Looking into the new financial year

The end of the financial year is about more than pulling together the numbers for your tax return, it’s a time to start thinking about the new financial year – and about your overall investment goals.

Here are some tips and tools to help you plan your goals for the new financial year.

Key dates - statements and distributions

Listed below are the dates for BT Funds distributions and BT product statement mailings.
(Note: We will update this message if there are any changes to these dates.)

Products Payment of distributions* Quarterly Statements
BT Investment Funds (including BT Classic Investment Funds) Paid to your bank by
24 October 2008		 Mailed by week commencing
20 October 2008
BT Investor Choice Funds Paid to your bank by
24 October 2008		 Mailed by week commencing
20 October 2008

5 ways to make the most of the new financial year

  1. Why long term investing really works
  2. The value of advice and how to find an adviser
  3. How to make sure your current investment strategy is right for you
  4. Why regular investing is the easy way to invest
  5. 7 questions to uncover your investment risk profile

1. Think long term

Did you know that Australian shares have delivered an average annual return of over 12% a year for the past 109 years1

 With markets in turmoil it’s easy to forget that long-term investing – riding out the ups and downs of market cycles - really works. A long-term view is not a cliché, but a proven path to the solid investment returns we all need to build a future.

2. Get advice

Input from an expert financial adviser makes a real difference

 Many commentators – and BT’s own research2 – suggests that the input from an expert financial adviser makes a real difference to investors’ long-term returns. If you don’t have a financial adviser, the adviser referral service can help you find one in your area.

3. Review your priorities

Consider what changes mean for your investment strategy

 Your investment strategy is crucial – but it’s only a tool to help you achieve your personal and lifestyle goals. The start of a new financial year is a good time to review your priorities and investment strategy - you can do this with the help of a financial adviser.

4. Consider a Regular Investment Plan

Build your investment gradually

 Regular investing draws on the benefits of dollar cost averaging and makes investing easy – you invest a regular amount each month via a direct debit from your bank account. You can build your investment gradually and don’t need a large lump sum to start. Visit the tale of two investors to see who chose the right path by taking up a regular investment plan.

5. Check your risk profile

Make sure your risk profile aligns with your portfolio

Differences in age, circumstances and investment experience mean we all have different attitudes to risk. The BT risk profiler poses 7 questions that will:

  • Help you understand how you feel about risk
  • Provide a broad view of the asset allocation (i.e. the mix of shares, property, fixed interest and cash) that might suit your needs

The end of the financial year is a good time to review your risk profile and to make sure it aligns with your portfolio.

Footnotes

1_ Based on Australian Share Accumulation Index from 1899 to the end of March 2008 with dividends reinvested.

2_BT Quarterly, Portrait of an Investor, February 2006

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