Investing in markets means volatility. When done well, you are getting paid for taking on risk. So why is it that sharp drops in the market have such a visceral impact on us? We only have to go back to early February, when markets dropped...
Australia As anticipated, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) left domestic interest rates on hold a 1.50%. Official borrowing costs have been at this level since August 2016 – the longest period that Australian interest rates have remained unchanged. CPI data confirmed that inflation ran...
Changes in the superannuation contribution caps, which kicked-in last year, give an added reason to keep a close eye on your contributions. From 1 July 2017, the concessional (before tax) contributions cap was reset to $25,000 for everyone (irrespective of age). For those earning a salary in...
Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) trustees often ask themselves, “What is the right mix of investments for my SMSF?” It’s a very common question, and one that will need to consider individual preference and the time until retirement. The answer will not be the same for everyone,...
Introduction The Federal Treasurer, the Hon. Scott Morrison MP, delivered his third Federal Budget on 8 May 2018. Income tax cuts will be delivered over a six-year period, through a combination of tax rate threshold changes and tax offsets. With regard to superannuation, the maximum number of members...
The Royal Commission into the banking and financial services industry is only in its early stages yet the inquiry has already uncovered shocking revelations of dishonesty and misconduct within some of Australia’s largest financial institutions. To date, the Commission has heard evidence of appalling behaviour at...
Key Points: Geopolitical issues generate much interest as dinner party conversations but don’t necessarily have a significant impact on markets, apart from a bit of noise. But given a backlash against economic rationalist policies, the falling relative power of the US & the ability of...
It’s a common enough scenario facing many older Australians: you find yourself living alone, due to divorce or the death of a partner, and the kids have moved away – often interstate or overseas – leaving you with no close family nearby. If this describes...
Memory loss in your later years can be difficult, emotionally as well as financially. That's why having a conversation with your loved ones, or devising a plan early on, could broaden your options and at the same time, help ensure your wishes are met should...
Government proposals around improving housing affordability in Australia were passed through parliament on 7 December 20171. See what the new rules could mean for you. As part of the changes: first home buyers will be given a tax concession through the ability to save for a...
