Where are we in the unlisted commercial property cycle?

Where are we in the unlisted commercial property cycle? Key points Australian unlisted commercial property returns have been very strong this decade thanks largely to the “search for attractive yield” by investors. This return driver is expected to start to fade but rising rents, particularly in the south-east office markets, will provide an offset keeping returns solid for now. Commercial property yields still offer a strong premium relative to bonds suggesting we are a long …

New year, new financial resolutions

New year, new financial resolutions The dawn of a new year is the perfect time to hit reset and correct course when it comes to your money. You may have already given thought to some health-related wellness goals for 2018, but what about your financial wellness? AMP research has revealed that a quarter of Australian workers have difficulty in making ends meet, with the most common triggers for financial stress found to be bad debt, …

Eight steps to improved cashflow… and lifestyle

  Eight steps to improved cashflow… and lifestyle Imagine feeling on top of your finances. Knowing you’re in a position to enjoy your life today, while also saving for tomorrow. If that sounds good to you, you’re not alone. In a recent survey, 54% of Australians aged 55-64 strongly agreed they’d like that too.i Yet, many of us don’t feel like we’re in that position. Financial stress is actually so common that 24% of Australian …

Millions but not all to benefit from 2017 super changes

Millions but not all to benefit from 2017 super changes With changes to super now in effect, numerous Australians will get a leg up, many being low-income earners. According to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), more than four million Australians will benefit from the super changes that came into effect on 1 July 2017.i The industry body said while many would be impacted by new rules and restrictions, millions would benefit from …

Government pulls back on proposed changes to super

Government pulls back on proposed changes to super The government has announced changes to three key 2016 Federal Budget proposals—the most significant being that it would not go forward with its proposal to introduce a $500,000 lifetime cap on non-concessional (after-tax) super contributions. In a nutshell the new proposals include: From 1 July 2017, the existing annual cap of $180,000 on after-tax super contributions will be reduced to an annual cap of $100,000. The proposed …

Act quickly before June 30

Act quickly before June 30 – to reap the benefits The recent Budget announcements could reduce your ability to contribute to super and its associated tax benefits. This time next year, new laws may have passed as a result of the recent Budget announcements. That means, super will more than likely be a different environment than it is today. The bottom line is you may not have the tax advantages or financial opportunities that are …

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 …

3 ways to get a foot on the property ladder

3 ways to get a foot on the property ladder Creative ideas for younger Australians to invest in property It won’t come as a huge surprise to learn that Australian homes are among the most expensive in the world. In a recent surveyi every Australian town and suburb was rated as ‘seriously’ or ‘severely’ unaffordable. And if you’re in a capital city it’s even worse, with the average Sydney home costing nine times average household …

Nothing succeeds like succession planning

  Nothing succeeds like succession planning Small business is generally regarded as the backbone of the Australian economy, but that strong back is showing signs of age. With 30 per cent of all small business owners aged on the wrong side of 55i, it is important to have a succession plan in place. Ideally, succession planning should begin when the business is formed to ensure a smooth transition if and when the need arises. But …

The wealth in health

  The wealth in health Now that people are living longer, the cost of staying hale and hearty is rising at the same time that governments are trying to claw back spending on medical care. But good opportunities remain to make sound investments in health care sectors at home and abroad. In Australia and around the world, healthcare funding is being scrutinised by governments concerned about the big slice of gross domestic product (GDP) being …