Super

$220m in lost super to be seized by Government

THE Turnbull Government is about to pocket a $220 million revenue windfall by seizing control of an estimated 100,000 super accounts. At the end of the month, super funds will have to transfer to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) “unclaimed” or “lost” super account balances of up to $6000 — an increase from the current … Continued

Super

The introduction of $1.6m cap on income streams

Every year, it seems, they change the rules – the retirement age, the contributions cap, and so it goes on.  We are analysing each of the newly legislated super changes, to ensure that you fully informed, understanding if you are affected and if so, how you are affected. The first of the changes we are focusing … Continued

Annual Change in Superannuation Rules

Superannuation is a political football

Every year, it seems, they change the rules – the retirement age, the contributions cap, and so it goes on.  The most recent changes to superannuation include; Introduction of $1.6m cap on income streams with tax penalties if higher amounts are rolled over The division 293 income threshold for high income earners will be cut from … Continued

Retirement Advice

Retirement is no time to go on automatic pilot

There is a tendency, once people retire, and have their lump sum invested or an annuity in place, to think that they won’t really need professional financial advice. What we can tell you from experience, is that the exact opposite is true. We find that we actually spend much more time looking after the needs … Continued

Tips for a smarter Will

Time to take action for a worry-free retirement

As another year draws to a close we reflect on the events and changes we have seen and how life seems to pass by more quickly every year. For those of us approaching or in retirement, it’s a great time to take stock of your situation and make some decisive moves for a more secure … Continued

Year-End Checklist of Critical Financial Issues

Is everything secure before your holiday break?

It’s that time of year when thoughts turn to relaxing with family and friends and perhaps getting away from it all. If you are going away you no doubt take care to lock the doors and windows, organise for mail and garbage bins to be checked and neighbours notified. But have you secured everything? There may … Continued

family-protection

Review your risk

With the festive season here, you may looking forward to enjoying what we can only hope will be a glorious summer of sunshine, friends, family, food and time in the great outdoors. If you are planning long lazy days to recharge your batteries in preparation for the new year, it might also be a good … Continued

Smart Spending and Saving Tips

Making the most of your bonus!

At this time of the year, some of us are fortunate enough to be in ‘bonus’ discussions with our employer. If you are gearing up to receive a bonus this year, there is certainly no shortage of possibilities of what to do with it. Save or splurge? Christmas is just around the corner as is … Continued

Changes in Pension

Don’t get caught offside when the pension rules change

The commencement of 2017 will see some significant changes to means testing for Social Security pensions (including the Age Pension). Uncertainty around income can be unsettling for those receiving a pension or considering retirement. That’s why it’s important to understand if and how you might be impacted by the new rules so that you can … Continued