Latest Articles
Latest News
What is capital gains tax?
May 12, 2016
Capital gains tax is what you pay when you profit on the sale of certain assets. These could be assets you own or that you’ve inherited. Capital gains tax applies to shares, land and property, unless it’s your primary residence. It may even apply to certain collectibles and personal items depending on what you paid...Read More
Don’t just focus on your home loan
April 26, 2016
Australians are taking a smart approach to their mortgages, with Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) figures showing home owners are, on average, 2.5 years ahead with their home loan. The RBA based its findings on the value of money sitting in home loan offset accounts and redraw facilities, which total about 17% of the nation’s...Read More
Money tasks to set on autopilot
April 19, 2016
As the new financial year draws closer, it’s a good idea to set yourself up to be better off. By automating some day-to-day money tasks, you can focus on the big picture and get yourself on the road to financial success. 1. Reach a goal with savings You may have a goal, or several, that...Read More
What is the seven year property cycle?
April 11, 2016
Some property analysts claim the property cycle changes every 7 to 10 years[1]. We ask AMP Capital’s chief economist, Shane Oliver, to explore this view and explain what causes property cycles to change over time. Q: Shane, what is meant by the seven year property cycle? What are the different phases? A: The “seven year...Read More
Getting more done with fewer interruptions
April 8, 2016
So you think you’re pretty good at multi-tasking? Well, research[1] tells us we’re not – in fact we’re awful at it! And, according to Dr Julia Irwin, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Macquarie University who specialises in cognitive behaviour, we can’t perform multiple tasks with the same level of skill as when we perform tasks...Read More
Ten steps to self-managed super
April 8, 2016
It can be hard to know where to start or what’s ahead when you embark on setting up your own self-managed super fund (SMSF). The good news is we can help you every step of the way: 1. Start with financial advice An SMSF isn’t for everyone so you’ll need to consider your own circumstances...Read More
Thought about investing in commercial property?
April 4, 2016
“Investors in Australia are moving towards higher yielding investments such as commercial real estate because of historically low interest rates”, says Michael Kingcott, AMP Capital’s head of property investment strategy and research. In fact, in 2014/15 commercial property investment in Australia soared to a record high of $28.88 billion1 ─ a 19% increase on 2013/14....Read More
How you’re over-spending and impacting planet earth
March 29, 2016
Whether you’re across the state of climate change and the impact of your carbon footprint or not, doing your bit could help the planet and see you generate significant cost savings at the same time. We look at six areas where ‘going green’ may save you thousands of dollars each year. Save energy Using energy...Read More
Debt outstrips income growth
March 21, 2016
Household debt has grown by 5.3% above the rate of inflation, leaving our income growth rate of 1.3% trailing in its wake. The decision last week by the Reserve Bank to keep the official cash rate on hold is good news. Sure, those of us with a home loan would have preferred a rate cut,...Read More
No such beast as an ‘SMSF-qualified’ property
March 15, 2016
Whether a piece of real estate is an appropriate investment for an SMSF much depends on the circumstances of the fund and its members, whether the property is a worthwhile investment and, critically, a fund’s mandatory investment strategy. Further, SMSF trustees should only accept investment advice from the holder of an Australian financial services licence...Read More