News

On our news page, you will find the latest financial news, valuable insights and new ideas, tips and tricks we've learnt over the years and other helpful educational pieces.

Superannuation

Should I make an extra mortgage repayment or contribute more to super?

By Rachel Barlow
This is a question we’re commonly asked. The answer depends on a number of factors and both options have advantages and disadvantages.

Super Considerations for Women

By Michelle Dall'Alba
Many women take parental leave at some stage in their career, which can have a significant detrimental impact on a woman’s superannuation balance over her working life. It is important that we as women take some proactive steps to get better outcomes for our retirement. There are a number of actions you can take, no matter what age you are...

An Important EOFY Super Reminder

By David Lloyd
With 30 June only a few days away, a reminder to finalise any outstanding EOFY transactions and be aware of three important considerations, including minimum pensions, contributions and the Federal Government's "Protecting Your Super Package Act".

What does a woman want?

By Rachel Barlow
Despite thirty years of research, Freud could not answer “What does a woman want?” Let’s not untangle that mystery! Let’s talk about what studies have shown the main financial goals for women to be, including repaying the mortgage, understanding and contributing to super, retirement planning, improving financial literacy as well as looking after family (children and parents).

Federal Budget 2019: Super

The Federal Treasurer, Mr Josh Frydenberg, handed down the 2019/20 Federal Budget at 7:30 pm (AEDT) on 2 April 2019. The budget focuses on “restoring the nation's finances”, further strengthening the economy to create more jobs and to “guarantee the essential services”. The superannuation highlights include...

A super time of year

By John Barton
With many SMSFs busy finalising their accounts for 2017-18, now is an ideal time of year for trustees to review their fund's portfolio and investment strategies in line with legal requirements and make the changes required to ensure their fund is compliant and on the right track for the coming year.

Federal Budget 2018 – Super

Mr Scott Morrison, the Federal Treasurer, handed down his third Budget on 8 May 2018. Mr Morrison said the Budget is focused on further strengthening the economy to “guarantee the essentials Australians rely on” and “responsibly repair the budget”. The Budget contains a range of measures intended to ensure the integrity of the tax and superannuation system. The super highlights include:

Tax and super planning for end of financial year

With 30 June 2018 rapidly approaching, now is the time to review your financial position and consider any tax or super strategies that could boost your retirement savings, maximise Government entitlements, avoid potential penalties and ultimately, reduce your tax payable.

Understanding Downsizer Contributions

By David Lloyd
In the May 2017 Federal Budget announcement, new legislation was introduced whereby those aged 65 and over will be able to contribute an additional $300,000 into their superannuation upon the sale of their primary residence. These payments are referred to as ‘downsizer’ contributions...

Understanding The First Home Super Saver Scheme

By Alec Berry
With housing affordability becoming increasingly challenging, many first home buyers are trying to best manage their path to the goal of owning property. To assist with these efforts, starting on 1 July 2017 a new initiative was introduced for Australians looking at getting themselves into the property market.

Making sure control of your SMSF falls into the right hands

By Andrew Albury
There are a number of important elements that, when planned, implemented and reviewed correctly and regularly, work together to make a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) operate successfully. One of the most critical, and often overlooked, of these, is succession planning.

How much is enough?

By Andrew Albury
Life expectancies are increasing. Interest rates are sitting at historic lows, and look like they’ll stay there for some time yet. Many retirees rely on investment income to fund their retirement years. However, the current low return environment means retirement savings have to stretch further than ever before and the income provided by today’s low yields may not be enough. So how much is enough?

Don’t forget about Small Business CGT Concessions

By David Lloyd
We’re now a few months into the 2017-18 financial year and the much-discussed superannuation reforms have now been implemented, the most significant of which is the $1.6 million cap on all new and existing pension accounts. However, something we thought it worth touching on which may have been overlooked in the midst of all the changes is the use of Small Business CGT Concessions.

Protecting yourself while helping your adult children

By John Barton
As parents, much of our time, energy and money is directed towards ensuring our children have the best possible start in life, as well as providing them with the means to become productive members of society. However, as our children become adults and begin their own families, the focus tends to shift to securing our own retirement...

Five Money Tips for Young Professionals

By Alec Berry
We understand that as a young professional, you’re juggling a number of competing priorities, and that it can be difficult finding the time or headspace to think about your financial future. However, with age on your side, you are in a powerful position. We've shared five considerations to help get you started in building the foundations for your financial future...

What happens to SMSFs if members go overseas?

By David Lloyd
While living and working abroad can be an attractive option, there are a number of things to take into consideration beforehand. This includes SMSF compliance.

10 super and tax planning tips for end of financial year

By Renee Black
Here we share ten superannuation and taxation planning strategies you may want to consider in order to boost your retirement savings, maximise Government entitlements, avoid potential penalties and ultimately, reduce your tax payable before end of financial year.