How to build equity in your home and use it to invest Whether you’re looking to renovate, invest or pay off something big, home equity can be a valuable resource when it’s used correctly. The equity in your property can be a valuable resource, as it may allow you to secure finance to achieve your goals, whether they be investment or lifestyle oriented. If it’s something you’ve been thinking about, here are some pointers—the most …
New legislation aims to benefit first home buyers Changes aimed at improving housing affordability have passed through parliament. See what the new rules could mean for you. Government proposals around improving housing affordability in Australia were passed through parliament on 7 December 20171. As part of the changes, first-home buyers will be given a tax concession through the ability to save for a home deposit inside of super, while Australians aged 65 and over will be able to contribute …
The real cost of retirement When you’re looking at saving and planning for retirement, it’s important to know how much you can expect to be spending. The latest retirement standard figures and other data sources can give you an idea of the cost of retirement, but what else do you need to take into account to ensure your financial wellbeing? Running the numbers – the retirement standard Since June 2006, the Association of Superannuation Funds of …
The rise of the gig economy and side gigs (thanks to technology) Chances are you either have a side gig (a way to make money on the side of your usual job), want to have one, or you benefit from someone else’s. While the gig economy has been bubbling away in the background for a while now, it continues to be on the rise, and people are finding new ways to make a bit of …
Weekly Market Update 11 May 2018 Investment markets and key developments over the past week Global share markets rose over the last week helped by another Goldilocks combination of good economic data, strong profits and benign US inflation. This was despite the US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal which pushed up oil prices. For the week, US shares rose 2.4%, Eurozone shares gained 0.7%, Japanese shares rose 1.3% and Chinese shares rose 4%. The positive …
See how you can cash in on government co-contributions If you’ve made an after-tax contribution to your super fund, you might be eligible for a co-contribution of up to $500 from the government. Did you know the government may add up to $500 to your super fund, if you’re a low to middle-income earner who has made an after-tax contribution to your super? If you’d like to know more, we explain how government co-contributions work, …
The future for working mothers On Mother’s Day 2018, we explore some of the challenges currently facing working Mums in Australia and whether they can expect better career opportunities, rewards and work-life balance in the future. Challenge 1: Mind the gap According to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, women take home on average $251.20 less than men each week (based on full-time adult earnings), creating a national gender “pay gap” of 15.3%1. This means that women, on …
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Wrap 11 May 2018 This month the key ESG issues making headlines are: Rio Tinto’s climate change resolution marks a significant shift in investor culture Obesity and Nutrition: How are Australia’s largest food and beverage manufacturers performing? Finance: UK Government calls on top pension funds to disclose climate risks EU Commission approves Bayer’s acquisition of Monsanto Florida shooting – will things change for the better in the US? Rio Tinto’s climate …
7 steps to wealth and living well 1. Time is critically important When it comes to superannuation and savings it’s very important to remember that time waits for no one. So I’ll always encourage my clients to start saving right away, even if it’s just a modest amount. Compound interest is your best friend when it comes to saving but it needs time to work. Although starting to save early is the ideal, it’s never …
Psych yourself into saving Whether you’re struggling to make ends meet or living comfortably, saving money can be something you’ll be finding hard to do. In her new book “Mind Over Money: The Psychology of Money and How To Use it Better” BBC broadcaster and psychologist Claudia Hammond shares insights into how we can change our ways when it comes to budgeting, spending and saving more for a rainy day. Why should we save? If …
