In the 2017 Federal Budget, the Government announced a proposal which is designed to encourage older Australians to free up housing stock and access equity in their home for their needs. The legislation for this proposal was introduced into Parliament on 7 September 2017 and is now law. These new measures allow a person aged 65 or older [...]
In 2010, Wendy was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, an incurable and debilitating condition that changed her life overnight. At the time of her diagnosis, Wendy, then 47, was loving life, enjoying peak career success working for a pharmaceutical company, and a newfound romance with David, a lovely man she had met six months earlier. At first, Wendy [...]
You probably have a good idea of who you’d like to give your hard-earned assets when you’re gone. Making a will can help ensure your assets are distributed the way you want. Many people see making a will as something to do when they have children or other dependents to worry about. After all, they [...]
Australia’s household debt is among the highest in the world and rising, thanks largely to worsening housing affordability and plentiful consumer credit. So how do we measure up and should we be worried? Most global comparisons measure total household debt as a percentage of net income. At last count, Australia’s household debt to income was [...]
In investment terms, “diversification” refers to the process of allocating your savings in a way that reduces your exposure to any one particular asset, asset class or risk. In turn, diversification can lead to a reduction in the overall level of risk or volatility associated with your investment portfolio. Of course, the old adage [...]
Australians buying their first home or downsizing in retirement are about to receive a helping hand thanks to new superannuation rules which come into effect on July 1. From that date, first home buyers will be able to contribute up to $30,000 into their super fund towards a home deposit while downsizers can put up [...]
Developing a retirement savings plan 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 [...]
At first glance, investing can seem daunting. So much complex information and so little time to absorb and act on it when you’re busy getting on with life. Its little wonder that so many of us put it in the too hard basket for longer than is good for our wealth. The good news is [...]
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 [...]
In an era in which we have become accustomed to volatility, low growth, political unrest and global uncertainty, 2017 remained largely absent of too many surprises. In fact volatility on Wall Street hit its lowest point since 1993 highlighting a protracted period of market calm as US stocks continued an extended push into record territory. [...]
