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
With the festive season here, you may look 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
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
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
Key Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) ChangesWith the legislative changes for FBT implemented as of 1 April 2016, it is important to get familiar with the new regulations. Some modifications have been made to salary sacrificed meal entertainment and entertainment facility leasing expense benefits, which may affect you. Some of the changes will affect all employers, whereas others … Continued
The success of any business, large or small, depends largely on nurturing an efficient, productive workplace. While improving employee productivity should be always be a priority when the ultimate goal is a sustainable and profitable business, the process is easier said than done. Below are some of the most effective methods of managing a productive, … Continued
New Withholding Tax Rules for Property Purchases Over $2 MillionParliament recently passed legislation amending the taxation law to impose withholding obligations on the purchasers of certain Australian assets – generally property purchased from a non-resident. However, the changes will affect most purchases of property in Australia. The amendments impose a 10% withholding obligation on purchasers … Continued
If you own a holiday home, it is important that it is treated correctly for taxation purposes. Here is a guide to the taxation implications of your holiday home. Holiday homes that are not rented out do not need to be included in your tax return, until you sell it. You must keep records from … Continued
Are You Paying Too Much Tax?It’s heartbreaking to think how much of your salary goes to tax, right? I believe every income earner feels the same. Of course, you would want to keep more of the money that you’ve earned and pay lesser tax as much as possible. But paying taxes is the law. More … Continued
For many people, the decision around when to retire can be one of the most exciting, yet daunting, times of their lives. There are a number of strategies you can employ now, whatever your age, that may help you fulfil your retirement dreams. When should I retire? Unfortunately, there is no easy answer, as the … Continued
The Loss That Changed EverythingMatthew McCabe, Financial Adviser, Judge Financial Planning Over 4 years ago, I lost one of my closest friends. Scott was a diesel mechanic in the mines, on good money and with the world at his feet. He supported his fiancé and her three kids, like they were his own. He was an extraordinary … Continued
Navigating Aged Care with ConfidenceMatthew McCabe, Financial Planner and Retirement Specialist at Judge Financial Planning The emotional and financial upheaval of moving a family member into residential aged care is a daunting experience. If the complexities involved seem overwhelming, then perhaps our professional advice can help. There is a maze of legislation, entitlements and Centrelink … Continued
After being first announced in the 2015 Federal Budget, there are some changes to the age pension that will come into effect on 1 January 2017. Here Matthew McCabe from Judge Financial Planning looks at what an increase or decrease in pension will mean, especially those that could have their pension entitlement removed completely. What … Continued
Following on from proposed superannuation changes announced in the Federal Budget in May 2016, the Government has just announced the following amendments.Reduction of the Non-Concessional Contributions CapThe proposed $500,000 lifetime non-concessional cap will be replaced by a new measure to reduce the existing annual non-concessional contributions cap from $180,000 per year to $100,000 per year. Opportunity: … Continued
How Small Daily Savings Can Add Up to $1 Million by RetirementIf you want to get rich, start investing and start as early as you possibly can. “Becoming rich is nothing more than a matter of committing and sticking to a savings and investment plan,” states financial adviser Matthew McCabe. “You don’t need to have … Continued
Take Control of Your Finances with Our Personal Wealth PortalWe support a plethora of clients from a range of differing backgrounds. We have seen over the years that when clients come to us for advice, they find it difficult to account for where all their wealth is, where their wealth has gone, or what their … Continued
Traits of Successful Small BusinessesInternational research has suggested that the following characteristics consistently play a role in successful small businesses: 1. Owners leading by example The owner or manager leads by example. He or she is usually the first to arrive, the last to leave. The owner knows everyone by name and their presence is … Continued
Redundancy can be a traumatic event. It’s a challenge emotionally and financially and there are some big decisions required to help you make the most of your redundancy payout and get in control of your life and future direction.Making the wrong decision can be costlyThe truth is that many people can become overwhelmed by the … Continued
Making Performance Reviews More Meaningful and EffectiveThe performance review has become a rite of passage in the business world, yet many managers and employees fail to make the most of the opportunities these important discussions can provide. When used successfully, the annual review process can provide managers with insight into everything from employee perception of … Continued
The 2016 Budget was always going to be interesting. On one hand the Liberal Party wished to use this Budget as their policy platform for the coming election, and on the other hand, a budget deficit exists that needs to be eventually reduced. This Budget achieves its objectives of providing a few tax ‘perks’, whilst … Continued
RBA Cuts Interest Rates to Historic Low Amid Deflation ConcernsThe Reserve Bank of Australia has moved to head off fears about deflation, cutting its official cash rate by 25 basis points to a historic low of 1.75 per cent. Key points: Cut influenced by core inflation rate of 1.5pc — lowest reading on record If … Continued
NSW Small Business Grant: A Boost for Hiring New EmployeesAre you a small business in NSW? Have you recently or are you thinking of hiring an employee for a new job? If so, you may be eligible for the NSW Small Business Grant. The NSW Small Business Grant is designed to encourage small businesses that … Continued
For $35 per week, you could own an investment property too! This is a great case study by BMT Tax Depreciation on the benefits of owning an investment property. Owning an investment property can be far more affordable for potential investors than they think, particularly when they claim all of the tax deductions available to … Continued
How To Find A Domain Name for Your Business Domain names play a key role in how visitors to your website identify your business. This is precisely why you should spend sufficient time finding the domain name that best suits your brand. But finding a suitable name for your website is not always as simple … Continued