In the right hands, a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) can be a beneficial way to build wealth for retirement. Whilst they are not for everyone, it is important that when thinking of starting an SMSF, individuals need to understand the benefits and responsibilities they take on by having an SMSF. What is an SMSF? An … Read more
Australians will need to rebuild their superannuation and retirement savings, after withdrawing more than $36 billion in early super release payments in 2020, according to Colonial First State’s Retirement Realities Series. The research found that the largest number of early super payments were made to Australians under age 40 with Australians under 30 receiving nearly … Read more
In these uncertain times, it pays to have money set aside to give you peace of mind that if your income drops, you still have ample funds to pay for your everyday expenses until you get back on your feet again. A good rule of thumb is to have enough money for three months of … Read more
One of the quirks of Australian society, including its taxation system, is that it puts home ownership at the centre of physical, emotional and financial well-being. There’s an aura about owning your own home. It’s why we talk about it at BBQs, go to open-houses when we have no intention of buying, and are amazed … Read more
The Covid situation took a turn for the worse, as spiralling infections saw new lockdowns introduced in Australia. The government has suggested all restrictions can be lifted once 70% of the adult population has been fully vaccinated. Until then, the outlook for economic activity levels has deteriorated. Despite these unwelcome developments, Australian shares started the … Read more
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Australia in March 2020 it brought immediate and severe financial gloom. Shares plunged 37% and the economy slumped to its first recession in nearly 30 years. However against that backdrop, 2020 turned out far better for diversified investors than initially feared. The development of vaccines became the good news of … Read more
Risk assets including equities and credit continued to power ahead in April. Locally, the share market and the Australian dollar were supported by rising commodity prices. Investors continued to monitor Covid cases and the pace of vaccine rollouts worldwide. Thankfully there remain very few infections in Australia, although rising numbers elsewhere has provided a reminder … Read more
On 1 July 2021, both the concessional and non-concessional superannuation contribution limits, also known as ‘super contribution caps’, will rise. This is good news because this is the first time these limits have changed since 1 July 2017, when the concessional contributions cap was reduced to $25,000 pa for the 2017/2018 financial year and onwards. … Read more
As every parent knows (even before they become one), raising a child isn’t cheap. And those expenses don’t necessarily stop once they reach 18. Parents often hope to help their adult children with significant financial milestones in life too. In this article we look at some of the main expenses for parents, how you can … Read more
The amount of super savings that can be transferred into a retirement pension (whether you have one or more than one) will increase from $1.6 million to $1.7 million on 1 July this year, but not for everyone. Currently you can transfer a maximum of $1.6 million from your super savings into a retirement pension … Read more