Interest rates have been low for so long it’s tempting to think low rates are the new normal. So, when the Reserve Bank suggests that a cash rate of 3.5 per cent is the new ‘neutral’, people take notice. Even the Prime Minister warned Australian householders to prepare for higher interest rates ahead.i That’s good advice, [...]
Australians are living longer and if you hang up your work boots at, say, age 65 and live to age 90, you need to plan for the possibility of a quarter of a century in retirement. That’s a wonderful thought! But will your money last the distance? Understanding your current financial position A good starting [...]
Self-managed super funds (SMSFs) remain a popular vehicle for investors to build their retirement savings. According to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), 99.5 per cent of all super funds are SMSFs. A total of 29 per cent of the $2 trillion in super fund assets are in SMSFs and the average SMSF balance now exceeds [...]
It’s almost a decade since the global financial crisis created havoc in financial markets. While the global economy continues to show signs of recovery, political uncertainty in Europe and the United States is creating fresh confusion on global markets as investors wait to see how current events play out. It started just over a year [...]
Aussies are getting better at planning and growing their finances – but there’s still room for improvement. Find out how you stack up… Australians are taking better care of their financial health, as revealed by BT’s Australian Financial Health Index. The study involved over 9,000 Australians, delving deep into the attitudes and behaviours of the [...]
When Dr Bryan Humphrey retired, he didn’t stop working. He simply shifted gears, concocting a plan to embark on his long-held dream of an international ‘voluntouring’ adventure. After a career lecturing at Deakin University on education, criminology, and medicine, Dr Humphrey was ready to ply his many skills in an environment where he would [...]
The clock is ticking for investors who want to take advantage of the more generous tax concessions available in super this financial year. As of July 1, new rules come into effect that will reduce contribution limits. Until then, individuals under 65 can make a non-concessional (after-tax) contribution of up to $540,000 under the bring-forward [...]
Getting the right balance Treasurer Scott Morrison’s first budget of the Coalition’s second term in office marked a significant shift in tone from the tough stance of its three previous budgets. Gone is the mantra of debt and deficit. Instead the Treasurer has balanced the government’s resolve to live within its means with promises to [...]
One day, you’ll be enjoying your retirement – whether exploring foreign lands or drinking a latte closer to home. So now might be a good time to consider giving your superannuation an extra BOOST. Especially because the rules around how much you can contribute will change from 1 July 2017. Currently (before 30 June 2017): [...]
Some sensible strategies can help you make the most of your assets to enjoy a fulfilling retirement. Don’t leave it all to chance. Discover how to get started today to enjoy a rewarding tomorrow. How am I tracking to live the life I want in retirement? There is no magic figure that shows how much [...]
