If you’re employed, your employer should be paying a percentage of your earnings into your super account. It’s worth checking to make sure you’re being paid the right amount. If you can afford it, making extra contributions is a great way to boost your retirement savings. And it can reduce your tax. If you’re on … Read more
Future investment returns are unknown, but past returns are a guide for retirement. If you’re a member of a superannuation fund, for all intents and purposes you’re a long-term investor. After all, most of us will be receiving regular compulsory Superannuation Guarantee contributions from an employer for at least 40 years, assuming we start work … Read more
Have you ever looked around your place and wondered how much cash is sitting in those old clothes you never wear, gadgets you never use or other items just gathering dust? Turns out, you might be sitting on a small fortune without even realising it. In fact, according to a report by online sales portal … Read more
Characteristics of impulsive spenders A ‘money mindset’ is a way of thinking about personal finance. Your money mindset can change over time, and it may help explain your spending and savings habits. Understanding this can help you build habits and strategies to better manage your money. If the following applies to you, you might be … Read more
Why having less super isn’t necessarily a financial sweet spot for retirees. Millions of Australians aged 67 and over have just received an Age Pension boost as a result of the Department of Social Services lifting its fortnightly payment rates. The full Age Pension rate for singles has increased by $28.10 per fortnight to $1,144.40 … Read more
Bonds can play an important role in investment portfolios, but what exactly are they, what are their benefits, and how do you invest in them? What are bonds? Bonds are a type of investment security that enable investors to lend their money to a bond issuer for a set term in return for regular income … Read more
There’s almost $18 billion of unclaimed superannuation. Here’s how to find it. When it comes to accumulated retirement savings, many Australians have a strong fear of running out of money before they die. Vanguard’s 2024 How Australia Retires research released in June found that almost one in two Australians do not know whether their money will last … Read more
An emergency fund is money you save to cover urgent or unexpected costs. This could be car repairs, unexpected travel or an urgent medical bill. It provides a financial safety net so you don’t have to borrow money if something happens to you or your family. How much you need in an emergency fund Even … Read more
Records you need to keep When you sell your shares in companies or units in managed funds, most of the records you need will be given to you by the company, the fund manager or your stockbroker. These records generally include: the date of purchase the purchase amount details of any non-assessable payments made to … Read more
Overview Money you transfer from a foreign super fund to a complying Australian super fund may: count towards you super contributions caps, and be subject to additional tax if you exceed the caps be subject to Australian income tax be subject to rules and tax in the foreign country. Certain conditions must be met before … Read more
Salespeople and advertisers use tactics to pressure you to buy a product or sign up to a service. Knowing their techniques can help you avoid buying things you don’t need, or paying more than you should. Sales techniques to watch out for Salespeople and advertisers use a range of techniques to sell their products, particularly … Read more
When getting ready to buy property, there are many things to keep track of as settlement approaches. An important consideration is what you will need in terms of insurance – admittedly not the most exciting part of buying a new home, but one which can save you money and stress in the future. Why lenders … Read more
