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The Australian dollar showed resilience during the second half of 2016 due to a number of variables. Commodity prices rallied, the US Federal Reserve pushed back interest rate hikes, the market started pricing out interest rate cuts from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and Australian and global economic data was generally positive. The Australian...Read More
If higher education is on the cards for your children in the not too distant future, sitting down with them to discuss the costs and considerations could go a long way. This is particularly important when you take into account that the average debt for a tertiary student in Australia is estimated at $17,500, with...Read More
Commercial property and SMSFs: insurance considerations
February 27, 2017
It is common for businesses to have a buy/sell agreement in place, in case a director or owner dies or becomes incapacitated. The agreement is an insurance contract, which allows the remaining directors to buy out the deceased partner’s interest in the business. This allows the business to continue operating, with the proceeds from the...Read More
Do you value your input as much as your income?
February 15, 2017
At least one in five Australians will be unable to work due to an unexpected accident, injury or illness at some point in their life.1 Despite the statistics most of us go about our daily routine as if we’re indestructible, invincible or unbreakable. If something were to happen though, who’d step in on your behalf?...Read More
Super – even more important for women
February 13, 2017
Women tend to live longer than men, making it even more essential that they accumulate enough superannuation to last through retirement. But women face unique challenges when it comes to retirement savings. Lower pay, time out of the workforce to raise children, and running a single-parent household, can make it challenging to build a reasonable...Read More
Avenues in aged care
February 10, 2017
Approaching the aged care discussion can be difficult for everyone involved. However, starting the conversation earlier on in life could broaden your loved one’s options and help ensure their wishes are met. There’s a chance you or someone close to you may need some form of care and daily living assistance later on in life....Read More
The holiday’s over for credit card debt
January 25, 2017
There’s something about heading off on holiday that can see us throw financial caution to the wind, and it may mean arriving home with the excess baggage of an overloaded credit card. In fact, last year 41% of Australians returned from vacation in hock to their credit card, with the average holiday-induced debt being a...Read More
What financial records do I need to keep?
January 20, 2017
Life can be complicated enough without all the administrative paperwork that often accompanies it. This is particularly true when it comes to your personal finances. If stacks of old bank statements, utility bills, receipts, insurance and superannuation documents mean you can’t see the trees for the paper,de-clutter, simplify your finances and improve your quality of life...Read More
Are you eligible for school subsidies?
January 18, 2017
With 2017 now in motion, many parents and carers are looking at how they’ll cover school fees for the year ahead, not to mention other costs, such as new uniforms, shoes, stationery and software. The Schoolkids Bonus was phased out in July last year1, but the good news is you may still be eligible for...Read More
What is your excuse for not having a will?
January 16, 2017
By guest author Chloé Kopilovic When you die, you die. Nothing can be done from the grave that you haven’t planned for already. I’ve had many clients come in during their twilight years to make their first will. As surprising as this may seem, it’s actually quite common. The following are the reasons I hear most...Read More