Worried about market volatility and how it could affect you? Understanding how the markets work and some of the basics of investing will help you feel more comfortable with making investment decisions. Ten Good Advice Tips are detailed below:

	1. See a financial planner In the current economic environment, it makes sense to seek advice. In good times and bad, a financial planner can help you make the most of what you have and help you achieve your goals; whether it’s saving for a house or holiday, having a family, tax-effective investing, maximising your super or planning for retirement. You don’t have to be rich to see a financial planner, everyone can benefit.
	2. Understand the jargon What’s the difference between a ‘bull market’ and a ‘bear market’? Like travelling in a foreign country, it’s hard to get around if you can’t speak the language. It’s the same with financial jargon. Whilst it’s not a different language, if the words you are hearing don’t mean anything, how do you know what’s going on? Learning some if the financial terms, will help you make informed decisions about your financial future.
	3. Don’t be scared of the share market It’s easy to put things you don’t know much about into the ‘too hard’ basket and we all know that that’s where they’ll probably stay! The share market, and in fact the economy, moves in cycles. Understanding those cycles, and what causes them, not only eases stress in periods of downturn, but can help you make the most of investment opportunities. Take the time to learn the basics and you’ll soon see that it’s not too hard after all.
	4. Take super seriously Your super is likely to be one of your most valuable assets as it will be the source of your income in retirement, but most of us don’t take an active interest in it. Firstly, understand how it’s invested and then make sure it’s appropriate for your circumstances. Secondly, utilise every opportunity to make extra contributions. In so doing, you could become eligible for co-contribution from the Government or even drop down a tax bracket. Don’t let it just sit there; get your super working as hard as you are.
	5. Get to know your options Investing is about making the most of your money, but still being able to sleep at night. There are many different types of investments and what you choose will depend on how much risk you are willing to take and how much time you have to invest. Higher risk investments have the propensity for higher returns over the long term. Super, for example, is an investment for your retirement years and therefore has a longer time horizon than the savings you are putting aside for your next holiday or a new car. The longer your time horizon, the more time you have to ride out market fluctuations and therefore the more risk you may be willing to take.
	6. Develop a strategy Having a plan in place gives you something to work towards. Writing things down not only helps you remember, but puts a structure in place so you can measure your progress. Regardless of how much or how little you have, a financial planner will develop a strategy with you to help you achieve your goals.
	7. Look after your family While you’ve thought about your super and your investments, have you thought about how these will be distributed once you have gone? Where there’s a Will, there’s a way. Having a valid Will in place is just the first step; estate planning is about making sure your assets are distributed according to your wishes and the most tax-effective way. It also saves your family from disputes and unnecessary stress at an already difficult time.
	8. Protect your most valuable asset No one likes to consider the worst case scenario. But isn’t it worth having a plan in place so, in the unfortunate event that something did happen, you and your family would have some support? The insurance option you choose will depend on your circumstances, but it’s important to know what’s available, what coverage is provided and the most cost-effective way to access cover.
	9. Appreciate that life changes Throughout your life, your circumstances will change and, therefore, your goals will too. For example, you may get married or divorced or you may have children or grandchildren. If you change jobs you might like to review your superannuation arrangements and your capacity to save or invest. These are just a few of the times when financial advice can make a difference, but your financial plan needs to support your situation. It’s your life; make the most of every opportunity.
	10. See a Bridges financial planner Bridges has been providing financial advice to Australians since 1985 and, with over 60 branches and more than 170 financial planners, is one of the largest financial planning and stockbroking organisations in Australia. Your initial consultation is complimentary and obligation-free. So why not start planning for the rest of your life… today?

^{Bridges. ASX Participant. AFSL No 240837. Part of Australian Wealth Management. In referring Member to Bridges, SERVICE ONE Members Banking does not accept any liability or responsibility for any act or omission or advice provided by Bridges or its authorised representatives.}