Four ways to make more retirement hay while the sun shines The latest AMP.NATSEM report, Going the distance: Working longer, living healthier, has found that although the pension age may rise to 70 if the Government’s proposed legislation passes, many people in their 60s simply aren’t going to be healthy enough to work that long. The report found that in 2035 one in four men and one in five women aged 60-69 are expected to …
How to make technology work for you Automate the boring things Set up direct debits so your bills are paid on time without having to remember all the due dates. And if your credit card is weighing you down, set up a regular payment and pay the full amount each month if you can to avoid more interest. Or at least pay the minimum monthly amount before the due date rolls around. You’ll have peace …
What’s your debt age now? The types of debt we have largely depends on our age and stage in life. For most of us, having debt in some form or another is an inescapable fact of life. And despite its reputation, debt is not necessarily a dirty word. If managed well, it can be a powerful tool to build wealth, and good debts, such as those used to invest in an asset which increases in …
What financial records do I need to keep? Ever feel like you’re drowning in a sea of paper? Tame the paperwork today and reap the rewards tomorrow. Life can be complicated enough without all the administrative paperwork that often accompanies it. This is particularly true when it comes to your personal finances. If stacks of old bank statements, utility bills, receipts, insurance and superannuation documents mean you can’t see the trees for the paper, de-clutter, …
Make the most of the current super caps Consider John and Jane’s story before new rules limit your super contributions and pension transfer options. John’s aged 65 and Jane is 60—they’re both about to retire. John has super assets totalling $2 million and Jane’s super balance is $300,000. Because neither has made a non-concessional contribution (NCC) recently, the three-year bring-forward rule hasn’t yet been triggered. That means John and Jane have a chance to take …
Is it better to buy an investment property or home first? There’s a lot to consider when making such an important purchase, especially for the first time. Have you been saving up for a long time and finally feel ready to get into the property market? Maybe you’re considering either buying a home to live in or investing in a property you can rent out. Either way, it’s worth knowing some more about both options …
Changes to super are coming into effect from July The clock is ticking and changes to the superannuation rules will come into effect on 1 July 2017. While the government will reduce the amount of money you can put into super from 1 July 2017, the good news is that you could still take advantage of opportunities before the financial year ends. See what you should be aware of and what the new laws could mean …
Sending more to the tax office than you should? Can you keep more money for yourself and work towards being better off from 2017? As the year-end fast approaches, it’s a good time to think about how you can start working towards being better off. Before the end-of-year holidays start shifting into full swing and before you know it you’re splurging your hard-earned money, take a moment to think about whether you can give yourself …
Thinking about managing your own super? If you’re wondering what’s involved in self managed super and whether it’s a good option for you, here are some things to consider. There’s a lot to consider when it comes to managing a self managed super fund (SMSF). Setting up a compliant fund and managing your investments takes time and can give you the freedom to have more control over your future. Of course acting as a trustee …
Should you own the roof over your head? When it comes to the rent-versus-buy debate, like many of our clients you may be weighing up the pros and cons. You might be thinking that you’d love to buy a house but it all seems out of reach right now. Are you asking whether it’s still a good idea to invest in property at all? You’re not alone. In today’s housing market, many people are considering …
