Make the most of the current super caps

Make the most of the current super caps Consider John and Jane’s story before new rules limit your super contributions and pension transfer options. John’s aged 65 and Jane is 60—they’re both about to retire. John has super assets totalling $2 million and Jane’s super balance is $300,000. Because neither has made a non-concessional contribution (NCC) recently, the three-year bring-forward rule hasn’t yet been triggered. That means John and Jane have a chance to take …

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 …

Where’s the best place to put your money?

Where’s the best place to put your money? When it comes to deciding between super and your home loan there’s a lot to consider. If you’re paying off your home loan but you also understand the value in building up your super, you may find yourself trying to balance your present needs with those you’ll have in your future. So how can you straddle the short and long terms and give yourself the best of …

Super changes from July 2017

Super changes from July 2017 How will they impact you? We cover some of the factors to be aware of given changes have just passed in parliament and are due to become superannuation law. Earlier this year, the Federal Budget announcement included a proposal to introduce changes to super bigger than the likes of anything we’ve seen in almost a decade. Then, in September the government announced some significant adjustments to its proposal. The revised …

Five tips for happy healthy ageing

Five tips for happy healthy ageing The best ways to sustain or improve physical, mental and financial wellbeing in your pre and post retirement years are sometimes the simplest. If you’re in or approaching retirement, you may be surprised to know when it comes to living a longer life and leading a healthier and more active lifestyle, the best methods are often easy tasks you can turn into everyday habits. As Australians have one of …

Changes to the Age Pension assets test

  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 …

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 …

Five things to do in retirement

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 …