Tax concessions, the work test and getting it right with super | AMP Capital

Tax concessions, the work test and getting it right with super Workers compensation and income protection If you are in an employment arrangement and receiving: workers compensation payments from their employer or insurer, or income protection payments from their employer, insurer or super fund …you may still be gainfully employed and satisfy the work test even though you are not currently undertaking physical work providing any payment has a connection to your employment arrangement. If …

3 factors affecting Retirement income

3 factors affecting Retirement income High life expectancy and low interest rates may make it harder for some retirees to live long and prosper.  Here we look at three elements from an AMP Capital Investors reporti that affect a post-work reasonable income – interest rates, inflation, and longevity. 1. Interest rates – high valuations, low returns Historically low interest rates have driven valuations of defensive assets such as cash and fixed interest to unprecedented highs. Generally, …

Are you mentally ready for retirement?

Are you mentally ready for retirement? The first thing on most peoples’ minds when they think of retirement is: “When can I afford it?” and “How much money will I need?” But the question often not considered is: “Am I mentally ready for retirement?” Financial planners often bring this to the attention of their pre-retirement clients so they can help them make the transition. Chris Giaouris, CFP® and principal advisor at Chronos Private says the main points …

Psych yourself into saving

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 …

The true value of financial advice

The true value of financial advice Does investing in a financial planner really pay off? According to the latest research from Sunsuper you could be thousands of dollars better off when you make choices based on professional financial advice. Plus you’ll take more family holidays, have greater peace of mind and more confidence in your financial decisions. Teaming up with research experts, Core Data, Sunsuper have released The Value of Advice Report. Insights include financial forecasts …

Planning for a (much) longer life

Planning for a (much) longer life We generally need to make earnings from 40 to 50 years in the workforce extend across what could be 80 to 90 years of living. Australians today need to do something our parents and grandparents didn’t even think about – plan for a long life, and a new report shows the benefits of planning for longevity go beyond money matters. The gift of an extra decade Australians enjoy one of …

Investment bonds – a possible alternative to superannuation

Investment bonds – a possible alternative to superannuation Because many people can no longer put as much money into super, an investment bond may provide another way to save for retirement. On 1 July last year, the amount of money many Australians could put into superannuation was reduced as a result of the introduction of more restrictive contribution caps. Consequently, some people were left asking the question – I have money or I expect to …

What are “returns”?

What are “returns”?  You’ve heard people brag about the great “returns” they may be earning, but there is more than meets the eye when it comes to talking about returns. Just as the word suggests, returns are what comes back to you from your investments or savings. So if you’ve put money in the bank, your returns will include the interest you’ve earned over and above the money you invested. Total returns If you have successfully …

Investing for kids – ways to save for their future

Investing for kids – ways to save for their future Whether you’re thinking about childcare, education or beyond, saving even a bit now could make a big difference later. It’s natural to want the best for the children in your life, whether you’re their parent, step-parent, carer, aunty, uncle, grandparent or even godparent. And, while money won’t be the be all and end all when it comes to raising happy little humans, you’d probably agree …

The pros and cons of investment bonds

The pros and cons of investment bonds Also called insurance or growth bonds, investment bonds can be a tax-effective way to save for something big. If you’re saving for a particular goal, looking for an alternative to super, or want to ensure those who matter most are taken care of after you’re gone, investment bonds (also known as insurance or growth bonds) may have benefits while potentially reducing what you pay in tax. If you’re wondering how …