Christmas 2016

December 22, 2016

Once more, the year is nearly finished when it feels like it has only just started. With Christmas fast approaching, we would like to take this opportunity to  wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous, healthy and happy New Year as we head into 2017.

As always, each year tends to throw up some surprises that few saw coming.  This year, the UK voted to leave the European Union (“Brexit”) and in the US they elected Donald Trump.  In both cases, such an outcome was considered extremely unlikely and was widely considered to be disastrous for financial markets.  The reality, however, was that after an initial dip as the news sank in, investors realised that the world wasn’t going to end after all and share markets have actually performed quite well since that time.

Closer to home, the government has embarked on another round of fiddling with regards to the age pension and superannuation rules.  Whilst it feels like some of these changes are short sighted, thankfully the government have realised and abandoned some of the most concerning aspects.  These new rules come into effect next year and where appropriate we are working with affected clients to minimise any negative impact.

On a personal side, our oldest son has now graduated from primary school and starts high school next year with his two brothers not far behind.  This has forced on my wife and I an alarming reassessment of just how fast they are growing up and how few years of having them at home with us are remaining.  There are many things money can’t buy and more time to spend with family is one of them.

In regards to the upcoming holiday period, our office will be closing on Friday 23rd of December, and reopening on Monday the 9th of January.   If you have any urgent issues during this period, you can call and leave a phone message which will be checked periodically or send an email to jeff.lemin@aspirefc.com.au

We wish you a Merry Christmas with friends and family. Please contact our office to discuss any financial issues you have and we will work with you to achieve the best financial outcome for your situation in 2017.