Define your renovation goals Renovations can be an exciting time to re-shape the look and feel of your home, however before you start getting into the details, it’s important take a step back and clarify ‘why’ you’re renovating. For instance: Do you need more space? Is your kitchen too dated? Are you looking to boost … Read more
By doing a few calculations you can easily see if your portfolio is still on track. If you’re someone who likes a good balance in your investing life, now may be a good time to do some calculations. It’s not something you must do, but doing so may give you some extra peace of mind … Read more
When to declare taxable and tax-free government payments, pensions and allowances in your tax return. What are government payments, pensions and allowances? Australian Government payments, pensions and allowances are income amounts that you receive from a government agency. Commonly these payments are from Services Australia or the Department of Veteran’s affairs (DVA). Depending on the … Read more
Investors have faced a wild ride in 2025. The excitement may not be over. Equity and fixed income markets took less than a month to recover after U.S. tariff announcements in early April sent them reeling, giving investors a valuable opportunity to reexamine their relationship with risk. A healthy relationship with risk starts with understanding … Read more
What is bucketing your money? Bucketing is a smart way to manage your money without complicated budgets or spreadsheets. You set up multiple bank accounts called ‘buckets’ and use each one for a specific purpose, like bills, savings or entertainment. Once your buckets are set up, it’s easier to see and control how you spend … Read more
Do you have a plan for who will receive your super if something happens to you? For many Australians, superannuation is their greatest asset outside the family home. But do you have a plan for who will receive your super if something happens to you? The laws around super death benefits are complex, with strict … Read more
When and how you can access your super to start an account-based pension. If our working years can be regarded as the time when we aim to build up our superannuation savings, our retirement years can equally be regarded as the time when we aim to spend them. At least that’s the objective for most … Read more
Bonds are not usually the flashy upstarts of the investment world with their every move reported, like stocks. But the Trump Administration’s extraordinary refashioning of world trade, with on-again off-again tariffs of eye watering amounts, has put bond markets in a similar position to share markets – in turmoil. So, with the bond markets attracting … Read more
If you are trying to get ahead financially, whether you are coming up with a deposit for your first home, focussed on paying down a mortgage, or working towards any other financial goals, budgeting and being able to save is critical, but as well as minimising your spending, a great way to get ahead is … Read more
The inheritance wave is building but most people are unprepared for the ride Transfers of accumulated wealth from one generation to the next are part and parcel of everyday life. But the next 20 to 30 years will see the biggest intergenerational wealth handover in history. According to estimates made by the Productivity Commission in … Read more
How long to keep rental records You need to keep records for 5 years. Depending on your situation, that is 5 years from the date: you lodge your tax return of your last claim for the decline in value of an asset it is certain that no capital gains tax event can occur after you acquire, sell … Read more
When to include insurance payouts from disaster events in your tax return for businesses, or assets that produce income. When recovering from disaster events, check if you need to report and pay tax on insurance payouts: damaged or destroyed personal items or assets are not taxed businesses or income-producing assets may be taxed. The following … Read more
