooner you start saving for it the better.

Sending your children through school is often the second largest expense after a mortgage for many Australians, so it’s important to plan ahead.

Aside from school fees, there are regular expenses such as uniforms, equipment, and excursions that can affect your budget significantly, and with tertiary education these costs might be around for more than 15 years!

Schoolchildren and teacher in science class

A survey by Nexus found around 33% of parents say they are taking on extra work to pay for education, while 31% are returning to the workforce. A worrying 16% of parents say they are taking out loans to meet education costs, while 15% are moving house to realise capital for education costs.

The latest consumer price index figures reveal education is the fastest-rising expense facing Australian families.

Prestige Wealth Partners wins Financial Wisdom “Value of Advice” Award

_MG_5784PRESS RELEASE 06 October 2010: Perth based financial planning firm, Prestige Wealth Partners’ Financial Adviser, Rebecca Newton has received the Pro-bono category Award in Financial Wisdom’s annual Value of Advice Awards for the positive impact her advice has had on her clients.

The award recognises the charitable work advisers are doing in the community through offering their professional services at no charge to clients in need. The award aims to highlight the work of advisers who have helped distressed clients achieve their financial or lifestyle goals.

Ms Newton was elected out of 50 entrants from Financial Wisdom practices for the valuable contribution she made to one Perth family’s life, helping them through a difficult financial situation.

Client Testimonial: Jackie in’t Veld

Jackie in't Veld“Making the right decisions regarding one’s financial future is paramount. Being able to seek out legitimate investment information and speaking to someone, who is able to give you independent and unbiased advice, is a critical ingredient in the overall scheme of things.

“When my wife and I arrived in Australia, we considered various financial advisers and eventually decided to settle on the credentials of Rebecca Newton.

“We are happy to recommend Rebecca and her company, to any couple or individual who is serious about their financial health and wealth. Rebecca is not pushy, she listens, gives great advice and always behaves in an ethical and professional manner”.

- Jackie & Clint in’t Veld

About Rebecca Newton

Prestige Wealth Partners is a financial planning practice based in the northern suburbs and established to provide a strong client focus delivered through high levels of personal services, Rebecca Newton and Prestige Wealth Partners provide a unique, consistent and cost effective financial planning service.

The initial appointment is complimentary and you are under no obligation to proceed.

Discover financial planning with a difference. Contact Rebecca today!

The Financial Planning Process Explained

Business woman with a piggybank How do financial planners work?

How do I act on my financial advisers recommendations?

Where do I start?

It is often explained that the client should be advised of the nature of the financial planning process at the beginning of the first appointment.

Prestige Wealth Partners outlines the six steps of the financial planning process.

Introducing Platinum Advantage from Financial Wisdom

As a thank you to our clients we are introducing Platinum Advantage, an exciting new additional service program – provided free of charge by Prestige Wealth Partners and Financial Wisdom.

Financial Wisdom Platinum Advantage is not a rewards scheme or frequent flyer program. Rather, it is a unique program that offers genuine savings for our most important clients. For example, you can purchase movie tickets at 30% off or, if you shop at major retail stores, you can purchase gift vouchers which will save you 5% to 7% off retail prices.

Shortly, all Prestige Wealth Partner clients will receive a letter with their access code for Platinum Advantage. To access the service please click here and enter your access code.

I hope you enjoy your new Financial Wisdom Platinum Advantage membership. It’s one small way we can let you know how much we value you as a client. If you have any questions about the program, please call Financial Wisdom Platinum Advantage directly on 1300 654 916, toll free, Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm (AEST).

Regards

Rebecca Newton

InScope July-September 2010: Election Impacts

australian-flag-640 The re-election of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) will have a number of consequences for investors and retirees. In this issue of InScope, we focus on the initiatives that formed part of the ALP’s election and policy platform and that may become law in the near future.

It’s important to be aware of any potential impact on your financial plan. While these initiatives are proposed, they may become legislated in the near future.

Click here to download this edition of InScope (PDF)

Client Testimonial: Roley & Robyn Bayman

“We found Rebecca after deciding that we needed to take control of our finances and start doing some retirement planning. We have no hesitation recommending Rebecca Newton to anyone.”

Roley & Robyn Bayman

TestimonialPic

“Besides being highly qualified, Rebecca is professional and competent with a strong knowledge base in the financial field. What impressed us most has been the attention to our needs and the tailoring of a financial strategy to suit our individual circumstances.

Rebecca has always been available to discuss any concerns or issues we have and is prepared to spend time to assist in any way she is able. We now feel that our financial future is secure and know that Rebecca is always on hand should we need her.”

Find your lost superannuation for free

Do you change jobs regularly? Do you have multiple superannuation accounts? Have you forgotten your account details or misplaced your information for one or more super funds?

If you do, the chances are you can find them using the ATO’s free SuperSeeker. All you need is your name, date of birth and tax file number.

Also, if you do, then the chances are you are paying a lot of management fees for your various super accounts.

Let Prestige Wealth Partners consolidate and simplify your superannuation benefits.

Man looking through grass.
Have you lost your super details?

What is Gearing? Learn about borrowing to invest

Gearing is the strategy of borrowing money to invest.

Gearing is the strategy of borrowing money to invest. Just as you take out a loan to buy a home, you can also borrow money to invest in other assets, such as shares, property or managed funds.

Gearing enables you to boost your investment earning power by increasing the amount of money you have available to invest. While investing with someone else’s money sounds like a great strategy (and it can be), there are risks involved, so it’s not suitable for everyone.

Prestige Wealth Partners makes gearing strategies easy to understand and easy to implement.

Transition To Retirement Income Streams (TTR)

Transition to Retirement Income Streams Are you approaching retirement?  The years before you retire can be challenging. While you are probably looking forward to having more time to do the things you enjoy, you may not be ready to stop working.

Many people are also concerned about whether or not they have saved enough super. A transition to retirement strategy can help you ease into retirement and boost your super in a tax effective way.

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