You’re earning good money, but are you keeping it? Many Aussie tradies work hard for every dollar but fall into expensive traps that sabotage their financial future. Here are five mistakes that could be costing you thousands.

The “tax write-off” trap

Just because something is tax-deductible doesn’t make it a good deal. If you spend $10,000 on new tools or a fancy ute upgrade because “it’s a write-off,” you’re still out of pocket $6,500-$7,000 after tax. Smart tradies only buy what they genuinely need to earn more money, not just to reduce their tax bill. Your accountant can help you understand the real cost versus the benefit of business purchases.

Upgrading the ute every two years

A reliable work vehicle is essential, but constantly trading up to the latest model is wealth destruction. Between depreciation, loan interest, and higher insurance, you could be burning $15,000+ per year. A well-maintained ute can easily last 10 years. That money saved and invested in super or property could set you up for early retirement, especially important when your body might not hold up for a full working life.

Skipping Super because you’re a sole trader

When you’re an employee, super happens automatically. As a sole trader or subcontractor, you need to pay yourself super—but many don’t. Starting at 25 and contributing just $200 a week to super could mean an extra $500,000+ by retirement at age 65. Your body won’t be climbing ladders or lifting heavy materials forever. Super is your future income when physical work slows down or stops altogether.

No Income Protection insurance

One workplace injury or health issue could end your earning capacity overnight. Yet many tradies skip income protection insurance to save money. If you can’t work, how will you pay your mortgage, feed your family, or cover bills? This insurance is as essential as insuring your tools or ute, as your ability to earn an income is your most valuable asset.

Buy-Now-Pay-Later for Everything

Afterpay and Zip make it too easy to buy new boots, tools, or even groceries across multiple payments. Before you know it, you’ve got five or six BNPL debts running simultaneously, each taking a chunk from every pay. These add up fast and leave you scrambling when unexpected expenses hit, whether that’s needing to replace tools, car registration, or having a slow work month. If you can’t afford to buy it outright today, you probably can’t afford the repayments either.

The trades offer incredible earning potential, but only if you’re smart with your money. Avoid these traps and you’ll be set up for life, not just living pay to pay, despite a great income.

The information contained in this article is general information only. It is not intended to be a recommendation, offer, advice or invitation to purchase, sell or otherwise deal in securities or other investments. Before making any decision in respect to a financial product, you should seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional.  We believe that the information contained in this document is accurate. However, we are not specifically licensed to provide tax or legal advice and any information that may relate to you should be confirmed with your tax or legal adviser.

Building wealth isn’t about forcing yourself into someone else’s formula. It’s about discovering a rhythm that works for your life, your values, and your unique circumstances. To grow your wealth, the real challenge isn’t making dramatic financial changes, but finding a sustainable pace you can maintain year after year.

Practice makes perfect

Think of your financial journey like learning a musical instrument. You wouldn’t expect to master the piano by practising twelve hours one day, then ignoring it for months. Progress comes from finding a practice rhythm you can sustain with consistent, manageable sessions that gradually build your skills. Your finances work the same way.

Align your money and your values

The foundation of a sustainable wealth mindset is alignment between your money and what truly matters to you. When your spending and saving reflect your genuine priorities, whether that’s family security, career flexibility, travel, or creative pursuits, you’ll naturally feel more motivated to stay on track. This isn’t about deprivation; it’s about intention.

Finding your rhythm also means being honest about what’s sustainable for you personally. Extreme frugality might work brilliantly for some people, but if it leaves you feeling deprived and resentful, it’s not your rhythm. Build space for the things that bring you genuine joy. Your budget should enable your life, not suffocate it.

Automate your actions

Research consistently shows that small, regular actions can create remarkable long-term results. The key is making these actions feel natural rather than forced. Automation helps enormously here. When funds move automatically into savings and investments, you remove the daily decision-making that can drain motivation. Your wealth builds in the background whilst you focus on living your life.

When motivation ebbs and flows

Some months you’ll feel energised to tackle financial reviews and optimise your investments. Other times, life gets busy and you need your systems to run on autopilot. A sustainable approach honours these natural fluctuations rather than fighting them. Here’s where having a financial planner to help keep you on track can be a great benefit.

Celebrate your progress

Celebrate progress in ways that feel meaningful to you, whether that’s watching your net worth grow, seeing your investment portfolio diversify, or simply feeling more confident about your financial future. Regular acknowledgment of progress, however small, reinforces the positive patterns you’re creating.

Your financial rhythm is uniquely yours. It might look different from your friends’, your family’s, or what you see on social media. That’s not just okay – it’s essential. When you stop trying to keep someone else’s tempo and find your own sustainable beat, wealth building transforms from an exhausting obligation into a natural part of how you live.

The information contained in this article is general information only. It is not intended to be a recommendation, offer, advice or invitation to purchase, sell or otherwise deal in securities or other investments. Before making any decision in respect to a financial product, you should seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional.  We believe that the information contained in this document is accurate. However, we are not specifically licensed to provide tax or legal advice and any information that may relate to you should be confirmed with your tax or legal adviser.

When Mary turned 85 she never imagined she’d be navigating an entirely new aged care system.

The new Aged Care Act 2024 officially commenced on November 1, 2025, marking a significant transformation to aged care in Australian history. For Mary and approximately 1.4 million Australians who will benefit by 2035, this represents a fundamental shift in how the nation cares for its elderly.1

The reforms emerged from years of scrutiny following the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. The new Aged Care Act puts the rights of older people at the centre of the aged care system, with a rights-based approach that prioritises dignity, safety, and choice.2

Significantly, the Support at Home program has replaced the existing Home Care Packages Program and Short-Term Restorative Care Program.3 This aims to help seniors like Mary remain in their own homes longer, rather than moving prematurely into residential facilities.

For those already receiving care, a “no worse off” provision ensures that clients already on a Home Care Package or in the national queue as of September 12, 2024, will not be financially disadvantaged by the changes.4 However, those entering the system after that date face means testing to determine their contributions.

Residential care has also transformed. The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission now holds providers accountable with stronger care standards and better monitoring systems.5 Providers must register and meet rigorous expectations to receive government funding.

The single assessment process aims to make it simpler and fairer to determine what services people want and need, giving greater choice and control.6 For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and those experiencing homelessness, access begins at age 50 rather than 65.

While the reforms add complexity, with new contributions like the Hotelling Contribution and Non-Clinical Care Contribution, the underlying promise remains clear: Australian seniors deserve care that respects their autonomy, dignity, and individual needs. For Mary and her loved ones, that means peace of mind knowing the system is designed around her.

The information contained in this article is general information only. It is not intended to be a recommendation, offer, advice or invitation to purchase, sell or otherwise deal in securities or other investments. Before making any decision in respect to a financial product, you should seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional.  We believe that the information contained in this document is accurate. However, we are not specifically licensed to provide tax or legal advice and any information that may relate to you should be confirmed with your tax or legal adviser.

1 https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/aged-care-act/about

2 https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/aged-care-act/about

3 https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/news-and-updates/big-changes-aged-care-sector

4 https://www.catholichealthcare.com.au/aged-care-reforms-explained

5 https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/aged-care-act/about

6 https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/aged-care-act/about

We remain positive on markets but recommend active management to reduce increasing risk in portfolios

Key points

The major themes dominating markets are:

• Strong returns driven by optimism on Artificial Intelligence (AI) prospects, lower US interest rates, strong corporate profit results and a truce in China-US trade tensions
• Global market share indexes are expected to reflect increased earnings from stocks other than the Magnificent 7 (a cohort of the biggest US technology businesses) in late 2025 and 2026.
• Opportunities continue outside the US share market and in other asset classes including emerging markets, global listed infrastructure and global listed property.

Returns of major asset classes to 31 October 2025

The rally in all asset classes since May has continued with solid calendar year to date (CYTD) returns for both shares and bonds. The returns on growth assets have been exceptional over the last 3 years.

Global shares CYTD have delivered very strong returns. US large cap share prices have made new historic highs with the Magnificent 7 representing 69% of the increase in profits over the past year according to FactSet. The high Australian dollar reduced returns in AUD.

Emerging markets delivered impressive returns for the quarter and CYTD led by strong returns from Asian share markets.

Australian shares generated good returns with the Resources sector a key driver. Small cap stocks provided impressive returns for the quarter and year to date. Listed property also performed well. Both sectors benefitted from the RBA interest rate cut in August.

Australian and global bonds (hedged) delivered solid returns CYTD and outperformed the cash rate.

Source: FE Analytics

Outlook for economies and markets

Our base case for the next 6 months is that the share market will sustain its optimism with the odds of recession quite low. For the US, this is supported by an accommodative Federal Reserve, strong AI capex, a pro-growth policy agenda and high liquidity levels.

The key issue for investors is that while most large cap equity (and credit) markets are expensive, the indexes for US and Australia, which dominate portfolios, are at extreme levels; highly concentrated and with growth above earnings expectations.

This means that over the next few years we expect market returns to be lower.

We are positive on growth assets but focussed on active management and in sub asset classes where we see value and are better positioned for this stage of the cycle.

Australia’s prospects are vulnerable to tensions between China and the US, and the reduced likelihood of further RBA rate cuts going forward.

Conclusion

Our preferred approach in times of uncertainty remains:

• Continue to be diversified by asset classes.
• Remain flexible and incorporate active management.
• Bonds and high-quality credit for income and stability.
• Regular rebalancing to maintain target allocations.

The information contained in this article is general information only. It is not intended to be a recommendation, offer, advice or invitation to purchase, sell or otherwise deal in securities or other investments. Before making any decision in respect to a financial product, you should seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional.  We believe that the information contained in this document is accurate. However, we are not specifically licensed to provide tax or legal advice and any information that may relate to you should be confirmed with your tax or legal adviser.

Australian retirees are facing unprecedented financial pressures. It’s no wonder that financial security weighs heavily on the minds of those in their retirement years, with homeowner couples needing up to $690,000 in superannuation savings, or $75,319¹ annually for a comfortable retirement, an increase of nearly $1,500 per year in just three months.

The reality is concerning. According to Colonial First State research, one in five Australians who have retired feel unprepared for retirement. Perhaps most troubling, almost one in four retirees use their pension payments to service debt. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the burden is substantial – average household debt for Australians aged 55 and over has grown dramatically from $62,000 in 2003-04 to $242,000 in 2021-22. These challenges are compounded by rising living costs that affect those aged 65-74, particularly acutely.

The Value of Professional Guidance

Working with a qualified financial planner can make a meaningful difference in addressing these concerns. The evidence is compelling: Colonial First State research found that almost nine in ten advised Australians feel they are on track to reach their retirement goals, compared with less than half who have never received advice.

A financial planner brings clarity to complexity. We can help you understand how recent policy changes, such as the September 2025 pension increases of $29.70 per fortnight for singles and $44.80 combined for couples, and the revised assets test thresholds and adjusted deeming rates, may affect your personal situation. More importantly, we can help you make the most of these changes to your advantage.

Practical Solutions for Real Concerns

For retirees and pre-retirees without a clear plan, a financial planner can provide structure and direction. Research by the FPA found that pre-retirees who sought professional advice are almost three times as likely to have a good understanding of the financial resources required for retirement compared to those without advice. They can help develop comprehensive strategies that address:

• Debt management: Creating realistic plans to reduce or eliminate the debt that affects nearly one in four retirees, while maintaining quality of life and financial security.
• Income planning: Ensuring you’re receiving all entitled government benefits while structuring your superannuation and other assets tax-effectively to enhance your retirement income.
• Longevity planning: Building strategies to ensure your money lasts throughout retirement. National Seniors Australia research shows that two-thirds of retirees worry about their income lasting, yet many underspend and end up with substantial wealth intact at death.
• Investment positioning: Reviewing your portfolio to balance growth with capital preservation. Research shows that retirees receiving income from their superannuation savings are significantly more likely to be unconcerned about their finances in retirement.

Looking Forward with Confidence

The path to a comfortable retirement isn’t one-size-fits-all, and it’s never too late to seek support. Whether you’re approaching retirement or already enjoying it, professional financial advice can help transform worry into confidence. It’s about creating a roadmap that acknowledges your current reality while building toward the retirement you deserve.

Fidelity research found that Australians who had spoken to a professional adviser reported a higher quality of life, greater financial capability and resilience, and a stronger sense of meaning and purpose compared to those who remained unadvised. Despite these clear benefits, only 30% of Australians have sought professional advice.

With debt levels rising and cost-of-living pressures continuing to challenge budgets, the question isn’t whether you can afford financial advice; it’s whether you can afford to go without it. A good financial planner doesn’t just manage money; they provide peace of mind, helping you navigate today’s challenges while planning for tomorrow’s opportunities.

Sources: Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) Retirement Standard (March and June 2025), Colonial First State Rethinking Retirement Report (2024-2025), Australian Bureau of Statistics household debt data (2003-04 to 2021-22), Services Australia pension rates (September 2025), National Seniors Australia retirement research, Fidelity / Financial Planning Association of Australia pre-retirement study (2023)

The information contained in this article is general information only. It is not intended to be a recommendation, offer, advice or invitation to purchase, sell or otherwise deal in securities or other investments. Before making any decision in respect to a financial product, you should seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional.  We believe that the information contained in this document is accurate. However, we are not specifically licensed to provide tax or legal advice and any information that may relate to you should be confirmed with your tax or legal adviser.

1 https://www.superannuation.asn.au/consumers/retirement-standard/ March and June quarters 2025

The festive season can be a time of joy, connection and celebration. But it’s also a season that can put real pressure on household budgets. Australians spent $30 billion on Christmas in 2024, a 10% increase from the previous year, with the average Australian spending $1,479 on presents, food, alcohol, eating out and travel.

The good news? You don’t need to choose between enjoying the festive season and maintaining financial stability. With some thoughtful planning and practical strategies, you can create memorable celebrations, without the January financial hangover.

Start with a realistic budget

The foundation of stress-free spending is knowing what you can afford. While 32% of Australians intended to stick closely to a holiday budget in 2024, up from 23% the previous year, setting a budget is only half the battle – sticking to it is what matters.

Begin by listing all your Christmas expenses, including gifts, food, decorations, travel, and social events. Be honest about what you can comfortably spend without compromising your essential bills or savings.

Shop smart, not last-minute

Timing matters when it comes to Christmas shopping. More than one in four Australians (26%) plan to shop during Black Friday sales to save money, while 25% start buying food and presents early to help control spending. A majority of shoppers (53%) had already purchased gifts by mid-October 2024, demonstrating a trend toward earlier, more deliberate purchasing decisions.

Australians spent a record $6.7 billion during the four days of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales—an increase of 5.5% compared to the previous year. If you’re planning to shop during these sales periods, go in with a clear list to spot genuine bargains without overspending on unnecessary items.

Don’t overlook loyalty programs and reward points you may have accumulated throughout the year. These can help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses without requiring any additional spending.

Rethink gift-giving traditions

Gift-giving doesn’t have to mean individual presents for everyone. Almost one in five Australians (18%) implement a gift-giving limit with loved ones to help manage costs. Consider Secret Santa arrangements with a set budget, pooled gifts where family members contribute to one larger present, or experience-based gifts such as offering your time or skills.

Manage the food budget

Australians spent a projected $28 billion on festive food in 2024, an increase of 4.2% on the previous year. Planning your menu in detail helps you avoid over-catering and food waste. Consider dividing up responsibilities so each person or household brings a specific dish or course.

Starting to buy non-perishable items early spreads the cost and takes advantage of specials you encounter along the way.

Set boundaries and avoid the credit trap

From office parties to catch-ups with friends, the festive season brings multiple opportunities to spend. It’s perfectly acceptable to be selective about which events you attend. Consider inviting fewer people to events as a tactic to lessen the financial impact.

Choose your payment method before you start shopping and stick to it. Using cash or debit cards wherever possible helps you avoid debt that carries into the new year. Have you considered starting a side hustle or taking on a second job to help tackle end-of-year expenses?

Remember what matters most

More than two-thirds of Australians (69%) are slashing their spending to get the most out of their festive dollar, showing a collective shift toward more mindful celebration. The festive season is fundamentally about connection, not consumption.

The most meaningful celebrations often come from time spent together rather than money spent on things. Planning, setting realistic limits, and making conscious choices about where your money goes help you enjoy the festive season on your terms. Your future self will thank you for the thoughtfulness you showed today.

Sources: Finder Christmas Spending Survey 2024, Fifth Quadrant Consumer Insights Tracker 2024, Roy Morgan/Australian Retailers Association Christmas Spending Report 2024, Deloitte Retail Holiday Report 2025

The information contained in this article is general information only. It is not intended to be a recommendation, offer, advice or invitation to purchase, sell or otherwise deal in securities or other investments. Before making any decision in respect to a financial product, you should seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional.  We believe that the information contained in this document is accurate. However, we are not specifically licensed to provide tax or legal advice and any information that may relate to you should be confirmed with your tax or legal adviser.

If you’re approaching retirement and wondering whether you’ll be ready to stop working completely, you’re not alone. The reality is, retirement in Australia is changing, and it will likely look quite different from what your parents experienced.

Recent analysis by KPMG of the Australian Bureau of Statistics labour force survey data¹ shows that Australians are working longer than ever before. Men now expect to retire at 67, while women anticipate finishing work at 65.3 years. That’s up by more than two years for men and over a year for women in just the past decade.

But here’s what’s interesting: this isn’t just about the rising Age Pension age. There’s a growing group of older Australians who genuinely want to work well past traditional retirement age, and experts are calling them ‘ageless workers’.

Twenty years ago, only one in ten men was still working at the age of 70. Today, it’s one in four. Even among men in their late seventies, almost one in ten remains in the workforce. For women, the shift has been even more dramatic, with participation rates for those in their seventies nearly doubling over the past decade.

Why the change?

The nature of work itself has evolved. If you’re in a professional or office-based role, working into your seventies is much more feasible than it would be in physically demanding jobs. As KPMG Urban Economist Terry Rawnsley aptly put it: pulling out a laptop at 75 is considerably easier than laying bricks.

The pandemic also played a role. Many workers delayed retirement plans due to travel restrictions, and after ticking off their bucket-list adventures, they’ve returned to the workforce refreshed and engaged.

The rise of semi-retirement

Perhaps the most encouraging trend is what’s happening between full-time work and complete retirement. Most men now spend about 2.8 years in this transition phase, while women typically spend around three years.

This “semi-retirement” phase – working part-time with flexibility – offers the best of both worlds. You can supplement your retirement savings, maintain social connections, stay mentally engaged, and potentially help support your children or grandchildren, all while enjoying more freedom than full-time work allows.

The message? You don’t have to choose between all-or-nothing anymore. Many Australians are discovering that a gradual transition into retirement, on their terms, can lead to a more fulfilling and financially comfortable lifestyle.

Call us to find out how we can help you transition to your retirement on your terms.

The information contained in this article is general information only. It is not intended to be a recommendation, offer, advice or invitation to purchase, sell or otherwise deal in securities or other investments. Before making any decision in respect to a financial product, you should seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional.  We believe that the information contained in this document is accurate. However, we are not specifically licensed to provide tax or legal advice and any information that may relate to you should be confirmed with your tax or legal adviser.

1 https://kpmg.com/au/en/media/media-releases/2025/09/retirement-age-rises-as-older-australians-keep-working.html

There were a series of interest rate increases, beginning in May 2022, and reaching its peak in November 2023. Rates then remained unchanged at 4.35% until the 0.25% cut in February 2025. A recent study, Five Economic Themes That Will Dominate the Next Parliament¹, has revealed the consequences of the RBA interest rate hike cycle, with variable-rate mortgage holders having around $800 a month in additional repayments between mid-2022 and early 2024.

The research found that variable-rate mortgage holders paid $13,884 more in repayments than fixed-rate mortgage holders over the 18 months following interest rate rises.

This period of inflated interest rates placed immense strain on borrowers, especially those who were on a variable rate.

Despite the added strain, the study found that spending habits between fixed and variable rate mortgage borrowers hardly changed. 70% of borrowers funded the increases in mortgage repayments using savings. Just 26% had paid for the increased mortgage repayments with additional income streams.

The rate hike cycle also limited the number of people making excess mortgage repayments.

The research revealed that 70% of variable-rate borrowers made excess mortgage repayments before the rate hike cycle. As of the end of the study in April 2024, this dropped to around 25%.

The fluctuations in interest rates demonstrate the importance of establishing and maintaining an emergency fund buffer as an integral component of your strategic financial planning.

If you have not recently considered the impact of interest rate movements on your home loan, and your overall financial position, perhaps it’s time to reach out for a chat.

The information contained in this article is general information only. It is not intended to be a recommendation, offer, advice or invitation to purchase, sell or otherwise deal in securities or other investments. Before making any decision in respect to a financial product, you should seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional.  We believe that the information contained in this document is accurate. However, we are not specifically licensed to provide tax or legal advice and any information that may relate to you should be confirmed with your tax or legal adviser.

1 https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2025/03/major-economic-policy-shifts-needed-to-navigate-new-global-order-report

You’ve spent years building your business, serving customers, and supporting your team. Now it’s time to ensure your hard work translates into the financial security you deserve.

As an Australian small business owner, you face unique challenges beyond daily operations. While you’ve mastered the art of growing revenue and managing cash flow, the bigger picture questions often keep you awake at night: Am I going to be OK?

The questions on your mind

Should I contribute to my super or pay down debt? With interest rates fluctuating and superannuation caps changing, this decision requires balancing immediate cash flow needs against long-term retirement planning.

How can I reduce CGT when I sell my business? The small business CGT concessions can be complex, but getting them right could save you hundreds of thousands of dollars when you eventually sell.

When can I afford to retire? Your business may be profitable but understanding when to step back requires careful planning around superannuation, personal assets, and projected living expenses.

From working in your business to working for your future

Whether you’re in aggressive growth mode, considering slowing down, or preparing to sell, these decisions shouldn’t be made in isolation. Every choice impacts your personal financial future, and the stakes are too high to navigate alone.

Professional guidance helps you transform business success into lasting financial freedom. Because after years of taking care of everyone else, it’s time to take care of yourself and secure your own future and peace of mind.

The information contained in this article is general information only. It is not intended to be a recommendation, offer, advice or invitation to purchase, sell or otherwise deal in securities or other investments. Before making any decision in respect to a financial product, you should seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional.  We believe that the information contained in this document is accurate. However, we are not specifically licensed to provide tax or legal advice and any information that may relate to you should be confirmed with your tax or legal adviser.

You’re excelling in your career, climbing the corporate ladder, and earning a solid income. But are you making the most of your financial opportunities? For many Australian professionals, the answer is frustratingly unclear.

Between demanding work schedules, family commitments, and the overwhelming amount of financial information available online, it’s easy to let money management slip down your priority list. Yet with each passing year, you’re potentially missing out on thousands of dollars in growth, tax savings, and strategic opportunities.

Is your money working as hard as you?

How do I balance my lifestyle and financial future? You’ve worked hard to afford the lifestyle you want, but striking the right balance between enjoying today and securing tomorrow requires a personalised approach that reflects your values and long-term goals.

How can I make my money work for me? Beyond your salary, your money should generate returns through strategic investments, superannuation contributions, and leveraging tax-effective structures aligning with your income level and career trajectory.

What are my options? With managed funds, ETFs, property, shares, and countless investment platforms available, the options can be paralysing. The right strategy depends on your risk tolerance, time horizon, and specific financial circumstances.

How can I pay less tax? As a higher-income earner, tax efficiency becomes increasingly important. From salary packaging and negative gearing to superannuation and insurance strategies and various investment structures, there are legitimate ways to reduce your tax burden while building wealth effectively.

Am I on track? Without clear benchmarks and regular reviews, it’s impossible to know whether your current approach will deliver the financial freedom you’re working toward.

The Professional’s dilemma

You’re time-poor but money-rich – or at least money-positive. You’re making a good income, but suspect you’re not making the most of it. You’re drowning in financial information but starving for clarity and direction.

This is where professional, tailored financial advice becomes invaluable. Rather than generic solutions or one-size-fits-all approaches, you need strategies that work with your specific situation, career path, and lifestyle goals.

Because your professional success deserves a financial strategy that matches your ambition and delivers the security and freedom you’re working so hard to achieve.

The information contained in this article is general information only. It is not intended to be a recommendation, offer, advice or invitation to purchase, sell or otherwise deal in securities or other investments. Before making any decision in respect to a financial product, you should seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional.  We believe that the information contained in this document is accurate. However, we are not specifically licensed to provide tax or legal advice and any information that may relate to you should be confirmed with your tax or legal adviser.