Self-managed super and property
Self-managed super funds have become a popular way for Australians to build their retirement savings. In fact they’re now the fastest growing segment of the superannuation market, with over one million of us now counted as members of an SMSF. Those members collectively hold more than half a billion dollars in superannuation assets, approximately 16% of which is invested in direct commercial and residential property.* Property, along with Australian shares (32%) and cash and term deposits (28%), make up the … Read More
Where there’s a Will, there’s a way!
As the saying goes where there’s a Will there’s a way! When it comes to leaving things for your family it needs to be a smart Will, otherwise, the tax man could end up being your largest beneficiary. Family succession planning is a strategy to control the way your estate is passed onto your beneficiaries in the most financially efficient and tax-effective way possible. Smarter than the average Will Having a Will is a good first step but it may … Read More
Budget for a very Merry Christmas
A bit of planning and forethought may help take the financial stress out of Christmas. Christmas is a happy time of year that brings people together but it can also be expensive. With a bit of early planning you may control your festive season spending. Here are some tips to help avoid a New Year financial blowout. Draw up a budget You know it makes sense, but it can seem a bit Scrooge-like. Start with the total amount you want to spend. … Read More
Keeping it in the family with self-managed super
Self-managed super funds have become a popular way for Australians to build their retirement savings. In fact they’re now the fastest growing part of the superannuation market, with more than one million of us being members of an SMSF. “There is no legal time limit on how long an SMSF can last,” says Robert. “As long as the Trust Deed is kept up to date, it can essentially keep going forever.” A self-managed super fund allows up to four people … Read More
New retirement saving opportunities for the over 55’s
In the ever-changing super landscape, new tax breaks often arise as governments attempt to create incentives to encourage people to self fund for retirement and then to utilise their super to create income streams that will last well into retirement. One such opportunity is the ‘transition to retirement’ rule aimed at the over 55’s. The transition concept is a significant shift from the old ‘work full time until you retire’ model. The transitional paradigm recognises that many may prefer to … Read More
Insurance and self-managed super: don’t get caught out!
Self-managed super funds are now the fastest growing part of the superannuation market in Australia, with more than one million of us being members of an SMSF. (Source: SMSF Association) SMSFs have become a popular way for Australians to build their retirement savings because they generally offer greater control and flexibility of your super investments. And while thousands of new self-managed funds are being established every year, there are some technical areas that can ‘trip up’ the average SMSF super member. … Read More
Significant changes to contribution limits to super could prove a challenge
The changes to super and tax laws proposed in this year’s federal budget, then revised and adjusted by the government in September, have been passed through Parliament and are mostly due to take effect from July 1, 2017. That means that you have until July to consider if there is any action you should take to make the most of current super rules or to comply with the upcoming changes. We take a look at some of the key changes … Read More
Are you ready to take full control over your super?
Self managed super funds have become a popular way for Australians to build their retirement savings. In fact they’re now the fastest growing part of the superannuation market, with more than one million of us being members of an SMSF. Thousands of SMSFs are being established every year and, with more than half a billion now invested, they represent about one-third of Australia’s total superannuation savings. (Self-managed super funds: A statistical overview 2012-13, Australian Taxation Office.) The popularity of SMSFs … Read More
Your Wealth Is In the Planning
You probably know the expression “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink”. Would it surprise you if I told you that I’ve found this to be true, in particular for people I meet who want to create wealth for their future, but never quite get started because life always seems to get in the way? You might have heard it all before, but have you made plans for a wealthy retirement? With a plan … Read More
How is YOUR Retirement Budget Going?
Forget about the surplus and deficit debate of the national economy, your job is to make sure your own finances are not just paying your way today, but also in the future. I’ve never seen anyone living the life of their dreams on a government pension. The truth is, you don’t have to, if you don’t want to! All you need to do is take control of your money and make it work for you. It is simple, but will … Read More