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.
Setting yourself up for success in the new financial year
The start of a new financial year is the perfect time to get your financial affairs in order. Whether it's tidying up your paperwork, assessing your portfolio or dealing with outstanding issues, there are plenty of practical actions you can take.
How to boost your Super before June 30th
As the end of the financial year approaches, now it is an excellent time to consider boosting your retirement savings by making additional contributions to your superannuation.
There are different types of contributions available, and each comes with different tax implications.
Getting your bounce back
Life is pretty frantic, and it is common to feel like it’s a struggle to keep up the pace. In fact, feeling exhausted is so common that it has its own acronym, TATT, which stands for "tired all the time".
While it’s somewhat comforting to know you’re not alone, it’s certainly not a nice feeling, so let’s look at some of the best ways to get some bounce back into your step.
Why an emergency fund delivers peace of mind
When life tosses up an unexpected event – such as retrenchment, a medical emergency or even just a big bill to fix the car – it can be nerve-wracking worrying about how to deal with the crisis. And, if funds are short, that just adds to the stress.
But imagine that you have a secret cash stash – an emergency fund – that will cover the costs, giving you the mental space to deal with the problem.
5 loan strategies to consider during higher interest rate periods
When interest rates are high, the mindset you have toward your loan should be different to when interest rates are lower.
Being able to make your ongoing repayments when rates are high is an achievement in itself.
Four powerful ways to build investing confidence
Emotions always play a role in investing. For some investors, especially newer ones, it can be hard to separate the idea of investing from “losing it all.” If you’re anxious or insecure about your investing plan, you could make heat-of-the-moment decisions during market downturns that might not be best for your long-term goals.
Is property investment for you?
When it comes to investing in real estate, equity is a key concept to wrap your head around. The Successful Investor’s Michael Sloan explains what equity is, and how you can use it to your advantage.
The cost of refinancing
Refinancing can be a great way to save money if you believe you are paying too much for your loan, but there is more to it than just finding a loan with a lower interest rate and making the change. Before making the switch, ensure the savings you could make outweigh the fees involved.
Retirement planning: it’s not all about the money
Retirement is often a massive life change for the majority of people who experience it. Most of us will have mixed emotions around the end of our working life and the beginning of our 'second half'. For some it will be a relief, and something they have long planned for and are looking forward to, but for others it will be a source of anxiety.
Why superannuation funds fees matter
The fees you pay on your super could have a material impact on how you retire, which is why it's important to understand how they work.
A quick internet search of the term “super fees” turned up other questions people ask, including “what fees are charged on superannuation?”, “do all super (funds) have fees?” and “how do you calculate super fees?”.
A financial safety net through super
Most super funds offer life, total and permanent disability (TPD) and income protection insurance for their members.
When reviewing your insurance, check if you're covered through your super fund. Compare it with what's available outside super to find the right policy for you.