A modern-day myth exposed: multi-tasking If you have little faith in your ability to do more than one thing at a time, science reveals you’re onto something. Cognitive behavioural researchers shine a light on our inability to multi-task. We simply cannot perform multiple tasks with the same level of skill as when performing one task at a time.i The old adage that women are better at multi-tasking may after all be untrue—or more accurately reflect …
Government pulls back on proposed changes to super The government has made significant changes to several of its plans around super reform. 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 …
Don’t want to work fulltime? What are the pros and cons of going part time? If you’re a fulltime worker you may be considering joining the multitude of Aussie part-timers, and having more time to do what really matters to you. Maybe you’re a parent who wants to spend more time with your family, an executive who wants to put an end to too-long hours at the office or perhaps you’re working your way towards …
Changes to the Age Pension assets test The government’s recent changes to the Age Pension could affect your ability to plan for a comfortable retirement. Recent reports[1] suggest that more than 300,000 Age Pensioners will have at least part of their pension cut, with just under 100,000 of these people losing all Age Pension entitlements, taking effect from January 2017. The Age Pension and assets test explained The Age Pension provides income support and …
Is that a driverless car in the next lane? As technology forges ahead, we’re all but chasing after it. Life as we knew it in the 80s and 90s is now ancient history. Today, digital devices in Australia have made the way we communicate, socialise, work and behave just about unrecognisable. The fact is Aussies are so screen-obsessed that we’re walking and texting, talking and browsing, eating and researching, reading and driving—all at the same …
Do parents make good employees? Research reveals surprising correlations between productivity and parenthood. It’s official: Australia is the most expensive country to live ini. So it’s no wonder that more and more parents are working while raising a family. In fact, recent media reports say Aussie parents work more than parents in other countriesii and 90% of Australian mothers always or often feel rushed or pressed for timeiii. But what’s the impact on the work …
Is your insurance overdue? If your policy lapses, you may face more challenges than being unable to claim when you need to. If you let your insurance lapse, you may be in for a surprise down the track. Because letting your cover lapse can mean more than no longer having your cover in place. You need to think about whether you’ll be approved or rejected for the same cover if you decide to reapply in …
Time to upgrade your ideas about retirement living? A lot has changed in recent years, especially when it comes to your living options in retirement. Retirement living can offer much more than it once did. One thing’s certain: you don’t have to feel as though you’re losing your independence and freedom when you move on from the family home. Imagine your own precinct where you can get good coffee at the nearby café before a …
Five things to do in retirement Whether you’re in the planning stages or already retired, there’s plenty on offer. Once you retire you might be wondering how you ever had time to work! But, assuming your health is in check, there are some interesting pursuits you might want to consider: Travel to an exotic destination – Join around 700,0001 other Aussie travellers who depart our shores annually. For instance, step outside your comfort zone to trek …
Should I repay my home loan or boost my super? Both options make good financial sense—we look at some pros and cons to help you decide. Retirement may not be as far off as it used to be. With this in mind, are you finding there’s a trade-off between home loan repayments and your retirement nest egg? Adding money to super has its advantages and so does paying off your home loan. So if you’ve …
