Category: E – Financial Snapshot

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 …

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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 …

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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 …

Blog / E - Australian Budget / E - Financial Snapshot / FP - Taxation   / / / / / / / / /

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 …

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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 …

Blog / E - Financial Snapshot / FP - Credit & Finance / FP - Property & Real Estate   / / / / / / / / / / / / / /

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 …

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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 …

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Paying your bills in retirement

  Paying your bills in retirement Retirees and those nearing retirement have learned the hard way the importance of holding a portion of their nest egg in low-risk fixed income investments. During the financial crisis cash and bonds not only outperformed shares and property, they helped investors protect their capital and pay the bills.1 Now that interest rates on most term deposits are below four percent 2 and the official cash rate is at record …

Blog / E - Financial Snapshot / FP - Budgeting / FP - Investment / FP - Retirement   / / / / / / / / / / / / /

Beyond children: safeguarding the future

  Beyond children: safeguarding the future With your house paid off, the children grown up and your retirement savings on target, you could be lulled into a false sense of security that you no longer need personal insurance. If you or your partner were to die, then little may change in your financial situation. But what would happen if one of your adult children had an accident and needed care for the rest of their …

Blog / E - Financial Snapshot / FP - Budgeting / FP - Credit & Finance / FP - Insurance / FP - Investment / FP - Money Management / FP - Saving / FP - Super - Accumulation   / / / / / / / / / / / / /

Achieving a comfortable retirement

  Achieving a comfortable retirement Many women dream of a retirement where they can kick back and relax, do whatever they like and be free from the demands of others – actually focusing on caring for themselves. But this step often means being free from financial worries or concerns and for a large proportion of women, the prospect of a comfortable retirement can seem elusive. Especially when you do the sums. The latest Intergenerational Report …

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