Sending more to the tax office than you should? Can you keep more money for yourself and work towards being better off from 2017? As the year-end fast approaches, it’s a good time to think about how you can start working towards being better off. Before the end-of-year holidays start shifting into full swing and before you know it you’re splurging your hard-earned money, take a moment to think about whether you can give yourself …
What happens to my super when I die? As uncomfortable as it can be to think about, no one lives forever. And because you’ve worked hard to earn your super money, you’ll want to make sure that when the time comes, your remaining super goes to your loved ones. Like many people, you may not know that your super money isn’t covered in your will. Or how to make sure your money goes to the …
7 tips on how to retire early Are you dreaming about early retirement, but unsure how to go about it? You might be surprised to learn that Aussies are retiring earlier, with 25% of men retiring before age 55 and 50% retiring between 55 to 64 years. For women, the figures are higher, with 55% stopping work before they reach 55 and 36% retiring between the ages of 55 and 64 years1. But while these …
Distributing your assets What is estate planning? Estate planning is about wealth succession – a way to help protect the wealth you have built over your lifetime, so that it is distributed according to your wishes following your death…. Read More>>> Download the free PDF file
Remember to factor in parental subsidies at tax time While you’re sorting your income and expenditure at tax time, make sure you know what you’re entitled to as a parent, carer or grandparent. When the cost of raising kids is ever-increasing, every little bit helps and a bigger tax return is generally welcome. These days just sending a child to school comes with mounting costs, regardless of the type of school they go to. It’s …
Maintaining your lifestyle What is retirement income? During your working life you receive regular income in the form of a salary or business income. In retirement, this regular income stops, so you need to draw on your savings to meet your lifestyle costs. You set up your savings so you still receive regular payments, just like a salary. This is called a ‘retirement income stream’. The type of income stream you can start at retirement …
How do transition to retirement strategies work? A transition to retirement strategy could allow you to work less, or work the same hours and increase your superannuation, without reducing your take-home pay. Even if you’re nearing retirement age you mightn’t be looking to leave the workforce just yet. Maybe you want to save more money or perhaps you enjoy the interaction and mental stimulation. Whatever the reason, a transition to retirement (TTR) strategy could provide …
Act quickly before June 30 – to reap the benefits The recent Budget announcements could reduce your ability to contribute to super and its associated tax benefits. This time next year, new laws may have passed as a result of the recent Budget announcements. That means, super will more than likely be a different environment than it is today. The bottom line is you may not have the tax advantages or financial opportunities that are …
Protecting your wealth What is insurance? Insurance is a form of protection – a way to protect yourself, your family and the things you own if something goes wrong. It enables you to replace or repair your assets, whether those assets are your belongings or your capacity to earn income. Everybody’s circumstances are different, but insurance is important for everybody. Your need for insurance will change as you move through the different stages of your …
The Budget. What does it mean for you? This year’s Budget proposes the biggest changes to super in almost a decade. The proposed changes mainly affect contributions rules and the tax breaks available in super. If the Budget comes into effect, it would be after new laws are passed—then the proposed measures would take effect until 1 July 2017. Who’s better off? The changes announced for super contributions rules will generally be welcome news …
