Superannuation and the financial ties that bind

Superannuation and the financial ties that bind   They say, only one thing in life is certain.  And while we would rather plan our next holiday than consider what’s going to happen when we die, it is one inevitable event that we should all plan for. When someone dies, it’s a very difficult time for all the family.  A Will provides some assurances as to how our money will be distributed.  But what about superannuation?  …

Living longer, working longer and super balances larger

Living longer, working longer and super balances larger Australians with the best life expectancy in history will have to work longer in order to be able to fund their retirement. But research has found only half of all working Australians will be healthy enough to work in to their golden years. The latest AMP.NATSEM report, Going the distance: Working longer, living healthier, has found the majority of Australians have less than a 50 per cent …

Women need a plan for ‘early’ retirement

Women need a plan for ‘early’ retirement  We know women generally live longer than men, but new research shows the majority of Australian women are unlikely to work past the age of 65, making it more important than ever for them to take control of their finances early and plan appropriately for life after work. The latest AMP.NATSEM Report, Going the distance: Working longer, living healthier, has revealed the gender gap in the Australian workforce …

Saving is a family affair

Saving is a family affair You eat together, play together and live under the same roof – so why not save together? While many parents bear the brunt of their brood’s finances, it’s a good idea to consider making household saving a family affair by involving kids in the process.   With the cost of living on the rise, many Australian families are finding it hard to keep up with today’s growing list of expenses. …

Four ways to make more retirement hay while the sun shines

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 …

Government pulls back on proposed changes to super

Government pulls back on proposed changes to super The government has announced changes to three key 2016 Federal Budget proposals—the most significant being that it would not go forward with its proposal to introduce a $500,000 lifetime cap on non-concessional (after-tax) super contributions. In a nutshell the new proposals include: From 1 July 2017, the existing annual cap of $180,000 on after-tax super contributions will be reduced to an annual cap of $100,000. The proposed …

Put your backyard to work

Put your backyard to work Across Australia, the granny flat is currently experiencing somewhat of a construction boom. And it’s not hard to see why. Rising property prices, coupled with an ageing population, have resulted in an increased demand for multi-generational and multi-dwelling living. These popular and relatively affordable buildings offer considerable lifestyle benefits for homeowners. At an average cost of $100,000i, they can be used as a home office, a teenage retreat or even …

Ways to grow your Super, Value of Advice and More

Ways to grow your Super, Value of Advice and More 1. Five ways to grow your super Are you looking for ways to boost your super account balance? Watch our video (3.01) and hear how Greg Elias, an AMP Client Adviser, explain five ways his client could grow their super to save for a comfortable retirement. He discusses five ways to grow super: 1. Bring together all your super accounts 2. Choose your super fund …

Time to sell the family home?

Time to sell the family home? With children gone and things slowing down it may be time to downsize. When you’ve got a family a big house with plenty of room may make sense. But these days a smaller place may suit you better. Dreams of a change may be beckoning… you may be yearning to wake up to the smell of eucalyptus or doze off with an evening sea breeze. And if you have …

Phone security: get switched on

Phone security: get switched on Keep your money, identity and personal information safe Have you ever left your phone behind? It’s an odd feeling—like part of you is missing. And even though you’ll only feel right with it back in your hand, if your phone’s secure you’ll have peace of mind that your money and identity are safe in the meantime. Make sure your phone’s not susceptible to viruses and, if lost or stolen, that …