Deciding when to retire is a big decision and even more difficult if you are concerned about your retirement income. The average age of Australia’s 4.2 million retirees is 56.9 years but many people leave it a little later to finish work with most intending to retire at just over 65 years.i If you’re not … Read more
Many of us associate trust funds with their depictions in popular culture – tools used by the mega-rich to distribute enormous family incomes among “trust-fund babies”. Recently, they even went viral as the centrepiece of a TikTok audio by user @girl_on_couch, who was famously “looking for a man in finance. With a trust fund. 6’5. … Read more
If you find a transaction in your account that you don’t recognise, it could be unauthorised or mistaken. If you think something is wrong, contact your bank as soon as possible. Signs of unauthorised and mistaken transactions An unauthorised transaction is when someone transfers money from your account without your permission. A mistaken transaction is … Read more
For Australians approaching retirement, recent market volatility may feel like more than just a bump in the road. Unlike younger investors, who have time on their side, retirees don’t have the luxury of waiting out downturns. A sharp dip just before, or as you begin drawing down your superannuation, can leave lasting damage. It’s not … Read more
With the end of the current financial year fast approaching, time is running out if you’re planning to boost your superannuation balance before 30 June. Even depositing a small amount of extra money into your super account before 30 June this year could make a big difference to your overall retirement balance over the longer … Read more
The super changes coming into effect in the 2025-26 financial year Australian superannuation laws are set to change once again in the 2025-26 financial year as the nation’s fast-growing retirement savings system continues to evolve. Below is a summary of the changes that will come into effect from 1 July, 2025, as well as looming … Read more
Here’s what a zombie company is and why they can be a detractor to your returns Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) data shows more than three dozen companies have been delisted from the Australian share market so far this year. The majority of those delistings have been voluntary, at a company’s request. But the remainder have … Read more
Key points: Star ratings for residential aged care homes are changing to a redesigned Compliance rating and incorporating care minute targets for Staffing ratings from October 1, 2025 271 stakeholders informed the design changes for the aged care Star Ratings system You can use the Find a Provider tool on the government website to gauge … Read more
Some investors find it satisfying to take a do-it-yourself approach to retirement savings – taking on the responsibility for the growth of their retirement savings in a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF). While you have total control over how your retirement funds are invested within the confines of the laws, many factors need to be considered … Read more
Balancing financial and work commitments with caring for children is possible with a little planning. Set clear expectations at work Before you return to work, talk to your employer. Discuss how you’ll manage your new family responsibilities and work commitments. Ask for flexible work arrangements If you’ve been with the same employer for at least … Read more
Staying the course is sage advice for long-term investors anxious about market volatility — and for good reason By looking at how markets have performed over time, we can put current events into context and appreciate the benefits of a long-term and well diversified investing strategy. The following three charts highlight the importance of staying … Read more
Check your super When you start to plan for retirement, you’ll need to check your super: where it is how much you have whether you have lost or unclaimed super consider consolidating accounts where relevant that your details are up-to-date with the ATO and your super funds. You can do this in 5 simple steps with … Read more
