Five tax deductions to know about

Five tax deductions to know about You’re probably well aware you can claim a tax deduction for general work-related expenses. But did you know you may be able to claim if: 1. You take a course or study. You may be able to claim a portion of self-education expenses if it’s related to your ability to earn an income. 2. You travel to inspect your investment property. You may be able to claim for expenses …

Time to upgrade your ideas about retirement living?

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 …

Thinking about managing your own super?

Thinking about managing your own super? If you’re wondering what’s involved in self managed super and whether it’s a good option for you, here are some things to consider. There’s a lot to consider when it comes to managing a self managed super fund (SMSF). Setting up a compliant fund and managing your investments takes time and can give you the freedom to have more control over your future. Of course acting as a trustee …

How (and why) to talk to your adult children about insurance

How (and why) to talk to your adult children about insurance Adult children living at home. It’s the premise for many a zany Hollywood comedy. Men in their ‘30s or ‘40s living with their mums, modern city families having to move to their parents’ country homes, houses packed to the rafters with multiple generations. Surprisingly, it’s the reality for a number of Australian families. Retirees looking forward to comfortable, leisurely lifestyles are suddenly saddled with …

Let’s talk about money

  Let’s talk about money When it comes to analysing the state of Australian relationships, you can forget the bedroom. The really revealing behaviour takes place behind closed bank accounts. Let’s talk about money.. It is no secret that money is often at the heart of divorce and family disputes. Money has certainly not bought love for Australia’s richest person, Gina Rinehart who is locked in a bitter court battle with her children for control of …

4 Wise Quotes About Investing Money Explained

4 Wise Quotes About Investing Money Explained Investing money in the financial market is similar to surfing in an ocean. Hidden beneath the seemingly innocent ocean waters are sharks that can rip you apart in case you come near their territory. In the investment market, you are the surfer while the sharks are bad investments that can gobble up your precious savings within a matter of seconds. But you can save yourself from bad investments …

Things you need to know about personal insurance

  Things you need to know about personal insurance Personal insurance premiums have increased significantly over the past 18 months, running the risk that cost-conscious consumers might consider cutting back their cover. Suddenly those quick, off-the-shelf insurance products advertised on TV look enticing. But simple is not always cheaper, the cover may be inadequate or, worse still, may not pay out when you need it most. Underinsurance Personal insurance is a general terms for term …

All you need to know about buying at auction

All you need to know about buying at auction Five simple steps―and our checklist―can help you be ready for auction! Bidding for a property at auction can be stressful but you can reduce the stress involved. Before you consider bidding use our tips to make sure you’re prepared and know what to expect. Step 1: Work out the costs Working out how much you can afford to repay on a home loan plus all the …

Family matters: Becoming a parent

Family matters: Becoming a parent You often hear new parents say that having a baby is an amazing, life changing experience. Nothing is ever the same again! At a time when every aspect of your life is changing, the last thing you want to think about is money. But while there may not be ways to reduce the financial commitments, there are things you can do to plan and manage them more effectively. Common questions …

Family matters: Educating the kids

Family matters: Educating the kids A good education is one of the best gifts you can give your child, but although it doesn’t have to, it can cost a lot of money. A little research and planning now could save you some financial worries in the long run. The earlier you start to save the better. Common questions to consider Some questions you may wish to consider include: How much will my children’s education cost? …