Author Description

This Pearson Original edition is published specifically for the University of Newcastle. Introduction to Individual Financial Planning explains the key elements of individual financial planning theory, practice, practitioner regulation and emerging research in Australia. These key elements include investment concepts and principles, investment markets and products, superannuation, retirement planning, insurance and other wealth protection methods, estate planning and as an overlay to all of these, taxation. In a world of ever-changing investment, superannuation, taxation, social welfare and financial services rules, regulations, products, rates and thresholds, individual financial planning can pose challenges to even the most knowledgeable. Books attempting to compile a 'superlative' financial planning reference tool are typically overly detailed and cumbersome. Alternatively, a too simplistic approach is likely to frustrate a reader's appreciation of the challenges involved within the discipline. The book positions itself between these two extremes by presenting a selective, not exhaustive, range of material. It is well-suited as a reference for private investors and others who require an understanding of the key concepts, issues and developments in the area; academics seeking to further investigate the many issues identified throughout the book and educators seeking to service an 11- to 13-week undergraduate or postgraduate tertiary-level course in Australia whose key objective is the consideration of individual financial planning concepts, methods and issues from an Australian perspective.