How to use your tax return to build a stronger financial future
Whether you breeze through tax time or dread the extra admin, receiving a tax refund makes the effort worthwhile. For many of us, getting a financial boost will be even …
Creating an emergency budget that works for you
It could take months, even years, to clear debt – especially if you used your credit card and you know you’ll be slugged with snowballing compound interest each month you …
Aussies are losing millions to financial scams: Here’s how to spot one
Scams and cybercrime are booming in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving thousands of people out of pocket. Investment scams in particular have surged, costing victims more than $26,000 …
Adding more to your retirement savings: is it worth it?
There’s no denying that being proactive with your super may be key to increasing your retirement savings. As an investment vehicle, super can offer significant benefits thanks to the magic …
Increasing your Age Pension entitlements by renovating the family home
One of the quirks of Australian society, including its taxation system, is that it puts home ownership at the centre of physical, emotional and financial well-being. There’s an aura about …
How is your credit score affected by COVID-19?
If you’re one of the many Australians financially impacted by COVID-19, who have deferred $218 billion worth of payments this year – fear not. Your credit score is unlikely to …
Downsizing your home? Understanding the downsizer contribution
Downsizing the family home is often part of the longer-term financial plans for many older Australians. But did you know that you could consider investing the proceeds of the sale …
The 101’s of Self Managed Super Funds: some basics and benefits explained
In the right hands, a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) can be a beneficial way to build wealth for retirement. Whilst they are not for everyone, it is important that when …
Retirement Realities: Five Tips for Rebuilding a Super Future
Australians will need to rebuild their superannuation and retirement savings, after withdrawing more than $36 billion in early super release payments in 2020, according to Colonial First State’s Retirement Realities …
How much do I need in my emergency fund?
In these uncertain times, it pays to have money set aside to give you peace of mind that if your income drops, you still have ample funds to pay for …
Economic update and market commentary
The Covid situation took a turn for the worse, as spiralling infections saw new lockdowns introduced in Australia. The government has suggested all restrictions can be lifted once 70% of …
The future of international travel
In 2020, the ease in which we travelled overseas changed abruptly. And in the years to come, vaccinations, travel bubbles and testing are likely to become as routine as packing …
Supporting your kids, without sacrificing your own retirement
In the past, wealth was often passed on through an inheritance. But with our longer lifespans, and the higher cost of living (especially housing), the desire to help our kids …
Smart strategies for paying down debt
Being in debt can really wear you down, both financially and emotionally. Whether it’s a single large credit card balance or multiple loans, store and credit cards owing, getting clear …
Salary sacrificing into super – how it works
Salary sacrificing into super is where you choose to have some of your before-tax income paid into your super account by your employer. This is on top of what your …
Managing the financial impacts of a mid-life crisis
For some, the thought of a mid-life crisis may bring to mind quirky Steve Carell comedies like Crazy Stupid Love or The 40-Year-Old Virgin. But if you or a loved one are actually …
Five things you and your partner should know about super
Money issues are often cited as the biggest causes of stress in a relationship. Yet despite their importance, a recent survey of Australian couples found that 43% hadn’t discussed how …
What is capital gains tax and when might I have to pay it?
Capital gains tax is charged on the profit you make from the sale of certain assets. These could be assets that you’ve purchased or inherited. To give you a few …