Super gets a makeover, again
October 9, 2016
Just when those saving for retirement thought the rules couldn’t get any more complex, the Turnbull Government has revised some of the key elements of the controversial superannuation reforms it announced in the May 2016 Federal Budget.
Affluenza – are you afflicted?
October 9, 2016
‘Million Dollar Shoppers’. ‘Confessions of a Shopaholic’. ‘My Shopping Addiction’. ‘Shop ‘Til You Drop’. ‘Haul’ videos on YouTube. These aren’t just entertaining titles, they’re also tacit acknowledgements of our society’s consumerist craze.
October 2016 – Private Client Newsletter
October 9, 2016
In this issue: Super gets a makeover, again Chasing yield in a low interest rate world Affluenza – are you afflicted? October is upon us, and that can only mean one thing: sun, sand and surf are back on the agenda! On the global economic front, it’s the closing stages of the battle for the…
Chasing yield in a low interest rate world
October 9, 2016
Low interest rates and unsettled sharemarkets make the chase for yield a challenging prospect. And yield is important, particularly for those approaching or already in the retirement phase. Because maintaining capital and enjoying a steady income stream are the two key factors to provide for comfort in the years ahead.
Running for cover
September 7, 2016
How much life insurance is enough? Australians enjoy access to a strong safety net, with universal healthcare and the new Disability Support Scheme. But will this be enough to protect your family’s standard of living if you or your partner die or become too ill to work? The answer is almost certainly no.
Budget your way into the black
September 7, 2016
$2.2 trillion. That’s how much Australian households owe right now, according to the latest ABS stats.i Household liabilities grew by $1.2 billion in the last quarter alone. Real household debt per person has risen steadily by around 2 per cent per year, and now sits at around $79,000 per person.ii
Participating in the sharing economy
September 7, 2016
Ever heard of the sharing economy? This relatively recent economic trend is also known as ‘collaborative consumption’, the ‘rental economy’, and the ‘gig (or ‘task-based’) economy’. If you haven’t come across any of these terms, you will soon. In fact, you almost certainly know of (or have even used) some of the bigger platforms in…
September 2016 – Private Client Newsletter
September 7, 2016
In this issue: Running for cover – how much personal insurance is enough? Budget your way back into the black Participating in the sharing economy Spring is here, time to put your winter woollies away for another year and get into the great outdoors. If you are in need of inspiration, the recent Olympic Games…
Focus on Australia’s credit rating
August 23, 2016
Global ratings agencies Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s have effectively put the new Turnbull government on notice to reduce the nation’s budget deficit or risk a downgrade in Australia’s credit rating. Sounds serious, but what does it actually mean and is it necessarily a bad thing?
August 2016 – Private Client Newsletter
August 10, 2016
In this issue: Property – Rent, buy or invest? SMSF rules change, again Fear Factor – Getting out of your comfort zone As August gets underway Australia’s iconic wattle trees are beginning to bloom, the annual signal thatwinter is almost over. On the economic front, there is still a chill in the air but encouraging…
The Fear Factor – Getting out of your comfort zone
August 10, 2016
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” “Everything you’ve ever wanted is one step outside your comfort zone.” “Outside of the comfort zone is where the magic happens.”
SMSF rules change, again
August 10, 2016
As every trustee of a self-managed super fund (SMSF) knows, the ATO loves shifting the goal posts. This time the taxman’s big change is to grant a seven-month extension on the deadline for SMSFs to ensure any property loans they have are operating on an arm’s length basis.
Property – Rent, buy or invest?
August 9, 2016
Buying a home has been heralded as the way to get ahead for generations of Australians. But with housing affordability a rising concern for would-be first home buyers and their parents, many younger Australians are beginning to weigh up whether it’s better to buy, rent or invest in residential property.
Self worth = net worth
July 5, 2016
How to build confidence and change your financial direction At the start of the year, many people reassess their finances in preparation for the year ahead. This inevitably involves a review of income sources. For many people, this is a bit of a sore spot as it can cause doubt or regret about career choices.
July 2016 – Private Client Newsletter
July 5, 2016
In this issue: Australian Growth – resilient in tough times Wealth transfer is a family matter Brexit – Implications for Australian investors Self worth = Net worth – How to build confidence and change your financial direction July is here along with the start of a new financial year as we await the results of the…
End of content
End of content