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Trumped by the truth

FAKE NEWS’

Does Trump tell lies?

We all know the answer to that.

And if he doesn’t believe that they’re lies that he tells, he must believe they’re just ‘sales puffery’, ‘white lies’ or even more laughably, ‘alternative facts’.

Even my young children know the difference between ‘white lies’ and ‘lies’; there is NO difference. And as for ‘alternative facts’ – I mean come on! Lies are lies are lies.

Now it seems we live in a world where telling lies and committing to actions that you either can’t do, won’t do, or don’t know if you can do, is just the ‘normal’ state of modern U.S. politics.

Thank goodness we are not quite at that point here in Australia – but if our leaders Shorten, Turnbull, and others don’t take a hard stance, it won’t be long before we’re the same.

How terrifying to think that the leader of the free world could have been elected on lies and or sales puffery.

To think that lack of and complete disrespect of issues of equality – whether relating to gender, race or religion – could also be at the core of winning an election in such an important western democracy, is absurd and worrying.

However, we are where we are.

Trump is President.

So with this absurd reality set, we turn to asking ourselves what this means for your future financial wellbeing and what should you be wary of in this modern world where lies flow like currency.

Well, in regard to the first matter, Trump’s presidency should see you approaching your future financial wellbeing the same as you always would.

That long term plan should not be changed.

In other words, taking all into account to this point, there is nothing Trump has said or done which has had consequences that can be seen today or into the foreseeable future, that would have us recommend changes for our clients.

If anything, his commitment to ‘make America great again’ (how egotistical can you get? I think it’s pretty great as it is), associated with some of the planned actions to initiate his contentions could, and in fact have to a recognisable degree, lifted the U.S. economy and positively influenced the general world economy since the election. This view seems to be supported by a number of pundits and may continue in the short term, and possibly out to about five years into the future.

Of course as we go forward this will need to be considered, on balance, with possible negative impacts on world trade, foreign affairs generally and specific impacts for Australia.

But no doubt if the U.S. economy is firing, the positive ripple effects of this will be felt across the world – in more ways than just economically.

As for the second point, we need to take a lesson from Trump.

He may have become President on lies, sales puffery and promises that will not be kept – and maybe that’s worked for him.

However unlike nearly everyone else on the planet, he really didn’t have anything to lose.

His father left him the equivalent of billions of dollars, which he has nurtured and sat on through to today. He obviously doesn’t mind who he insults, hurts or annoys, and his narcissistic personality seemingly knows no bounds and could not be penetrated even by a ballistic missile.

But that is nearly certainly not your situation.

Often we, The Hopkins Group that is, are told we are conservative in our advice and our rhetoric.

I don’t believe we are conservative; I hope and believe that we are caring, accurate and real.

Lies, exaggeration, false promises, and unrealistic views of the future are not what you should build your future on.

Whether it’s in politics, religion, industry and financial services generally, or more specifically with regard to what you personally should or could do with your financial situation, the truth and reality should reign supreme.

Build on real and correct strategies; be conservative but not so conservative that you never take the correct action.

Just remember; if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Lies and unrealistic promises may have worked for Trump, but they will not work for us mere mortals.

A New Address. But the Same Approach.

The Hopkins Group prides itself on offering all the services you might need in order to take control of your financial future, all in one place.

Since our inception in 1980, we’ve had different names, different faces and different offices. Come March 2016, it’s time to mix things up again.

This year, The Hopkins Group is writing a new chapter in its rich history and moving to a new office space to better serve our clients’ needs and keep up with the growth of the company.

Our new premises are tailored for dynamic, productive and engaging interactions with our clients, suppliers and partners and we look forward to welcoming you to our exciting new workspace at 500 Collins Street – just around the corner from our old William Street premises.

The iconic location of 500 Collins Street will be an exciting new base for staff and clients alike. The building is a rejuvenated A Grade property icon, setting a new benchmark for environmental sustainability. While clients will benefit from a welcoming reception area and improved meeting rooms, staff can also look forward to state of the art amenities to ensure their time spent at work is enjoyable.

At the entrance to our building, you’ll find MJ Bale and Flight Centre. Our co-tenants include the Heart Foundation and Czech Republic Consulate and we’re just across the road from the Rialto Towers (and conveniently, Haigh’s Chocolates!).

Features of 500 Collins Street include:

  • New destination control lifts
  • First class change room and locker facilities
  • Virtual concierge
  • Extensive food and retail amenity
  • Direct access to public transport and major arterials.

The offices have been redesigned with the help of ODC Design and they reflect the contemporary style of the rebrand which was rolled out last year when John Hopkins Group became The Hopkins Group.

The Hopkins Group is taking over the whole of Level 23, along with its ancillary businesses Lantern Property Partners and bdhSterling. To reach us, you’ll need to dial our floor number (23) into one of the touch pads at the lift lobby which will direct you which lift to hop into for easy access direct to our floor. The 11, 12, 48 and 109 trams all stop just outside our office on Collins Street and we’re a short walk to Southern Cross station, with Flinders Street and Flagstaff train stations just around the corner.

Click here for a map to help you find our new office.

History of The Hopkins Group office locations

1980 – The first premise of the business was on Queens Road, Melbourne (in the St Kilda Road precinct) where the organisation began offering property investment advice based on John’s belief that “if the property isn’t right for the client, we won’t recommend it.”

1980s – The office was relocated to a new address on St Kilda Road to accommodate growing staff numbers and business expansion.

2004 – John Hopkins recognised that in order to create a truly holistic investment group, he needed to expand the service offering of his organisation. During this time Michael Williams (who was managing a successful financial planning organisation) was coincidently looking to add a dedicated property investment advisory arm to his business. And so the two joined forces, creating the financial service investment house John originally foresaw and moving to the Group’s current location on William Street in Melbourne CBD.

2016 – The Hopkins Group takes the next step in its brand story and moves to a larger office so that all staff can work under the one roof on Level 23 at 500 Collins Street and continue to provide quality service to its clients, all in one place.

Click here for a full history of The Hopkins Group.

New address details

The Hopkins Group will be moving offices on Friday 18 March 2016 with clients, suppliers and partners welcome to visit us in our new space from Monday 21 March 2016.

The Hopkins Group
Level 23, 500 Collins Street
GPO Box 4347
MELBOURNE VIC 3000
Ph: 1300 726 082
thehopkinsgroup.com.au
info@thehopkinsgroup.com.au

If you have any questions about our office move, please call Reception on 1300 726 082 or contact your adviser directly.

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The Hopkins Group

Street Address

Level 23, 500 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3001

Postal Address

GPO Box 4347, Melbourne, VIC 3001

Office Hours

8:30am - 5:00pmMonday - Friday (after hours by appointment)
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