Know your new limits under the age pension tests

Understand the latest indexed changes to the pension income and assets tests Receiving the full government Age Pension, or even a partial pension payment, can provide eligible retirees with a significant amount of income over time that can supplement income earned from other assets. Millions of Australians are eligible to receive Age Pension payments every … Read more

Why rebalance a multi-asset portfolio?

Maintaining diversification, managing risk, and enhancing long-term returns Multi-asset portfolios are designed to provide diversification by spreading investments across various asset classes to reduce risk. Over time, however, some asset classes may become overweighted (or underweighted), potentially reducing a portfolio’s overall diversification. For example, if equities perform exceptionally well, a portfolio that was initially well-diversified … Read more

Multiple super accounts can erode your retirement savings

Millions of Australians hold multiple super accounts — and it could be costing them Vanguard’s late founder, John C. Bogle, was known for championing the importance of reducing investment costs. It’s a principle that’s especially important for long-term investments like superannuation. For Australians, a common scenario is having multiple superannuation accounts, which can lead to … Read more

Trusts are back in the ATO spotlight

With more than 947,000 trusts operating across Australia, it’s no surprise the ATO continues to keep a close eye on how these structures are managed. Trusts remain central to many wealth and succession plans, but their complexity means they also attract compliance scrutiny.i Closer attention to how trust structures are now being used is part … Read more

How to get a good credit score

What is a good credit score? Your credit score, also known as your credit rating, is a number that represents your creditworthiness. This shows the credit card or loan provider what your history of credit use is and if you’re able to manage your debt(s) effectively. A credit score is calculated and reported by various … Read more

Your future just got a super boost – are you ready?

With the new financial year comes a fresh wave of superannuation changes that could make a real difference to your retirement savings. Let’s unpack what’s changing – and how to make the most of it. The SG rate hits 12% One obvious lift to retirement incomes is the increase in the Super Guarantee (SG) rate … Read more

Credit repair

If you have a poor credit score or an error in your credit report, it may affect loans or credit you apply for. You have a right to get errors fixed for free, and you can arrange this yourself. What you can get fixed (for free) Here are some of the typical errors in credit … Read more

Can share market investors predict the future?

Volatility indexes are a barometer for where share markets may be heading It should come as no surprise that there isn’t an accurate way to foretell what share markets will do from one day to the next. Yet, while there is no share market crystal ball as such, there are dozens of market indexes globally … Read more

Planning to retire

Before you retire If you’re planning to retire, you need to consider: your age, including if you have reached your preservation age your super how much tax you will pay on amounts you receive if good leaver conditions apply if you are part of an employee share scheme if the retirement capital gains tax concession … Read more

Track your spending

Tracking your spending is a way to take control of your money. Knowing where your money goes can help you spend less and save more. 1. Track your spending and expenses First, get a clear view of where your money is going day to day. Choose how long to track One week for daily spending … Read more