family-protection

Insurance and self-managed super: don’t get caught out!

Self-managed super funds are now the fastest growing part of the superannuation market in Australia, with more than one million of us being members of an SMSF. SMSFs have become a popular way for Australians to build their retirement savings because they generally offer greater control and flexibility of your super investments. And while thousands … Continued

Debt Management Tips

Managing debt: What’s your plan?

Debt is one of the fixtures of modern life for most people but if you feel it’s getting out of your control, it’s time to act. The Australian Psychological Society(1) says 35 per cent of Australians have significant levels of distress in their lives; 26 per cent have above-normal levels of anxiety; and 26 per … Continued

Smart Retirement

Superannuation $1.6m Cap

From 1 July 2017, a ‘transfer balance cap’ of $1.6 million will be introduced that limits the amount that can be held in the retirement (pension) phase of super. You currently exceed this limit so it’s important that we meet to discuss your options which may include transferring some of your pension money back to … Continued

Changes in TTR Strategy

Changes to Transition To Retirement (TTR) strategy

On 1 July 2017, some rule changes come into effect that may impact your ‘transition to retirement’ (TTR) strategy. The tax rate payable on earnings from investments held in a TTR pension will increase from 0% to a maximum of 15%. Also, the annual cap on concessionally taxed super contributions will reduce to $25,000. It’s … Continued

top 5 myths about sorting your finances

Review your super contributions

On 1 July 2017, some rule changes will come into effect that may impact your retirement strategy and possibly the contributions you make into superannuation. The cap on concessional (pre-tax) super contributions will reduce from $30,000 pa or $35,000 pa (depending on age) to $25,000 pa. The cap on non-concessional (after-tax) super contributions will reduce … Continued

Changes to Superannuation

Changes to Super from 1 July 2017

The changes to super and tax laws proposed in this year’s federal budget, then revised and adjusted by the government in September, have been passed through Parliament and are mostly due to take effect from July 1, 2017. That means that you have until July to consider if there is any action you should take … Continued

US Federal Reserve

US Fed hikes rates

Some 15 months since it first raised interest rates in more than seven years, the US Federal Reserve (Fed) lifted rates for the third time at its March meeting by 25 basis points, raising rates to the 0.75%-1.0% range. Overall the tone of the post-meeting statement and press conference was more dovish than markets had … Continued