Blog
Redundancy: what you need to know
Apr 14, 2016
If you have been made redundant, it is important to understand the financial issues involved, your entitlements, and how to make the most of your redundancy payment with the help of your adviser. Components of a redundancy payment Once made redundant, you may be...
Changes to the Social Security Assets test
Mar 24, 2016
From January 1 2017 the following changes will take place: The lower assets test threshold will increase, resulting in approximately 170,000 people receiving an increase in their age pension. The upper assets test threshold will be reduced, resulting in approximately...
Savings and budgeting: building wealth and reducing debt
Mar 16, 2016
Successfully building wealth is a commitment you make to yourself. The best place to start could be to establish a savings plan. The key to successful saving isn’t having lots of money, it is consistency and discipline.
Savings and budgeting: Getting started
Mar 7, 2016
By setting goals, planning ahead and being smart with your savings and debt strategies – you can actively grow your wealth even from a modest start.
Self-Managed Superannuation Funds
Mar 5, 2016
Self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) are a popular option for investors seeking greater control over their retirement savings.
Investment Fundamentals Part 3
Mar 3, 2016
The level of risk an investor takes relative to the investment return they expect to receive is sometimes known as the ‘risk to return ratio’.
Investment Fundamentals Part 2
Mar 1, 2016
When a financial adviser creates a financial plan, they use a number of factors to determine which combination of asset classes will work best for you.
Market volatility update
Feb 26, 2016
Global stock markets have had a volatile start to 2016, with most markets recording losses over the first weeks of the year. Falls in global stock markets were prompted at the start of this year with some weaker manufacturing data in China and the US, and political tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Investment Fundamentals Part 1
Feb 21, 2016
Whilst your investment objective is to maximise return, this is always subject to risk and there is a chance you could lose money or not make as much as you expected. Investment risk can be due to factors such as inflation, taxation, economic downturns or a drop in a particular market.
Is making extra mortgage repayments still the best option?
Feb 19, 2016
When interest rates are high, the mortgage is often the best option as it offers a tax free, risk free guaranteed return equal to the interest saved by making the extra repayments.
What is your most important asset?
Feb 12, 2016
Most people have insurance for their home, contents and motor vehicle. Insuring these are important to Australians and the statistics show that most people think these are more important than insuring your life or income.
Take care with Binding Death Benefit Nominations
Feb 9, 2016
A recent Queensland Supreme Court case highlights the importance of ensuring that your binding death benefit nomination (BDBN) complies with the requirements of the trust deed for your self managed superannuation fund (SMSF).