Can you afford a divorce?

Can you afford a divorce? With divorce happening later in life[1], Australians are taking the financial hit that comes with the end of marriage at a time when they’re at the peak of wealth accumulation. While saving money may not be a reason to stay together, it’s worth knowing what kind of impact divorce can have on your financial position. And if separation is on the cards, how can you limit the financial and emotional …

Australians reveal their priority goals

Australians reveal their priority goals Most Australians indicate their biggest life goal is a financial one, but many admit failing to plan is a roadblock. Increased household debt, record-high property prices and the aftermath of the global financial crisis have not impeded Australians’ belief in their ability to achieve their goals. In fact, an August 2016 research paper by The Financial Planning Association of Australia and McCrindle, showed four in five Australians were confident they could turn …

Press for progress on International Women’s Day

Press for progress on International Women’s Day International Women’s Day is a time for celebrating the achievements of women and the progress that’s been made towards gender equality.  March 8th is International Women’s Day. It’s a time to recognise the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, and the progress we’ve made as a society towards gender equality. It’s also a day for acknowledging the work that’s still to be done. This year’s theme …

What is the retirement age in Australia?

What is the retirement age in Australia? With no definitive retirement age in Australia, the date you exit the workforce will probably come down to personal circumstances and whether you can afford it. The age you retire in Australia isn’t set in stone. You can really retire whenever you want to, but health, financial commitments and your ability to fund the lifestyle you want will play a big part. For this reason, you may want …

How can I safeguard my ability to pay off my home loan?

How can I safeguard my ability to pay off my home loan? It’s not unusual that life can be smooth sailing one minute and throw you a curveball the next. You might be hit with an injury or illness, a reduction in income or redundancy, a separation from your partner, or even a death in the family—all of which can be difficult, emotionally as well as financially. If you happen to owe money on your …

How to cope with losing independence

How to cope with losing independence If you or a loved one is experiencing a loss of independence, you may be able to maintain a sense of control. Few, if any of us, look forward to losing independence. In fact, research reveals that 75% of older people feared losing independence while only 29% feared dying1. It also revealed that 44% were worried about moving into an aged care facility. Whether a physical, social or emotional …

Changes to super are coming into effect from July

Changes to super are coming into effect from July The clock is ticking and changes to the superannuation rules will come into effect on 1 July 2017. While the government will reduce the amount of money you can put into super from 1 July 2017, the good news is that you could still take advantage of opportunities before the financial year ends. See what you should be aware of and what the new laws could mean …

What does a comfortable retirement look like?

What does a comfortable retirement look like? How much money you’ll need will depend on a variety of things. Have you got a plan in mind for when you retire? Is it to travel overseas, hit more balls on the golf course or spend time with family and friends? Whatever your goals, you’ll need to have a plan for how you’re going to get there financially. Comfortable versus a modest retirement Everyone’s idea of how …

The virtue of (salary) sacrifice

The virtue of (salary) sacrifice When you make a sacrifice, you’re usually giving something up with the expectation of future gain. Salary sacrificing into your super is no different—you’re giving up ready access to your money in your take-home pay. But in return you’re boosting your retirement savings and saving on tax. You can pay extra cash into your super from your pre-tax salary at the concessional 15% rate of tax1 —up to a limit …

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 …