These three common mistakes are easy to avoid. Making them could be costly. Sharp downturns on global financial markets are always unsettling. Recently and largely in response to growing fears that the United States is heading into a recession, share markets fell heavily before rebounding. Share markets may remain volatile over the short term. But … Read more
Think of your finances like your home: how its foundations are built and maintained determines its ability to stand strong for years to come. Money expert Helen Baker shares how you can get your finances in tip-top shape. Most of us are feeling the pinch from the cost of living crisis: essentials like housing, groceries, and energy … Read more
A ‘transition to retirement’ (TTR) strategy lets you access some of your super and keep working. Setting this up can be complicated, so contact your super fund or financial adviser for advice. How transition to retirement works If you’ve reached your preservation age (aged 60) and still working, you can use a TTR strategy to: supplement your … Read more
Retiring without a mortgage has a large positive impact on retirement confidence. For decades the “Great Australian Dream” has been the general desire by most Australians just to own a home. But that dream has morphed over time. These days it’s not just about owning a home but having the mortgage paid off either before … Read more
While the Federal Government’s recent announcement about providing some relief for those with student debt is anticipated to help those with student loans, debt can hold you back financially, so let’s look at some ways to free yourself if debt is becoming a burden. Debt can be a real drag on your financial goals, getting … Read more
Tips for saving money Being a good saver has plenty of advantages beyond your short-term financial goals. It can be the difference between keeping your head above water during difficult financial times and being in financial hardship. Here are our tips to help you become a better saver. 1. Set a savings goal Saving is … Read more
Rental expense categories There are 3 rental expense categories, those for which you: can claim a deduction now (in the income year you incur the expense) – for example, interest on loans, council rates, repairs and maintenance and depreciating assets costing $300 or less can claim a deduction over several years – for example, capital works, borrowing expenses … Read more
Binary options promise quick, high returns. But the reality is you will lose your entire investment most of the time. Binary options are financial products that bet on the outcome of an event. If you pick correctly, you get a fixed cash payout. If you get it wrong you lose your entire investment. An ASIC … Read more
Why pay down your home loan faster You might wish to boost your repayments now, so that you can enjoy the freedom of being mortgage-free. This could help bring forward the overseas holiday you’ve been promising yourself, or help your children complete their education. Perhaps you’re planning on renovating your home to add value to your … Read more
How to dispose of shares You can dispose of your shares in the following ways: selling them giving them away (gifting shares) transferring them to a spouse as the result of a breakdown in your marriage or relationship through share buy-backs through mergers, takeovers and demergers because the company goes into liquidation. It’s important you … Read more
Key points: Getting an assessment is the first step towards getting access to Government funded services Assessments are undertaken by the Aged Care Assessment Team across Australia, or the Aged Care Assessment Service in Victoria You can have your assessment reviewed if you don’t agree with the outcome From there, you can organise an assessment … Read more
Retirement is filled with opportunities and choices. There’s the time to travel more, work on long-delayed personal projects or volunteer your help to worthwhile causes. You also have a host of choices to make when it comes to funding your new life away from paid work. Here are four different options to consider.i Account-Based Pension … Read more
