What are some signs of early, but undiagnosed memory issues? Medicine and money are probably two of the most obvious. Unfortunately, they can be lagging indicators because they may not be immediately apparent in real time.

Usually this question means estate planning, wills, funeral costs and wishes etc. But there can be one important thing that’s overlooked. A catalogue of information including all the accounts, all the passwords, subscriptions and pin codes. How everything is paid for. How are quirks or emergency issues are dealt with around your house?

Generational wealth involves passing down assets like cash, property, businesses, and other valuables to the next generation. Done right, it ensures financial security and opens doors for your children, grandchildren and successors. But it’s not without its pitfalls. Generational wealth can perpetuate inequalities, sap motivation, and spark family conflicts.

We’re almost there for another year, but here are a few things to remember before the 30th of June.

Q4 was a very positive end to the year, and despite the gloomy outlook many had for 2023 it was a fruitful one for investors who maintained a bias towards growth in their portfolios. Inflation continued to moderate in the US, while economic growth held up, continuing to defy any recession forecasts.

When it comes to money and investing, we’re not always as rational as we think we are – which is why there’s a whole field of study that explains our sometimes-strange behaviour. Where do you, as an investor, fit in? Insight into the theory and findings of behavioural finance may help you answer this question.

Retirement planning will always primarily focus on money. The financial resources we have and the returns they generate will be the fuel of life when we no longer have employment. However, money is only half the battle. The other half will be what to do with ourselves.

It’s one of the most vexing finance questions there is. While it seems like a straightforward one, it’s really a question that only invites further questions. Not about the money, but about the person or persons who are retiring. There will never be a one-size-fits-all pot of money. Primarily because of how many different variables come into play.

The eternal investment question – “do I invest my money all at once or do I invest smaller amounts at predetermined intervals?” Otherwise known as lump sum investing vs. dollar cost averaging, or in other cases: wading vs. plunging.
What’s the best option? Before that, what’s behind the question in the first place? Fear and uncertainty. Fear of making a financial mistake because of uncertainty about the future. Both losing money and making a mistake can make us feel a little silly, but we need to acknowledge uncertainty is merely life we haven’t yet lived and there are no right or wrong decisions about things we couldn’t see.