Register For Our Mailing List

Register to receive our free weekly newsletter including editorials.

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. 

 

  •   22 March 2023
  • 4
  •      
  •   
banner

Most viewed in recent weeks

Indexation implications – key changes to 2026/27 super thresholds

Stay on top of the latest changes to superannuation rates and thresholds for 2026, including increases to transfer balance cap, concessional contributions cap, and non-concessional contributions cap.

The missing 30%: how LIC returns are understated, and why it matters

The perceived underperformance of LICs compared to ETFs is due to existing comparison data excluding crucial information, highlighting the need for proper assessment and transparent reporting.

Little‑known government scheme can help retirees tap into $3 trillion of housing wealth

The Home Equity Access Scheme in Australia allows older homeowners to tap into their home equity for retirement income, yet remains underused due to lack of awareness and its perceived complexity.

Origins of the mislabeled capital gains tax ‘discount’

Debate over the CGT discount is intensifying amid concerns about intergenerational equity and housing affordability. This analysis shows that the 'discount' does not necessarily favor property investors.

2 billion reasons to fix retirement income

A proposal to address Australia's 'stranded balances' in retirement by requiring super funds to transition members to pension phase at 65, boosting retirement income and reframing super as a source of income.

Div 296 may mean your estate pays tax on assets your beneficiaries never receive

The new super tax, applying from 1 July, introduces more than just a higher rate on large balances. It brings into focus a misalignment between where wealth sits and where the tax on that wealth ultimately falls.

Latest Updates

Investment strategies

Putting portfolios together when the world is falling apart

Global equity markets have grown more correlated due to globalization, but this trend may reverse which boosts the benefits of cross-country diversification.

Property

Housing belongs in the inequality story

Research highlights the significant impact of excluding housing income from income inequality analysis in Australia, arguing for the inclusion of imputed rent and capital gains to provide a more accurate picture.

Exchange traded products

Lithium's rally is real this time – but no-one trusts it

The lithium rally mirrors the early-2010s tech stock surge, with demand set to double by 2030. Supply has been slow to respond, creating a market deficit for future tech like humanoid robotics and solid-state batteries.

Economy

Why is Aussie inflation so stubborn?

Increasing our official cash rate contrasts with almost every other developed country in the world. Canada, UK, Europe, and USA, so far, have not reversed recent cuts while their inflation issues appear to be contained.

Strategy

How to stop Australian democracy going the way of the US

Around the world, democracy as a system of government is backsliding. After more than 50 years of liberal democracy in ascendancy, democratic progress plateaued around the turn of the century and is now going backwards.

Economy

Off-budget, but not off-the hook

Financial commentators await the federal budget with focus on debt and deficit. 'Off-budget' accounting alters the fiscal picture with unseen programs.

Economy

Shares rebound on hopes of war ending, but stalemate the likely outcome

Ashley Owen's abridged monthly snapshot uncovers what is front of mind for investors around the world and his view on the likely outcome of the stand-off in the Middle East.

Sponsors

Alliances

© 2026 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.