Questions to start your retirement planning Here are a few questions to get your retirement planning underway. Thinking about these might lead you to more questions, but that’s the fun part of the journey. How much money will you need for your retirement plan? How long will you likely spend in retirement? Where will the … Read more
If your personal information falls into the wrong hands, it can be used to steal your identity. If you think your identity has been stolen, report it to your bank and change your passwords. You can also contact IDCARE for specialised support. If identity documents with your Centrelink Customer Reference Number, Medicare or myGov details … Read more
From the economy bending policies of Trump 2.0 to the growing strength of the far right in Europe, the new alliance between Russia and the United States, the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, and the US President’s vow to upturn world trade rules, the markets are certainly navigating tricky times. In recent months … Read more
Holidays and gift giving can leave you a little short of cash so it might be cheering to learn that billions of dollars is being held by various government agencies just waiting to be claimed by the rightful owners. The biggest pot is lost superannuation. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is holding more than $17.8 … Read more
With more older Australians looking to downsize and younger generations looking to get a foot on the property ladder, building a granny flat or a second dwelling in your backyard has become a more affordable solution. In 2023, CoreLogic analysis of residential properties in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane found more than 655,000 sites suitable for … Read more
As we advance into the 21st century, the concept of aging is undergoing a transformation, largely thanks to a new generation of “oldies” who don’t feel old – and are reframing what it means to be getting on in years. Traditionally, aging has been associated with decline, frailty, and a sense of irrelevance. However, today’s … Read more
Crypto-assets (crypto) include assets described as coins, tokens or sometimes cryptocurrencies. They digitally represent your ownership of a valuable thing or rights to something. They may or may not be backed by physical assets. Crypto is a high-risk investment. The value of crypto is very volatile, often fluctuating by huge amounts within a short period. … Read more
About 36% of homeowners still have a mortgage when they retire, up from 23% a decade ago. This increase in mortgage debt is due to soaring property prices, changes in retirement ages and easy access to drawdown equity loans (where you use your home as security to get a loan, which can be used to … Read more
If you are considering disposing of a property, it’s important to understand the implications so that there are no surprises when your tax bill arrives. As with most investment assets, when you dispose of an investment property generally you are liable for capital gains tax. Capital gains tax (CGT) is levied when you make a … Read more
The end of a relationship is never easy, but there are steps you can take to help things run more smoothly. If you’re in crisis or struggling to make ends meet, see urgent help with money. You can get help with food, housing and bills, as well as emotional support. First steps when you separate … Read more
What’s your super strategy? Did you know it’s likely you’ll spend up to two or more decades in retirement? It’s a long time, so will you be able to afford all the things you’ve thought of doing in retirement before your savings run out? By starting now and making small changes to how you approach … Read more
A well-thought-out investment plan can help you thrive financially as well as protect you from falling into some common behavioural investment traps. But how do you create an investment plan? And where do you start? Start with financial goals. Studies show that people are more successful when they set goals for themselves. Whether it be … Read more
