Key takeaways If you’re an Australian resident and able to access the full Age Pension, you can receive up to $1,096.70 per fortnight for singles and $1,653.40 for couples (each) If you are working, you can earn up to $204 per fortnight for a single pensioner or $360 for a couple, and still receive the … Read more
Your superannuation investment grows through: your employer’s compulsory super guarantee contributions (concessional contributions) any voluntary contributions out of your pre-tax income, such as salary sacrifice and personal contributions you’re allowed as an income tax deduction (concessional contributions) any government super contributions you’re eligible for any voluntary contributions you or your spouse make out of after-tax income sources (non-concessional contributions). Your pre-tax income contributions … Read more
Iron ore has been the backbone of the Australian economy and many investment portfolios for much of the 21st century. Export of the commodity saw Australia evade recession both in the wake of the Global Financial Crisis back in 2008 and the Covid epidemic. In 2021, resources accounted for 68 per cent of Australia’s export … Read more
Key takeaways The power of compound returns cannot be overstated, and the longer your funds have to grow, the better Spreading your investments across different asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and international investments helps mitigate risks and protects your portfolio against market volatility Be mindful of your lifestyle choices and ensure your … Read more
It has been a wild ride for the Australian dollar since the Covid-19 pandemic struck and that could mean good news or bad news for your investment portfolio. In March 2020 the Aussie dipped below US58 cents for the first time in a decade. Since then, a high of just over US77 cents in 2021 … Read more
If you find a transaction in your account that you don’t recognise, it could be unauthorised or mistaken. If you think something is wrong, contact your bank as soon as possible. Signs of unauthorised and mistaken transactions An unauthorised transaction is when someone transfers money from your account without your permission. A mistaken transaction is when when you pay … Read more
Key takeaways It’s hard to predict what your expenses will be when you retire, but knowing what your lifestyle costs are now, will provide a guide of what you’ll need to live off in retirement Next, determine the total amount of income you’ll need to live off based on what your living costs are, and … Read more
What is a salary sacrifice arrangement? Salary sacrifice is an agreement with your employer to contribute a certain amount of your pre-tax salary or potential bonus into your super. The aim is to potentially reduce your tax and boost your super balance at the same time. The word sacrifice doesn’t really make this strategy sound … Read more
One of the biggest challenges first home buyers face at present is saving for a decent deposit. While there are definitely some advantages to buying as a couple compared to on your own, pooling your savings for a deposit can put a strain on even the most solid relationship. So here are some tips to … Read more
Key takeaways: One of the key principles of successful investing is to adopt a long-term perspective and remain committed to your investment strategy By spreading your investments across various asset classes, sectors, and geographical regions, you can reduce the impact of market volatility on your portfolio Conduct thorough research before making investment decisions. The investment … Read more
Preparing to retire is emotional and practical. Making a retirement plan can help you manage your finances, and cope better as your life and priorities change. Make a retirement plan Your retirement plan can be simple or detailed. Include: Timing — when you want to retire. This could change, but it’s good to have a starting … Read more
Why invest in property? What makes this such a popular option? You can earn rental income plus benefit from capital growth. What’s different for investors vs. homeowners? Stamp duty If you’re an investor you’ll also pay stamp duty, which varies, depending on your state. This is based on your property’s purchase price and is often … Read more
