December Newsletter | AI, Insurance and Property Planning

Message from the Team

As we come to the close of another year, December is always a time for reflection. It is a moment to pause, to look back on what has been achieved, and to gently turn our focus toward the year ahead.

For many families and business owners, this time of year also brings clarity around what truly matters. Time together. Peace of mind. And the quiet confidence that the plans you have in place will protect the people you care about, no matter what life brings.

We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for the trust you place in Lakeside. It is a privilege to walk alongside you through every stage of life and wealth.

From all of us, we wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a safe, relaxed and joyful New Year.

Market Update

As 2024 draws to a close, markets continue to be shaped by three dominant forces. Inflation, interest rates and rapid technological change.

Inflation has eased from its peak, but cost of living pressures remain a reality for many households. Interest rates remain elevated as central banks continue their efforts to stabilise long-term price growth. This environment has reinforced the importance of strong cash flow management, diversified investment portfolios and disciplined long-term planning.

At the same time, innovation in technology is accelerating at a pace rarely seen before. Artificial intelligence in particular has moved from a future concept to an everyday reality for both consumers and businesses. This rapid change is now becoming a key driver of global investment markets and economic growth.

While market headlines can feel noisy at times, the consistent message remains the same. Long-term strategy, diversification and patience continue to form the foundations of sound financial decision making.

Feature Insight

Nvidia, AI and What the Technology Boom Means for Everyday Investors

You have probably noticed just how quickly artificial intelligence has become part of daily life. From customer service chats and smart search tools to software that helps write, drive, diagnose and analyse, AI is now embedded in how we live and work.

A major driver behind this shift is one company that has featured heavily in market headlines recently. Nvidia.

Nvidia designs the specialised computer chips, known as GPUs, that power almost all modern AI systems. These chips are used by companies such as OpenAI, Tesla, Amazon and Google to train and operate the large models behind today’s AI boom. In simple terms, Nvidia supplies much of the essential infrastructure that makes AI possible.

The scale of Nvidia’s growth reflects just how rapidly AI has moved from a future concept to global infrastructure. In just a few years, the company’s annual revenue has risen from around US $27 billion in 2022 to more than US $130 billion today. Nvidia is estimated to now supply around 80 to 90 percent of the world’s AI data-centre chips, placing it firmly at the centre of the global AI build-out. At its peak, the company became one of the most valuable businesses in the world, with a market capitalisation exceeding US $3 trillion.

So why does this matter for everyday investors?

First, it highlights that AI is not a passing trend. It is reshaping healthcare, finance, education, transport and manufacturing. In many cases, it is fundamentally changing how entire industries operate.

Second, it reinforces that technology and innovation remain powerful long-term investment themes. Companies that lead in innovation, or that successfully adopt new technologies, often build lasting competitive advantages.

Third, it reminds us that investment opportunities rarely exist in isolation. While Nvidia has captured much of the attention, the broader AI ecosystem also includes software developers, data centres, infrastructure providers and businesses applying AI to drive productivity and efficiency.

For clients, the key message is not about chasing any single stock or headline. It is about understanding that technological change will continue to influence markets in meaningful ways. A disciplined, diversified investment strategy allows you to participate in long-term innovation while managing risk at every stage of your financial journey.

Whether you are building wealth, preserving capital or investing for future generations, thoughtful exposure to global innovation can play an important role in a well-constructed portfolio.

Client Story of the Month

One of our long-standing clients recently came into the office for a routine review. Like many clients, he felt everything was well in hand and did not expect any surprises.

As part of the review, Ross asked a simple question regarding his life insurance cover.

“Have you had any hospital stays or fractures recently?”

The client confidently replied no.

The very next day, completely unexpectedly, he tripped over his dog at home. The fall resulted in a fractured ankle and a hospital stay.

Because his cover included benefits for certain injuries and hospital events, he was able to make a claim and received a payment of $29,000.

A routine review question, followed by an unforeseen accident less than 24 hours later, resulted in meaningful financial support at exactly the moment it was needed.

This experience was a powerful reminder that insurance is not just something you hold “in case”. It exists for the everyday unpredictability of life. Regular reviews ensure you understand what you are covered for and that you can access the benefits already built into your policies when it truly matters.

It also highlights how small details in financial structures can have very real consequences. One area where this is especially true is how property is legally owned.

The Lakeside Lens

Joint Tenants vs Tenants in Common. Why This Small Detail Has Big Consequences

One of the most common questions we receive during estate planning reviews is whether the way a property is owned really matters. The short answer is yes. In fact, it can completely change what happens to that property if something unexpected occurs.

There are two common ownership structures.

Joint Tenants
Both owners hold the property equally. When one person passes away, their share automatically transfers to the surviving owner, regardless of what the Will states.

Tenants in Common
Each owner holds a defined share. That share can be passed to beneficiaries of their choice through their Will.

This distinction becomes especially important in situations such as second marriages, blended families, business arrangements and broader estate planning strategies. In each of these cases, the wrong ownership structure can unintentionally override your wishes and create outcomes you never intended for your family or your assets.

What this means in plain English
Your Will does not always control what happens to your property. The legal ownership structure often takes priority. A simple review can ensure your intentions are protected and your family avoids unnecessary uncertainty or dispute.

Life Stage Snapshots

Starting Out
When purchasing your first property with a partner, how you own it legally can feel like a formality. In reality, it is one of the most important early estate planning decisions you will make. Getting this right from the start can prevent significant issues down the track.

Growing and Protecting
For families, particularly blended families, property ownership structures play a critical role in protecting children from previous relationships while still providing security for your spouse. As families grow and circumstances change, regular reviews become essential.

Building and Preserving
For those focused on wealth preservation and legacy, property ownership sits at the centre of broader estate and succession planning. Aligning ownership with your Will, superannuation and broader structures helps ensure your legacy is transferred smoothly and exactly as intended.

 

At Lakeside Financial, we see every day how small details, like the right insurance benefit or the right ownership structure, can make an enormous difference when life takes an unexpected turn. When these foundations are aligned, families move forward with far greater clarity and confidence.

Christmas and New Year Closure

Our Lakeside offices will be closed from Friday 19th December and will reopen on Tuesday the 6th January.

From all of us at Lakeside Financial, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a safe, happy and prosperous New Year. We look forward to continuing the journey with you in 2026.