SRS Advice | Strategic Retirement Solutions

Is this the end of the housing boom?

Posted at 14 May 2022 in General Interest by Strategic Retirement Solutions

Clearly the growth rates in the Australian housing market, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne, peaked some time ago – March last year. But prices have mostly been still rising, albeit at a slower pace. National average property prices now look likely to peak around mid-year and...

Volatility Bites: How Retirees can manage Jumpy Markets

Posted at 14 May 2022 in General Interest by Strategic Retirement Solutions

The 2020 COVID-19 share sell off and recent equity market volatility shows just how quickly share prices can move. Volatility can have different meanings for different investors, those with a long-term horizon can be less concerned, knowing they have time on their side. But what about...

Investment Market Outlook: Volatility Rises, Value Emerges

Posted at 14 May 2022 in General Interest by Strategic Retirement Solutions

With war in Eastern Europe, inflation surging and Covid lockdowns inhibiting industrial production in parts of China, investment markets faced a rising tide of volatility over the past quarter. Yet while this may feel like the worst of times, it may really be that the 14...

Economic update and market overview

Posted at 14 May 2022 in Economic Updates by Strategic Retirement Solutions

Introduction Inflationary forces continued to intensify in key regions, which suggested interest rates could be raised more quickly and more aggressively than previously anticipated. Government bond yields continued to rise sharply, resulting in negative returns from fixed income markets. The likelihood of rising borrowing costs also appeared to...

The RBA starts raising rates – how far and how fast? And what does it mean for investors?

Posted at 05 May 2022 in Economic Updates, General Interest by Strategic Retirement Solutions

Introduction For the first time since November 2010, the RBA has raised its official cash rate - from 0.1% taking it to 0.35%. This was above market expectations for a 0.15% hike and a bit closer to our expectation for a 0.4% move suggesting that the...

The 2022 – 2023 Federal Budget: What it means for you

Posted at 04 Apr 2022 in Federal Budget Updates, General Interest by Strategic Retirement Solutions

This year’s Federal Budget covers a range of measures aiming to reduce the pressure from increased costs of living and help more people into homes. Note: These changes are proposals only and may or may not be made law. Personal taxation Cost of living tax offset: The Low...

The escalation in Ukraine tensions – implications for investors

Posted at 24 Feb 2022 in Economic Updates, General Interest by Strategic Retirement Solutions

Key Points Ukraine tensions have escalated with Russia ordering troops into Ukraine regions already occupied by Russian separatists. Share markets are at high risk of more downside on fear of further escalation and uncertainty about sanctions/gas supply to Europe. The history of crisis events typically...

How does your pension live on after you die?

Posted at 22 Feb 2022 in General Interest, Superannuation by Strategic Retirement Solutions

Account-based pensions offer a flexible and tax-effective method of drawing a regular income stream from superannuation. They are an essential part of your overall retirement strategy and are usually used from retirement until death. But what happens to your tax-free account-based pension when you do...

Granny flat arrangements within the context of the gifting rules

Posted at 22 Feb 2022 in Centrelink, General Interest by Strategic Retirement Solutions

Retirees wanting to downsize their home may consider the option of living in a granny flat, or an extension to / spare room of a relative or friend's home. Money, the transfer of an asset or a combination of both, may be given as consideration for...

Should you use property to fund your retirement?

Posted at 22 Feb 2022 in General Interest by Strategic Retirement Solutions

Should you use property to fund your retirement? Superannuation, shares, property, cash, other investments; a dizzying number of options are available when it comes to living comfortably through retirement. Financial advisers often promote a diversified portfolio to reduce the risk of concentrating ‘all eggs in one basket’. ...