Many of us have dreamed of owning a holiday home, creating an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Holiday homes are great for bringing family and friends together and making memories. Whether it’s a beach house or a place in the bush, it’s a place to unwind and relax. It can also … Read more
It’s challenging to get a foot on the property ladder and coming up with a large enough deposit can seem like an impossible task at times. One way of increasing your savings is to boost the amount of money you have coming in. When it comes to boosting your income, every little bit helps, so … Read more
It is important to understand where this income will come from, how long it will last, and whether your retirement investments are on track, or whether some adjustments need to be made to get you there. Work out how long your super or account-based pension will last There are many variables that come into play … Read more
Moving into aged care can be a challenging time, both for those making the move and families supporting their loved ones. It’s understandable that everyone wants to find the most suitable accommodation and the appropriate standard of care, however, it can be confusing to make that choice. A new star rating system for aged care … Read more
There are limits on how much you can pay into your super fund each financial year without having to pay extra tax. These limits are called ‘contribution caps’. How much you can contribute to your super fund and whether your fund is allowed to accept your contribution may also depend on your age and total superannuation balance. Contribution … Read more
As the end of financial year fast approaches, here are three main factors to keep in mind. By being prepared, particularly with your admin, having an awareness of what you can claim and considering any capital losses or gains, you will be well positioned to make the most of EOFY. Compile your records and receipts … Read more
Don’t confuse debt consolidation with debt elimination. If you’re swamped with credit card debt and personal loans, it can sometimes help to talk to a professional about debt consolidation. However, you need to be wary so you don’t end up paying more in the long term and/or reduce the equity in your home. What is … Read more
The concept of retirement is changing, with fewer people working towards a final retirement date and then clocking off for good. Instead, those who have the flexibility to choose are often transitioning out of the workforce over several years, or even returning after a break. Whether you simply want to wind back your working hours … Read more
Australians are living longer and experiencing higher house-to-wage ratios. It makes good sense to consider how you can achieve a comfortable long term future. What makes a smart investor? A webinar on borrowing to invest brought together financial advice commentator Noel Whittaker, REA Group’s Chief Economist Nerida Conisbee and NAB Equity Head of Sales Craig … Read more
Paying off your mortgage early will save you money and take a financial load off your shoulders. Here are some ways to get rid of your mortgage debt faster. Switch to fortnightly payments If you’re currently paying monthly, consider switching to fortnightly repayments. By paying half the monthly amount every two weeks you’ll make the … Read more
If you operate some or all of your business from home, you may be able to claim the business-use portion of expenses you incur. For example: occupancy expenses (such as mortgage interest or rent, council rates, land taxes and home insurance premiums) running expenses (such as electricity, gas, phone, internet, stationery, cleaning and the decline … Read more
Preparing for loss of capacity or death is vital for SMSF members. It’s important to ensure your trust deed is watertight. There are more than 600,000 self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) in Australia, managing close to $900 billion of assets on behalf of over a million Australians. Each SMSF’s trust deed is legally required to set … Read more