As we welcome the refreshing breeze and vibrant colours of spring, it’s the perfect time to embrace the season of renewal in every aspect of our lives. Just as we clear out the clutter and breathe new life into our homes during a spring clean, now is the ideal moment to refresh our financial plans and goals.

Global stock markets – including the ASX – largely stabilised by the end of August after a turbulent month.

It was a rocky start when markets everywhere fell after news of high unemployment figures in the US and an interest rate move by Japan’s central bank. Despite the dramas, the S&P/ASX 200 closed 1.28% higher for the month marking a gain of just over 10% for the 12 months to date.

While the cost of living has dropped ever so slightly (and partly due to $300 federal government rebates on electricity bills), wages have risen. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that wages rose by 4.1% in the year to June. It means that wages are now keeping up with the cost of living.

The good news from the markets and inflation data contributed to a small upswing in consumer confidence although there’s still much ground to recover after the losses caused by Covid-19.

At Fortified Financial Planning, we believe in the power of rebirth—not just in nature, but in our financial health as well. This season, let’s align our strategies with the fresh beginnings and vibrant energy that spring inspires, and step forward with renewed confidence and style in your financial journey.