A mortgage is a long-term commitment, which many people enter with a ‘set and forget’ mentality. Most loans are around 30 years – during which many things can change, not just in your personal circumstances but in the financial world, with the new loan products and fluctuations in interest rates. If you haven’t reviewed your … Read more
When you run your own business a good retirement plan can bring real peace of mind. Read more about your options – and why it’s never too early to start. Planning your retirement When you’re busy running your own business retiring could be the last thing on your mind. But planning your retirement well in … Read more
If you are saving for a long-term goal, it can feel like you have to miss out on things such as travel to keep your savings on track. That’s not necessarily the case, it is possible to have a fantastic holiday without breaking the bank or derailing your savings plans. Let’s face it, cost of … Read more
Key takeaways Preservation age: this is the earliest age where it’s possible in normal circumstances to access your super Estate planning professionals can assist in structuring the estate plan, navigating tax and any social security implications, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, and addressing any specific concerns or goals Estate planning is not a one-time set-and-forget … Read more
Ensuring you’ve structured your finances tax-effectively is always a concern, but with new tax rules for super on the horizon, many people with large balances are considering alternative vehicles to save for retirement. Unsurprisingly, this has sparked a renewed interest in an old favourite – trusts. Trusts have always been popular in Australia, with the … Read more
What is the First Home Owner Grant? The FHOG was introduced by the Federal Government in 2000 to assist first home buyers with purchasing a home. Since then, the rules around it have repeatedly changed. While the FHOG is a national scheme, it’s funded by the states and territories—and administered by each of them individually. … Read more
Key takeaways To qualify for tax deductions, donations must be made to ATO-approved eligible Deductible Gift Recipients (DGRs). Not all donations are eligible for tax deductions in Australia. Maintaining proper documentation is vital when claiming donation tax deductions. Donating to charitable organisations helps make a positive impact on society and can also offer tax benefits. … Read more
When looking into the financial elements associated with planning for aged care, there is a lot of information out there which can be confusing. With this in mind, it’s important to have your questions answered by those who are experts in finance specialising in the aged care industry. These experts will look at your unique … Read more
Find out how to save money every day and make a savings plan to stay on track. Separate and automate your savings An online savings account is a great way to grow your money faster. Unlike a transaction account, you can’t spend money directly from a savings account, so it’s harder to dip into your savings. Automate … Read more
Key takeaways Having a savings plan and an appropriate level of insurance cover can help insulate you from financial stress. Tracking expenses gives a complete picture of where savings can be made, helping reach your financial goals more quickly. Avoid accumulating debt where possible, but where it’s necessary, prioritise paying off debts with the highest … Read more
Key takeaways On 1 July 2023, the compulsory super paid by your employer went up from 10.5% to 11% of your income The maximum amount you can move from super into a tax-free retirement pension product has increased from $1.7 million to $1.9 million The minimum amount you are required to withdraw from a pension … Read more
As a home owner with a mortgage, chances are you’ve heard of the term ‘refinancing’. Refinancing involves reviewing your current mortgage, and potentially swapping your loan to another lender who can better meet your current needs, wants and circumstances. Refinancing can also allow you to consolidate your debts or pay down your mortgage more quickly. … Read more
