Category: E – Economics

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 …

Blog / E - Financial Snapshot / FP - Super - Accumulation   / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /

What to consider when investing in a low return world

What to consider when investing in a low return world Identifying market dislocations is something that requires investment expertise For some investors, volatility matters. When approaching retirement, volatility tends to matter more owing to sequencing risk. In the video below, we assess some considerations for investing in low return world. Share market volatility is expected to remain elevated Investment market volatility is essentially triggered by uncertainty around market fundamentals such as economic growth, earnings, dividends …

Blog / E - Market Update / FP - Investment   / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /

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   / / / / / / / / /

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 …

Blog / E - Australian Budget / FP - Super - Accumulation   / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /

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 …

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

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 …

Blog / E - Financial Snapshot / FP - Financial Planning   / / / / / / / / / / / / /

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 …

Blog / E - Financial Snapshot / FP - Community and Lifestyle / FP - Wealth   / / / / / / / / / / /

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   / / / / / / / / / / / / /