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How much does it really cost to buy a property?
February 10, 2016
Some of the costs involved with home ownership include government fees, insurance, interest charges, strata fees, council fees and more. Read on for a full run-down of the costs you’re likely to come across. Upfront costs Purchase price This is what you’ll pay to purchase the property and unless you’re paying outright, it’s likely to...Read More
A basic guide to renting out your property
February 10, 2016
Unforseen mishaps and missed opportunities are two things first-time and veteran landlords can do without, particularly when financial loss is involved. To help you navigate the world of investment property, we look at some of the common questions you may want to consider before and after your tenants move in. Am I going to manage...Read More
Important changes to SMSF annual return
February 10, 2016
There have been significant changes to the SMSF annual return. Understanding the changes will help you submit the correct information for your fund. It is now a requirement for all SMSFs to provide us with your fund’s superannuation bank account details. In addition, if your SMSF has an electronic service address alias, you should include...Read More
Expert financial advice imperative
February 10, 2016
The pathway into aged care is a complex and often stressful one. In many cases the need for residential aged care is due to a sudden health issue. At a time when your main concern is the health and welfare of loved ones you are faced with the complex financial issues of aged care. The...Read More
Understanding aged care services
February 10, 2016
If you or a loved one are no longer able to remain living independently at home, it is important to know what services are available to ensure quality of life and comfort. What is aged care? Aged care is a term most easily understood as being nursing homes and home care. It may also refer...Read More
Six simple ways to teach kids about money
February 10, 2016
If you don’t want your children to treat you like an ATM, start teaching them about money early – how to earn it, how to save it and how to spend it wisely. You can begin at any time, but it’s best to use simple concepts such as the difference between needs and wants early...Read More
What the marshmallow test means for patient investors
February 9, 2016
You have probably heard of the classic marshmallow test conducted more than 40 years ago by US psychologist Walter Mischel. Professor Mischel, then at Stanford University, led this unique research into delayed gratification – that is, the ability to wait for something that is really wanted. Hundreds of children aged four to six were taken...Read More
Making sense of account-based pensions
February 8, 2016
If retirement is on the horizon, you’ve probably heard about an account-based pension (also known as an allocated pension) as one of the income stream options available. We’ve answered some of the commonly asked questions about account-based pensions to help you navigate your way. What is an account-based pension? An account-based pension is a regular...Read More
Working hard for the money
January 5, 2016
There are a variety of avenues in which you can bolster your future earnings potential, but if you’re considering investing in yourself through further education, here’s some food for thought. Do I need a tertiary education? The first thing to ask yourself is – does the field you want to enter require tertiary qualifications. If...Read More
Hats off to working parents!
December 7, 2015
According to the Australian Institute of Family Studies, the number of parents who work is far greater than a few decades ago. Not so long ago in 1983, the number of parents who both worked full time was just 17%. The most recent Australian Census shows that in 2009 it had increased to 25%1. Given...Read More