Running your own self-managed super fund (SMSF) comes with many responsibilities and lodging an annual return is one of the most important. While paperwork may not be anyone’s favourite task, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) takes the SMSF Annual Return (SAR) very seriously. As of February 2025, around 85,000 SMSFs had not lodged their SAR … Read more
Stopping work is a big shift – especially when you haven’t planned for it. Why you might face a sudden retirement Only one-third of Australians retire because they’ve reached retirement age. For many, retirement happens earlier than they expect due to events outside their control. These can include: Job loss or redundancy: some people are … Read more
The start of 2026 has seen gold and silver surge to record highs. So what’s behind those surges and falls? And what should everyday investors know about the risks of investing in precious metals right now? Why gold has been hitting new highs Gold is the classic safe haven: an asset people buy to protect … Read more
Your mortgage, your super or your investments It’s tempting to pay off your mortgage as quickly as possible. But what about investing? Building your wealth by paying off your mortgage, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t also consider other investment opportunities. With Australia’s residential mortgage interest rates at historic lows you can pay off your mortgage sooner. … Read more
In a world of constant financial noise, from market updates and interest rate speculation to economic forecasts, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and choose to do nothing. But inaction can be costly when it comes to building long-term wealth. Whether it’s leaving money in cash, delaying investment decisions or ignoring the power of regular contributions, … Read more
You’ve been doing all the right things when it comes to saving your hard-earned cash. You’ve cut back on luxury getaways and culinary splurges, exercised caution around Friday night drinks, resisted the temptation of online sales and proudly watched your savings grow. Then out of nowhere – your car has broken down, your dog needs … Read more
Quoting a tax file number When you buy shares, you have a choice whether you quote a tax file number (TFN). If you quote a TFN, you pay taxes on the dividends when you lodge the tax return. If the shareholder is the: child, quote the child’s TFN parent, as trustee for the child, and … Read more
Thinking of buying a home? That’s a big step and an exciting one too. But before you start scrolling through real estate listings, it’s important to consider how any debt you are holding will impact your application. When you apply for a home loan, lenders look at more than just your income. They assess the … Read more
Setting up a lifetime income stream is one way to get regular payments in retirement. What is a lifetime income stream? A lifetime income stream is a financial product that pays you regular income for as long as you live. You buy a lifetime income stream with a lump sum of money, such as your … Read more
Why depreciation matters for investors of new property? Depreciation is what the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) recognises as the gradual decrease in value of your investment property’s assets over time. In simple terms, it reflects the fact that buildings and assets inside them lose value as they age. For savvy investors building or buying a brand-new … Read more
The key factors that influenced trading on global financial markets 2025 was defined by dramatic shifts and surprising outcomes across global investment markets. From the surge in precious metals to the resilience of equities and the evolving landscape of fixed income, investors navigated a world shaped by economic uncertainty, technological innovation, and shifting government policies. … Read more
Why you should review your super Your super could be one of the biggest assets you’ll accumulate in your lifetime. However, many Australians think they don’t need to worry about their super until retirement. Some don’t think about it at all. It’s never too early to think about your super and the earlier you get … Read more
