Happy (belated) New Year.

In December, I worked through the Christmas period but still had a restful break on the public holidays. It's a strange time of year to work. You don't have any meetings, or much noise from the markets. It's a lull that allows you to reflect on what you may have missed over the year - which is exactly what I did.

I had a think about questions that continue to come up from investors - either from our articles or the podcast. This was my focus in the first part of the year.

You're able to see a wrap of a few of those articles below, including the launch of my weekly column - Future Focus. This column is released weekly on a Wednesday. Keep an eye out for it in your inbox by signing up to the Morningstar Morningnote Newsletter.

Wishing you a great 2025 - looking forward to hearing from you throughout the year.

An investor's 2025 calendar: Key dates ahead that investors need to pay attention to.

How do low cost SMSFs compare? Costs matter a lot to your return outcomes. How do SMSFs compare, and at what balance do they make sense?

Future Focus: Every Aussie deserves a fair go with their super: I explore places where our system is failing some Aussies as it relates to super tax policy. I offer guidance into how to take back some control while legislation and regulations catch up.

A checklist for financial fitness: We are constantly comparing ourselves to others but savvy investors focus on progress against goals. What better time to see how you're going with your checklist than January?

Should I have insurance in super? Insurance is a necessary evil of a holistic financial plan. I go through the best ways to protect yoruself.

Future Focus: Why I won't commit to an SMSF. SMSFs require a lot of commitment. I'm not quite there.

Future Focus: Why I don't hold cash. I go through the reasons I choose not to hold cash.

Investing Compass episodes

  • 4 dividend ETFs for investors
  • Should I allocate part of my portfolio to having a punt?
  • This would be the perfect ETF

Chart of the week

Chart of the week: Analysts reveal their forecasts for data centres - Investing in utilities to capitalise on the AI trend? Read this.

Chart of the week: ETFs have never been more popular - This week's chart of the week looks at the rise of ETFs and 2024 being the year of record highs.

Chart of the week: Safe retirement withdrawal rates for your asset allocation - This week's chart of the week looks at how asset allocation impacts withdrawal rates.

Chart of the week: House price growth turns negative - This week's chart of the week looks at how house price growth has turned negative for the first time since 2023.

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