WHY DON’T WE SAVE ANYMORE?
It is forecast that by 2020, the average Australian household will save a tiny 2.1% of their total disposable income – a drop of around 5.5% from 2014. Having money in the bank means you …
Five ways to increase your financial wellbeing
It may not be something you think about much. It may even make you uncomfortable to examine the way you manage money and think about whether you’d be able to cope if you suffer a …
Are you eligible for school subsidies?
With 2020 now in motion, many parents and carers are probably looking at how they’ll cover school fees for the year ahead, not to mention other costs, which might include things like uniforms, shoes, stationery, …
Investing on behalf of your kids
Investing on behalf of your children can help give them a financial leg up and introduce them to good financial practice at an early age. Here are some considerations to help you find an appropriate …
How to trick yourself into saving money
Impulse purchases and buyer’s remorse often go hand in hand. But if you take a week (or a month) to reflect on your spending, you could see a noticeable boost in the funds accumulating in …
The increasing spread of Coronavirus: updated economic and investment market implications
Key points While reported new coronavirus cases in China have slowed, the pickup in cases outside China has led to a renewed sharp fall in share markets and bond yields. Our base case is that …
Will I pay Capital gains Tax on my Inheritance?
In Australia, special capital gains tax rules apply when dealing with assets of a deceased estate. The most common types of assets inherited by a beneficiary that could be subject to a capital gain are …
Time to consider green investing?
In the wake of recent ferocious bushfires, the climate change debate has climbed the news agenda, with many Australians now considering what they can do to help. If you’d like your money to make a …
Making sense of Medicare and your tax obligations
To help pay for the public health system which we call Medicare, you’re required to pay a 2 percent Medicare levy as part of your income tax. While the low-income tax offset can reduce your …
Is $1 million enough to retire on?
Everyone who’s approaching retirement wants to know how much money they need to save – how much is enough to leave work confidently and then live comfortably? Lately, we’ve been seeing $1 million dollars bandied …
How to review your SMSF investment strategy
Super law sets out some requirements that trustees of regulated super funds need to consider when formulating an investment strategy. These requirements include (but not limited to) the composition of investments, risk and return, liquidity, …
How to overcome a financial setback
When considering the financial position they’ve achieved in retirement, many Australian retirees share the same opinion: “I wish I’d saved more.” For some people, keeping up with day-to-day living expenses and staying on top of …
Market and Economic overview
Australia Headline inflation rose slightly more than expected in the December quarter. Prices rose 0.7% over the three-month period, the fastest quarterly increase in three years. This took the annual inflation rate to 1.8%. The …
The Coronavirus and its impact on markets
The Coronavirus is slowly jumping international borders after its initial spread in China, and markets have not been immune to its impact. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which have long been known to …
3 factors affecting retirement income
In Australia, people are living longer and interest rates are lower than ever. While the first is good news, the second carries risks if you’re looking for an adequate income to see you through retirement. …
Grow your super this year
There are a number of ways you can contribute more to your super, to take advantage of time and the magic of compound interest. These include salary sacrificing, and a range of tax-deductible, spouse and …
How to live with your parents as an adult?
Call it a sign of the times but, if you’re not living in a multigenerational household yourself, chances are you know someone who is. A recent study found that adult children who return to the …
The economy: learn the basics in 5 minutes
What is the ASX? ASX stands for Australian Securities Exchange (not stock exchange like many people think). How does it work? The ASX provides a market for people to buy and sell shares in the …
Federal Government assistance for those severely affected by the Bushfires
Australia’s bushfire crisis has so far claimed 28 lives, killed an estimated billion animals, destroyed more than 2000 homes and burnt through more than ten million hectares of land. If you live or operate your …
Bushfires and the Australian economy
Key points: The bushfires are expected to result in around a 0.4% hit to GDP mainly in the March quarter followed by a rebuilding boost. The hit to consumer spending and tourism is likely to …
Time to take the property plunge?
For decades real estate not only delivered security and comfort to bring up Australian families but also a cast-iron vehicle for wealth building, seemingly immune from the ups and downs experienced by other types of …
Are tiny houses here to stay?
Tiny homes are seeing rising popularity among Millennials, many of whom are facing unaffordable housing prices and gig-economy jobs with unpredictable income. It’s no surprise they’re looking for innovative ways to set up a house. …
Staycations: should you stay or should you go now?
It’s the getaway you take when a getaway’s out of the question – the staycation. Whether it’s venturing out locally and returning each evening, or taking a few nights to explore places within driving distance …
Rebooting for retirement
As retirement comes into view, it’s time to imagine a new you for the post-work age. You remember your first day at school, your first job, your first home. And now your final pay check …
What happens if you need to become a carer?
You’ve made plans, set a budget and financial goals; you’re ready for anything, right? But what happens if a loved one is in an accident or your ageing parent starts needing dedicated care? How do …
5 saving graces of giftmas
If it is indeed better to give than to receive, then Australians are a happy lot. According to the Financial Planning Association of Australia, 85% of us find more joy in giving gifts to others …
Do falling markets signal a good time to open an SMSF?
Do falling markets signal a good time to open an SMSF? Historically, self-managed super funds (SMSFs) have been seen as a direct way to take control of your retirement savings. By taking charge of your …
The search for dividend yield in a low-growth environ
Investors have faced a low-growth environment with low yield for some time now and this does not appear to be changing anytime soon. Global economic activity is slowing notably, reflecting a combination of factors affecting …
What assets can you have before losing your pension
There are many benefits to receiving a pension or even a part pension, but there are limits to what level of income or assets you can have to be eligible. Regarding assets, the key limits …
Tips for boosting retirement savings and investments in a lower-for-longer world
Retirees now face a bold truth: investing in traditional safe haven assets do not provide the returns they once did. So, where to from here? The first thing is to accept that today’s returns are …