Bonds can play an important role in investment portfolios, but what exactly are they, what are their benefits, and how do you invest in them? What are bonds? Bonds are a type of investment security that enable investors to lend their money to a bond issuer for a set term in return for regular income … Read more
There’s almost $18 billion of unclaimed superannuation. Here’s how to find it. When it comes to accumulated retirement savings, many Australians have a strong fear of running out of money before they die. Vanguard’s 2024 How Australia Retires research released in June found that almost one in two Australians do not know whether their money will last … Read more
An emergency fund is money you save to cover urgent or unexpected costs. This could be car repairs, unexpected travel or an urgent medical bill. It provides a financial safety net so you don’t have to borrow money if something happens to you or your family. How much you need in an emergency fund Even … Read more
Records you need to keep When you sell your shares in companies or units in managed funds, most of the records you need will be given to you by the company, the fund manager or your stockbroker. These records generally include: the date of purchase the purchase amount details of any non-assessable payments made to … Read more
Overview Money you transfer from a foreign super fund to a complying Australian super fund may: count towards you super contributions caps, and be subject to additional tax if you exceed the caps be subject to Australian income tax be subject to rules and tax in the foreign country. Certain conditions must be met before … Read more
Salespeople and advertisers use tactics to pressure you to buy a product or sign up to a service. Knowing their techniques can help you avoid buying things you don’t need, or paying more than you should. Sales techniques to watch out for Salespeople and advertisers use a range of techniques to sell their products, particularly … Read more
When getting ready to buy property, there are many things to keep track of as settlement approaches. An important consideration is what you will need in terms of insurance – admittedly not the most exciting part of buying a new home, but one which can save you money and stress in the future. Why lenders … Read more
Some big companies have left the ASX recently. How do ETFs adapt to index changes? Share markets are ever changing. Companies come, and companies go. But what happens to share market indexes, and the exchange traded funds (ETFs) that use them as performance benchmarks, when a company is removed because of a merger or acquisition? … Read more
A third of Australians retire without a plan. Here’s why you should have one. Working and generating a stable income can be described as a comfort zone for most Australians. The same can be said for having a well-considered retirement plan that clearly identifies your current financial position and outlines what it will take for … Read more
Characteristics of goal-driven savers A ‘money mindset’ is a way of thinking about personal finance. Your money mindset can change over time, and it may help explain your spending and savings habits. Understanding this can help you build habits and strategies to better manage your money. If the following applies to you, you might be … Read more
You may be able to take your superannuation as a lump sum payment when you retire. This is usually tax-free from age 60. How a superannuation lump sum works Depending on your fund’s rules, you may be able to withdraw some or all of your superannuation (super) as a lump sum. If so, you can … Read more
Are you thinking about buying an investment property? Buying a property that you do not plan to live in can help you increase your wealth and accelerate your financial wellbeing. Property is usually viewed as a long-term investment with many advantages. It is, however, important to understand how property investment works, the costs involved and … Read more
