Author: Darren Foster
Downsizing your home? Understanding the downsizer contribution
Downsizing the family home is often part of the longer-term financial plans for many older Australians. But did you know that you could consider investing the proceeds of the sale of your family home to your super – depending on your age and circumstances – as a downsizer contribution?
Retirement Realities: Five Tips for Rebuilding a Super Future
Australians will need to rebuild their superannuation and retirement savings, after withdrawing more than $36 billion in early super release payments in 2020, according to Colonial First State’s Retirement Realities Series.
Adding more to your retirement savings: is it worth it?
There’s no denying that being proactive with your super may be key to increasing your retirement savings. As an investment vehicle, super can offer significant benefits thanks to the magic of compounding interest. It also provides one of the best tax structures available.
The 101’s of Self Managed Super Funds: some basics and benefits explained
In the right hands, a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) can be a beneficial way to build wealth for retirement. Whilst they are not for everyone, it is important that when thinking of starting an SMSF, individuals need to understand the benefits and responsibilities they take on by having an SMSF.
How much do I need in my emergency fund?
In these uncertain times, it pays to have money set aside to give you peace of mind that if your income drops, you still have ample funds to pay for your everyday expenses until you get back on your feet again.
Economic update and market commentary
The Covid situation took a turn for the worse, as spiralling infections saw new lockdowns introduced in Australia. The government has suggested all restrictions can be lifted once 70% of the adult population has been fully vaccinated. Until then, the outlook for economic activity levels has deteriorated.
A family affair: Children, super contributions and SMSFs
The potential increase in members from four to six a in self-managed fund has led to many to consider about whether it is worthwhile to have children as members of the parents’ or ‘family’ SMSF. The options are: should the kids join the fund, have their own, or go elsewhere to an industry or retail fund.
Good news – Super contribution caps to rise
On 1 July 2021, both the concessional and non-concessional superannuation contribution limits, also known as ‘super contribution caps’, will rise.
This is good news because this is the first time these limits have changed since 1 July 2017, when the concessional contributions cap was reduced to $25,000 pa for the 2017/2018 financial year and onwards.
Learning the lessons of 2020: An extraordinary year
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Australia in March 2020 it brought immediate and severe financial gloom. Shares plunged 37% and the economy slumped to its first recession in nearly 30 years. However against that backdrop, 2020 turned out far better for diversified investors than initially feared.
Why insurance is important: real benefits for you and your family
Insurance plays a central role in providing financial security for you and your family when it’s needed most.
You insure your car and your home. But nothing is more important than your life and your ability to make a living. So it makes good sense to insure your greatest asset – you!
Saving for your child’s future
As every parent knows (even before they become one), raising a child isn’t cheap. And those expenses don’t necessarily stop once they reach 18. Parents often hope to help their adult children with significant financial milestones in life too.
In this article we look at some of the main expenses for parents, how you can start saving for your child’s future and the different ways to go about it.
Economic Update and Market Commentary
Risk assets including equities and credit continued to power ahead in April. Locally, the share market and the Australian dollar were supported by rising commodity prices.
Investors continued to monitor Covid cases and the pace of vaccine rollouts worldwide. Thankfully there remain very few infections in Australia, although rising numbers elsewhere has provided a reminder that the pandemic is far from over.