Library

In our library, you will find the latest financial news, valuable insights and ideas, tips and tricks we've learnt over the years and other helpful educational pieces.

Insurance

Time for a change?

By John Barton
Often referred to as the lucky country, Australia has long enjoyed the comfort of decades of sustained economic growth. This situation has facilitated the development of simple yet effective approaches to investment...

Merry Christmas from MGD

We will once again be taking a short break over the festive season. Our office will be closed from 12:00 pm Friday 20 December and we will reopen on Thursday 2 January. From all of us at MGD, we wish you and your loved ones a very happy and safe Christmas and we look forward to working with you again in 2020.

Building a personal balance sheet with purpose: financial freedom and financial resilience

In this article we contend that building a personal balance sheet with a specific understanding of purpose can lead people to financial freedom and increased financial resilience.

Protecting your digital assets – and legacy

By John Barton
Whilst governments and corporations have fortified their defenses against cyber threats in recent years, most individuals and families remain woefully unprepared and vulnerable. Increasingly, cybersecurity is something most of us should think about every day.

High profile investment governance experts join MGD

MEDIA RELEASE
Boutique financial services firm MGD has welcomed two highly experienced investment professionals to its expanding Brisbane and Sydney based teams.

MGD Investor Forum 2019

Recently, we hosted our MGD Investor Forum 2019 where we heard from Sean Hollins from Willis Towers Watson, as well as investment governance specialists, Dr Michael Drew and Dr Adam Walk. The event took place at The Grove in the CBD. Read on for more information, photos and a video overview from the event.

ATO’s sights set on unreported foreign income

By Ling Dias
The ATO has reminded taxpayers to report all foreign income this tax time or risk facing hefty penalties. This includes but is not limited to income derived from work, investments or family members. The call for accurate reporting comes off the back of recently implemented international data sharing agreements.

Is your SMSF investment strategy up to date?

By Andrew Albury
The ATO has recently issued notices to close to 18,000 SMSFs flagged as holding 90% or more of their money in just one asset class. The move comes as the ATO renews its focus on SMSF investment strategy requirements, specifically diversification and liquidity risks.

MGD announces Sydney expansion

MEDIA RELEASE
Brisbane-based boutique financial services firm MGD has announced that it has opened an office in Sydney, a move to bring the firm closer to its Sydney-based clients and advice partners. The new office will be led by Ronan Zille who calls upon more than 12 years of experience in senior advisory roles.

Investment fundamentals 101

By Rachel Barlow
This article is the first instalment of a series we have developed on investment fundamentals which we will continue to build out over the coming weeks and months. The issues may be big or small, but ones we consider relevant for everyone, young or old, wealthy or aspiring to be so.

The sharp reality of needlestick injuries

By Andrew Albury
Most professions have industry-specific causes of serious concern. Having worked with many medical professionals over the years, including doctors, surgeons and dentists, we understand that this is certainly true within the medical industry. One such concern that has been commonly raised with us is needlestick injuries.

Unsettling events in Hong Kong

By Richard Marsden
We all really want the recent events in Hong Kong over the last month to settle down and move back to ‘business as usual’. Having said that, people are naturally concerned and we are receiving more enquiries from expats in Hong Kong who are seeking to understand Australian repatriation issues and put in place a plan to return to Australia if matters deteriorate over the short, medium or longer term...

A note from our Investment Committee: volatility in equity markets

By Stephen Furness
Large falls in equity markets in recent days have seen commentators focus on the increasing risks of a global recession. We provide a brief update below.

Warren Buffett is not wrong – but not entirely right

By John Barton
Back in February, Warren Buffett released his 54th annual letter to the shareholders of Berkshire Hathaway. Since reading this year’s letter, I have been meaning to capture my thoughts on an aspect of Warren’s note that, while accurate, misses the point for most investors...

A ‘City of London’ perspective

By John Barton
Earlier this month, I took the almost 31-hour door-to-door journey from Brisbane to London to attend the Australian British Chamber of Commerce Financial Services Catalyst 2019 – four collaborative, information-rich days examining the key challenges facing financial services today.

Should I make an extra mortgage repayment or contribute more to super?

By Rachel Barlow
This is a question we’re commonly asked. The answer depends on a number of factors and both options have advantages and disadvantages.

Planning for the high costs of education

By John Barton
When it comes to raising kids, there’s not much that’s as important as ensuring they receive a good education. So, whether you’re thinking about your children or your grandchildren, ensuring you’ve thought ahead – particularly in relation to who you intend to pay for the inevitable costs – is paramount.