Budgeting on a growing family

  Budgeting on a growing family Having children is a rite of passage that brings a mix of joy, fulfilment and anxiety when the financial realities of raising kids become apparent. Parents must make difficult decisions about housing, education and lifestyle to keep the family budget in the black and to give their kids the best start in life. The cost of raising children rose 50 per cent from 2007 to 2012, outpacing growth in …

Procrastination: Just do it. Eventually.

Procrastination: Just do it. Eventually. Move out of a rut and reach your goals with our five helpful tips. If you’ve been living in a procrastination comfort zone for too long, you’re not alone. And evidence suggests that taking a tough approach won’t help you either.i Research shows that procrastination has its roots in the brain’s frontal systems known to be involved in the processes governing self-regulation, problem solving and planning.i You can do it! …

The Budget. What does it mean for you?

  The Budget. What does it mean for you? This year’s Budget proposes the biggest changes to super in almost a decade. The proposed changes mainly affect contributions rules and the tax breaks available in super. If the Budget comes into effect, it would be after new laws are passed—then the proposed measures would take effect until 1 July 2017. Who’s better off? The changes announced for super contributions rules will generally be welcome news …

To sell or not to sell?

  To sell or not to sell? For many Australians, the family home is their largest asset. And if you’re planning to wind down from work, you may be considering what you’ll do with yours. Like many people, you may have worked for a lifetime to build the value you hold in your family home. While selling your home may not be your first choice, if your super balance is low this may be one …

Working to restore your balance

  Working to restore your balance In our fast-paced world, the desire for a better work/life balance is a common goal. It affects everyone from young professionals working long hours to get ahead, dual income households juggling inflexible jobs and children, and older workers wanting more time to help care for grandchildren or ease into retirement. While some people want to increase their working hours, the more common reason for pursuing work/life balance is to …

Preparing for the time of your life

  Preparing for the time of your life The choices we make in life have a big influence on our personal happiness and also on the wellbeing of those we love. Sometimes we anticipate choices with a sense of excitement. And sometimes life throws us curve balls in the form of unexpected events and important decisions.   Perhaps you are thinking about a career change or how to achieve a better work/life balance? Maybe you …

Federal Budget – what could it hold?

Federal Budget – what could it hold? Speculating about the likely look and feel of the 2016 Federal budget is fast becoming a national pastime. That’s largely because significant tax reforms are on the cards, with changes that could impact key wealth assets like property and superannuation. Any reforms are expected to help to plug the revenue gap created by the winding down of the resource boom, which has seen corporate profits (and consequently tax …