How iron ore plays a big part in our economy
Iron ore has been the backbone of the Australian economy and many investment portfolios for much of the 21st century.
In 1921, iron ore accounted for 68 per cent of Australia’s export revenue. This was the year that iron ore prices peaked at almost $US230 a tonne.i
However, its growth as an export icon really took off with the first shipment of iron ore from the Pilbara in Western Australia in 1966.
How to boost your super with a lump sum
If you’re lucky enough to have received a windfall, perhaps an inheritance or a retrenchment payout, your first decision will be what to do with it.
Assuming you have decided against a shopping splurge, finding the best place to invest a lump sum is all about the effect on your tax bill and how soon you will need access to the funds.
The automotive industry sparking up with electric vehicles
With electric vehicles fast overtaking petrol driven cars in sales in Australia, what are the considerations for the industry, the environment, and consumers?
The popularity of electric vehicles has been a long time coming. While electric vehicles may just be giving petrol driven cars a run for their money now, the technology has been around for centuries.
How to save for your child’s education
Education is a wonderful gift that parents can provide to their children as it opens doors to a brighter future.
If you are considering private schools, it is essential to plan in advance though. With the rising costs of education and various expenses associated with that, these costs can quickly add up to $40,000 a year.
But don’t worry, we are here to help you navigate through it.
In this article, our adviser Leandro Bonin covers ways you can save effectively for your child's education, avoid common pitfalls and ensure a secure financial future.
How can I apply for a Higher Level Home Care Package?
As we age, we may require additional support to maintain our independence and quality of life. For many seniors, this can involve accessing home care services that help with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, and personal care. One way to access more comprehensive home care services is by applying for a higher level home care package.
The importance of SMSF succession planning
Preparing for loss of capacity or death is vital for SMSF members. It's important to ensure your trust deed is watertight.
There are more than 600,000 self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) in Australia, managing close to $900 billion of assets on behalf of over a million Australians.
7 things you need to know about burnout
As any small business owner knows, entrepreneurship can be all-consuming. Juggling jobs and wearing multiple hats can soon leave business owners with little time for anything else. But ignoring your mental health and wellbeing comes at a cost and that cost is burnout, writes results coach and change facilitator Sue Giacobbe.
Making conscious the unconscious for better decisions
When you’re faced with a decision, do you trust your feelings or do you look at the situation objectively, making a careful list of pros and cons? Emotions exert a strong influence on our decisions, so it’s important to have a bit of balance between reason and emotion – particularly when it comes to the big decisions in life.
Managing the costs of raising children
It is a special feeling to welcome a new child or grandchild into the world and watch them grow. Sharing their joy as they reach new milestones is priceless.
Of course, there is a real cost – raising a child is expensive, particularly now as the cost-of-living spirals higher.
Will these super changes affect you?
As our superannuation balances grow larger, it makes more sense than ever to keep track of the many rules changes that have recently happened.
So, check out these latest changes in case they affect you.
Options and costs of government-funded aged care
If you need help in your home, or can no longer live independently, the Australian Government provides a range of aged care services.
These services are subsidised, but you need to contribute to the cost if you can afford to.
Planning to retire
If you're planning to retire, you need to consider:
your age including if you have reached your preservation age
when you can access your super
how much tax you will pay on amounts you receive
if good leaver conditions apply if you are part of an Employee Share Scheme
if the retirement capital gains tax concession applies, if you sell your small business.
How super contributions and withdrawals are taxed
How much tax you pay on your super contributions and withdrawals depends on:
your total super amount
your age
the type of contribution or withdrawal you make
Banking on the Age Pension
The ranks of Australians receiving the Age Pension are increasing. It’s important to understand who is eligible and its role in retirement planning.
What is a reverse mortgage?
A way for retirees to unlock the equity in their homes.
The reverse mortgage or equity release loan is a relatively new mortgage product that has been created for retirees who are asset-rich but cash-poor.
What to do if you’ve been scammed
Think you have been scammed? These steps will help you take action quickly to stop the scammers and limit the damage.
Know that you are not alone and you can recover from this. There is support available, if and when you need it.
Anticipate your future before gifting
Many retirees may want to help younger family members by gifting part of their savings. But if things go wrong in the future, the joy may turn to grief.
Why more Aussies are turning their back on the McMansion
Australians are increasingly “thinking small” when it comes to buying a home and cracking the property market. And with perks like affordability, more desirable locations, and lower maintenance, it’s little wonder why.
Sowing the seeds for a happy retirement
The thought of retirement is an enticing one for many of us. Imagine throwing off the shackles of the workforce and being able to do whatever you want, whenever you want. But why wait until you are retired to do the things you love?
Who needs a testamentary trust?
The rising cost of living is grabbing all the attention right now as people struggle to pay the increasing prices. But in the meantime, our collective wealth has been growing steadily and is being transferred to the next generation at increasing rates.