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Discuss financial goals via Zoom

The ongoing COVID situation means changes to how we do business. If you are not able to visit us in person, or it is more convenient to work with us digitally, we have the capability and technology to make it easier for us to connect with you.  Is it time to discuss your financial goals […]

How to manage financial stress

Five financial tips for large families

Getting ahead in your 40’s

Getting ahead in your 40’s? Here’s 5 tips you need to consider to getting ahead in your 40’s.. Being in your 40s requires balancing many responsibilities and it can become easy to neglect your own financial wellbeing. However, it’s not too late to secure your future.  By now you might have kids, a substantial amount […]

Early Withdrawal of Super

 “Early withdrawal of super” may leave youth $100k worse-off in retirement Federal Opposition steps up attacks on coronavirus support measures.  This allows people in hardship to withdrawal some super early. Labour said the Covid-19 economic crisis will greatly affect the younger generation. It estimates someone aged 25 who withdraws $20,000 may be up to $100,000 […]

Melbourne suffers under Lockdowns

Melbourne suffers under Stage 4 Lockdowns Melbourne continues to suffer under lockdowns.  Stage 4 lockdowns announced by Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews, along with shutdowns of particular industries, are said to have delivered a hammer blow to the Australian economy. Federal Treasury forecasts require Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, to inject substantial amounts of money into Victoria.  […]

Why has the Sharemarket rallied?

We’re in the midst of a global recession… The COVID-19 pandemic led to a global recession unfolding within the space of two months, with share markets collapsing and then staging a strong recovery. Markets have performed strongly even as we remain in the midst of tumultuous recession and a worsening global pandemic.  So if we’re […]

Economic abuse training for advisers launches

Occurring in 99 per cent of domestic violence cases, economic abuse can affect clients of all backgrounds Standards International has partnered with Australian adviser Amanda Cassar to launch a new training programme aimed at tackling economic abuse. Economic abuse is when one person has control over another’s access to economic resources. It was recognised as a form of domestic abuse in the domestic abuse bill last year after calls from charities to make it a standalone criminal offence.

Reduction in Account-Based Pensions

Have you heard about the reduction in Account Based Pensions and minimum draw downs? Capital losses from falling share prices are realised only if the company goes into liquidation or the shares are sold.  Reducing the amounts drawn down from account based pensions can help investments last longer. Market Ups and Downs Leaving investments intact […]

What do Deeming rate cuts mean?

Interest rates have been falling faster and longer than deeming rates for Centrelink and Veterans’ Affairs recipients.  This makes it practically impossible to earn current deeming rates from bank accounts. So, what to deeming rate cuts mean for pensioners? High risk vs High Return Higher-risk investments (in better markets) may potentially produce higher returns.  But, […]

Asset Rich and Cash Poor

Is it time to break free from being Asset rich and cash poor? Here are four ways to boost your income… Are you asset rich but cash poor?  Turns out, you’re not alone. Data from the ABS (Australian Bureau of Statistics) shows that almost one-third of older Australians in low-income households were asset rich but […]

More than one super account?

Did you know there are over 12[1] million Australians with a single superannuation account? There is also $13.8[2] billion in ‘lost super’. Is some of that yours? Find it Moved house over the years? Changed jobs during your career? Don’t know where your teenage self stashed your super? Pretty sure you’ve lost track of some accounts […]

Break free from being asset rich and cash poor?

Here’s 4 ways to boost your income… Want to break free from being asset rich and cash poor? Turns out, you’re not alone!  Data from the ABS (Australian Bureau of Statistics) shows almost one-third of older Australians in low-income households were asset rich but cash poor.[1] Most of their wealth was tied up in illiquid […]

The $10k Cash Call

The $10k cash call: Why large payments are on the scrapheap Opposition is mounting against a federal government bill to ban cash payments over $10,000, the $10K Cash Call.  This raises concerns it will push customers into the clutches of banks or other financial institutions. The Currency (Restrictions on the Use of Cash) Bill 2019, […]

How does the Federal Budget affect you?

The Federal Budget explains to all Australians how the Government intends to manage the country’s finances. It outlines their tax and spending plans.  Not only during the next financial year but into the future as well. Just like a household budget, the Federal Budget forecasts revenue and expenses to determine whether there is a surplus […]

Facing the end of the growth cycle

2018 has been a mixed year for investors, with some gains, and some losses.  But are we at the end of the growth cycle… for now? Market Cycles and the end of the Growth Cycle We’ve seen a complex economic environment with geopolitical and trade uncertainty, a change of PM (again,) a Royal Commission or […]

Boost Super with the Work Test Exemption

If you’re a recent retiree and looking to increase superannuation savings, we've got some good news! The Australian Government is proposing to make it easier to boost super with the work test exemption.  For recent retirees, you can save more super by contributing for a year without having to show you've been ‘gainfully employed’.

Need to know more about the Downsizer Contribution?

The new Downsizer Contribution Since the start of the new financial year, 1 July 2018, superannuation contribution opportunities for those aged 65 plus have expanded.  They now include the new Downsizer Contributions.  Have you heard about it? Checked out the rules? How do I qualify? These contributions let eligible individuals to contribute up to $300,000 […]

Should I care about lost super?

Lost Super stats Did you know there is about 14.8 million Australians with a superannuation account?  Around 40% hold more than one superannuation account? Some of that 40% makes up the $18 billion in ‘lost super’. Is some of that yours?  Should you care about lost super? Find it Have you moved house since starting […]

Simple lifestyle changes for a healthier you

“Cancer isn’t always a matter of genetics or bad luck.” – Prof. David Whiteman, Brisbane’s QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute.1 A recent study from the institute found risky habits and behaviour are to blame for more than 16,000 Australians being diagnosed with cancer each year.2 The good news is that changing these behaviours may help prevent […]

5 Tips for EOFY

The end of financial year doesn’t have to be too taxing a time.  These five tips will help organise your finances for the coming financial year. Take the pain out of EOFY by being organised. With the right preparation, you can make lodging your tax return a painless process and maybe even increase your refund! […]

Starting a business?

Starting a new business can be exciting but there’s a lot to think about and organise too. Before you even begin, consider how prepared you are to make the difficult decisions, work those long hours required, face possible and ongoing financial constraints, lose a fair amount of sleep, turn grey and maybe confront failure confront […]

Are you Retirement ready?

Planning is the key to be retirement ready… and so is getting advice. You can avoid penny pinching in retirement because you haven’t saved enough money, but you do need to plan well ahead. Here’s two top tips you’ll need to consider. 1. Figure out how much you’ll need Find out how much income you […]

New Super Strategies

For many years, salary sacrifice has been the most tax-effective way to build superannuation. Now, youre able to add personal deductible contributions to your super strategy.

How the Budget may Affect Families

If you're part of a family, here's a quick run down on what Budget 2018 means for you