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Future investment returns are unknown, but past returns are a guide for retirement. If you’re a member of a superannuation fund, for all intents and purposes you’re a long-term investor. After all, most of us will be receiving regular compulsory Superannuation Guarantee contributions from an employer for at least 40 years, assuming we start work...Read More
Super contributions
November 18, 2024Superannuation
If you’re employed, your employer should be paying a percentage of your earnings into your super account. It’s worth checking to make sure you’re being paid the right amount. If you can afford it, making extra contributions is a great way to boost your retirement savings. And it can reduce your tax. If you’re on...Read More
Adding bonds to your investment mix
November 11, 2024Financial Planning
Bonds can play an important role in investment portfolios, but what exactly are they, what are their benefits, and how do you invest in them? What are bonds? Bonds are a type of investment security that enable investors to lend their money to a bond issuer for a set term in return for regular income...Read More
Are you an impulsive spender?
November 11, 2024Debt Management & Budgeting
Characteristics of impulsive spenders A ‘money mindset’ is a way of thinking about personal finance. Your money mindset can change over time, and it may help explain your spending and savings habits. Understanding this can help you build habits and strategies to better manage your money. If the following applies to you, you might be...Read More
Weighing up the Age Pension and the assets test
November 11, 2024Retirement Planning
Why having less super isn’t necessarily a financial sweet spot for retirees. Millions of Australians aged 67 and over have just received an Age Pension boost as a result of the Department of Social Services lifting its fortnightly payment rates. The full Age Pension rate for singles has increased by $28.10 per fortnight to $1,144.40...Read More
Save for an emergency fund
November 4, 2024Debt Management & Budgeting
An emergency fund is money you save to cover urgent or unexpected costs. This could be car repairs, unexpected travel or an urgent medical bill. It provides a financial safety net so you don’t have to borrow money if something happens to you or your family. How much you need in an emergency fund Even...Read More
Keeping records of shares and units
November 4, 2024Uncategorized
Records you need to keep When you sell your shares in companies or units in managed funds, most of the records you need will be given to you by the company, the fund manager or your stockbroker. These records generally include: the date of purchase the purchase amount details of any non-assessable payments made to...Read More
The lost super pile keeps growing
November 4, 2024Superannuation
There’s almost $18 billion of unclaimed superannuation. Here’s how to find it. When it comes to accumulated retirement savings, many Australians have a strong fear of running out of money before they die. Vanguard’s 2024 How Australia Retires research released in June found that almost one in two Australians do not know whether their money...Read More
How do retirement income options compare?
October 28, 2024Retirement Planning
Retirement is filled with opportunities and choices. There’s the time to travel more, work on long-delayed personal projects or volunteer your help to worthwhile causes. You also have a host of choices to make when it comes to funding your new life away from paid work. Here are four different options to consider.i Account-Based Pension...Read More
Avoiding sales pressure
October 28, 2024Debt Management & Budgeting
Salespeople and advertisers use tactics to pressure you to buy a product or sign up to a service. Knowing their techniques can help you avoid buying things you don’t need, or paying more than you should. Sales techniques to watch out for Salespeople and advertisers use a range of techniques to sell their products, particularly...Read More