Investment | Jane Clark Financial Management

Term Deposit vs Term Account

General, Investment, Reflection / November 13, 2025 November 11, 2025

When you're looking for a simple, fixed-rate investment for your cash, you might come across two terms that sound almost identical: a Term Deposit and a Term Account. Don’t let the similar names fool you; these are two completely different financial products with vastly different levels of risk.

Tax Time! Don’t Forget Your Investment Income

Investment, Reflection, Tax Planning / October 23, 2025 October 20, 2025

With the 31 October deadline approaching, it’s a great time to ensure your tax return is complete, particularly if you have investment earnings. While your salary details usually pre-fill, the responsibility for accurately reporting income from assets like rental properties, shares, and cryptocurrency rests solely with you, and the ATO is actively using its advanced data-matching capabilities to check this information. This article walks you through some of the most common types of investment income that people sometimes forget to include

Cash in the Bank or Shares on the Market?

Investment, Reflection / August 7, 2025 August 5, 2025

Deciding where to put your money in Australia can feel like a big decision. Two of the most common options are high-interest savings (HIS) accounts and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). While both can help you build your wealth, they serve very different purposes. Here’s a more detailed breakdown to help you determine which is right for you.

Balancing Property and Dividend Investing

Investment, Property, Reflection / March 13, 2025 March 12, 2025

As Australia steps into 2025, there's a careful sense of hope about the economy. Last year was tough, with slow growth and high prices, but things are looking up. Economic growth is forecast to improve, supported by easing interest rates, stabilising inflation, and rising household incomes. However, challenges such as cost-of-living pressures and labour market uncertainties remain in play. For investors, this presents unique opportunities in the property and dividend markets.

Is It Really ‘Set and Forget’? A Guide to ETFs

Investment, Reflection / February 13, 2025 February 11, 2025

You've heard the buzz about passive investing, especially through ETFs, and you're keen to explore how it could work for you. It's often pitched as an easier route to growing your wealth, but how exactly do you get going, and what should you watch out for? Let's look a little deeper.

The Impact of Trump’s Second Term on Australia

General, Investment, Reflection / February 6, 2025 February 3, 2025

Donald Trump has officially been sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, marking the start of his second, non-consecutive term. His return to the Oval Office has already brought a flurry of executive orders and policy announcements, many of which echo his "America First" agenda from his first term. Whether you agree with his politics or not, one thing is clear: Trump's leadership often brings significant changes, and this time is no different. Let’s explore what this might mean for Australian investors and financial planning.

What is Risk, Really?

Investment, Reflection / October 24, 2024 October 22, 2024

We recently engaged with an insightful video presentation by Howard Marks, author of The Most Important Thing Illuminated: Uncommon Sense for the Thoughtful Investor. He emphasises that risk is not just about volatility but the probability of loss. Marks highlights the many forms of risk, such as missing opportunities or being forced to sell at a low point, and provides key points on understanding and managing risk wisely. His counterintuitive insights, like how an asset’s price drop can make it less risky, are particularly thought-provoking.

How Global Rate Cuts Affect Our Term Deposits

Investment, Reflection / September 19, 2024 September 16, 2024

Australia's major banks have recently decided to lower their term deposit interest rates. This change comes at the same time as US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announced that the US is likely to cut interest rates soon. This development has important implications for both the Australian and global financial markets, presenting opportunities for investors to seek alternative investments that may offer better returns.

Patience is a Powerful Strategy

Investment, Reflection / September 12, 2024 September 10, 2024

Charlie Munger once said “The big money is not in the buying and selling, but in the waiting”; it’s a powerful reminder that patience is a cornerstone of successful investing. So, how do we cultivate that elusive quality of patience in our financial journeys?

Redirecting Instant Gratification Urges for Wealth Building

Financial Planning, General, Investment, Reflection / July 18, 2024 July 16, 2024

Imagine turning your $50 weekly impulse buys into a $39,000 nest egg. Sounds impossible? It's not. By redirecting just $2,600 a year – the cost of those small, often forgettable purchases – into smart investments, you could be setting yourself up for a significantly wealthier future. This article explores how to transform your spending habits and harness the power of compound interest, turning fleeting pleasures into long-term financial success. Discover practical strategies to curb impulsive spending and learn where to invest for maximum growth. Your future self will thank you for every dollar saved and wisely invested today.