Register For Our Mailing List

Register to receive our free weekly newsletter including editorials.

Register

3 July 2024

Home / 501

Some Reader Survey results, and time to respond

(Thanks for your interest in this Reader Survey, which is now closed with about 800 responses).

It is many years since we found out more about our readers and what they like and don't like about Firstlinks. We have received hundreds of responses to our Reader Survey, but we will leave it open for a few more days to maximise the sample size.

We promise we read and take onboard every one of the thousands of comments received. It is appreciated to hear so many of you look forward to receiving our newsletter.

Your feedback across a dozen quick questions will help to improve our content and it should take only a few minutes. The survey can be accessed via this link, or using the embedded form below.

The responses have been both insightful and surprising. Many have pointed to our independence and breadth of articles as strengths, and subcribers enjoy reading the comments attached to articles.

Age and SMSFs

One surprise has been the age of our subscribers, as the chart below reveals. We're sure there are more younger readers than shown here! Where are all the Gen X and Y? 

Reflecting this age distribution, most respondents are members of an SMSF, and a high proportion are retired. This is far higher than in previous surveys, and probably shows who is willing to put the time into responding rather than representing our audience.  

Passing to a friend or colleague

Firstlinks does not play the clickbait game of many newsletters, nor have we ever bought a mailing list, and we rely on our readers to refer the newsletter to friends and colleagues. We are grateful that 93% of respondents have either already referred, or are very likely or likely to, with some reasonable explanations of why they do not:

  • Most of my friends are not interested, simply pay and have others do it
  • I never refer or recommend anything to anybody
  • Most of my friends are dead already
  • I recommend to nobody. A problem with you becomes a problem with me
  • Most folk don't want to know and invest in term deposits and are too afraid to seek paid advice.

How likely are you to refer a friend or colleague to Firstlinks?

It's also useful for us to learn more about the subjects you would like Firstlinks to cover. 

What part of your investing do you want most help with?

So thanks again to all the respondents and please jump aboard if you have yet to share your views. 

 

Firstlinks is sponsored by:
banner

Most viewed in recent weeks

How much do you need to retire comfortably?

Two commonly asked questions are: 'How much do I need to retire' and 'How much can I afford to spend in retirement'? This is a guide to help you come up with your own numbers to suit your goals and needs.

Meg on SMSFs: Clearing up confusion on the $3 million super tax

There seems to be more confusion than clarity about the mechanics of how the new $3 million super tax is supposed to work. Here is an attempt to answer some of the questions from my previous work on the issue. 

The secrets of Australia’s Berkshire Hathaway

Washington H. Soul Pattinson is an ASX top 50 stock with one of the best investment track records this country has seen. Yet, most Australians haven’t heard of it, and the company seems to prefer it that way.

How long will you live?

We are often quoted life expectancy at birth but what matters most is how long we should live as we grow older. It is surprising how short this can be for people born last century, so make the most of it.

Australian housing is twice as expensive as the US

A new report suggests Australian housing is twice as expensive as that of the US and UK on a price-to-income basis. It also reveals that it’s cheaper to live in New York than most of our capital cities.

Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 566 with weekend update

Here are 10 rules for staying happy and sharp as we age, including socialise a lot, never retire, learn a demanding skill, practice gratitude, play video games (specific ones), and be sure to reminisce.

  • 27 June 2024

Latest Updates

Investment strategies

The iron law of building wealth

The best way to lose money in markets is to chase the latest stock fad. Conversely, the best way to build wealth is by pursuing a timeless investment strategy that won’t be swayed by short-term market gyrations.

Economy

A pullback in Australian consumer spending could last years

Australian consumers have held up remarkably well amid rising interest rates and inflation. Yet, there are increasing signs that this is turning, and the weakness in consumer spending may last years, not months.

Investment strategies

The 9 most important things I've learned about investing over 40 years

The nine lessons include there is always a cycle, the crowd gets it wrong at extremes, what you pay for an investment matters a lot, markets don’t learn, and you need to know yourself to be a good investor.

Shares

Tax-loss selling creates opportunities in these 3 ASX stocks

It's that time of year when investors sell underperforming stocks at a loss to offset capital gains from profitable investments. This tax-loss selling is creating opportunities in three quality ASX stocks.

Economy

The global baby bust

Across the globe, leaders are concerned about the fallout from declining birth rates and shrinking populations. Australia, though attractive to migrants, mirrors global birth rate declines, and faces its own challenges.

Economy

Hidden card fees and why cash should make a comeback

Australians are paying almost two billion dollars in credit and debit card fees each year and the RBA wil now probe the whole payment system. What changes are needed to ensure the system is fair and transparent?

Investment strategies

Investment bonds should be considered for retirement planning

Many Australians neglect key retirement planning tools. Investment bonds are increasingly valuable as they facilitate intergenerational wealth transfer and offer strategic tax advantages, thereby enhancing financial security.

Sponsors

Alliances

Site Map

About Firstlinks

© 2024 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer
The data, research and opinions provided here are for information purposes; are not an offer to buy or sell a security; and are not warranted to be correct, complete or accurate. Morningstar, its affiliates, and third-party content providers are not responsible for any investment decisions, damages or losses resulting from, or related to, the data and analyses or their use. To the extent any content is general advice, it has been prepared for clients of Morningstar Australasia Pty Ltd (ABN: 95 090 665 544, AFSL: 240892), without reference to your financial objectives, situation or needs. For more information refer to our Financial Services Guide. You should consider the advice in light of these matters and if applicable, the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before making any decision to invest. Past performance does not necessarily indicate a financial product’s future performance. To obtain advice tailored to your situation, contact a professional financial adviser. Articles are current as at date of publication.
This website contains information and opinions provided by third parties. Inclusion of this information does not necessarily represent Morningstar’s positions, strategies or opinions and should not be considered an endorsement by Morningstar.