New rules to benefit those downsizing for retirement

New rules to benefit those downsizing for retirement Downsizers can now make an after-tax contribution to their super of up to $300,000, using the proceeds from the sale of their main residence. Australians aged 65 and over who are downsizing for retirement can now contribute the proceeds from the sale of their main residence (up to $300,000) into super1. We take a look at what this could mean for you, bearing in mind that like with …

Financial planning for business owners

Financial planning for business owners With the freedom you get from running your own business comes the responsibility for generating your own income and building your enterprise into something you can retire on. We talked to CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional Steven Monaco, Associate Director at Hood Sweeney, about how financial advice can help you look forward to a better future for you and your business. Why is good financial advice particularly important when you run …

What can I do in my 30s to prepare for the future? (Video)

What can I do in my 30s to prepare for the future? (Video)  Louise Lakomy CFP® Louise has a wide range of experience and depth of knowledge in all facets of financial planning providing advice over 15 years specialising in retirement strategies. As part of the Financial Planning Association’s Ask a Planner video series, Louise Lakomy CFP® answers the commonly asked question, “What can I do in my 30s to better prepare for the …

Retirement planning – make the most of your money

Retirement planning – make the most of your money Little things can make a big difference to how long your money lasts in retirement. When it comes to retirement planning, you’ll want to make the most of your money, after all you don’t want to fritter away the savings you’ve worked all your life to achieve. So, whether you’re living a comfortable or modest lifestyle in retirement, there are still ways to make your money go further …

Now’s the time for tax planning

Now’s the time for tax planning With less than ten weeks remaining to the end of the financial year, now is the time to start some serious tax planning. Getting ready for tax time should go well beyond bundling receipts into a shoe box for your accountant. The run up to 30 June is a critical time for investors to take a good look at their investment portfolio. Your goals and needs may have shifted …

Planning for a (much) longer life

Planning for a (much) longer life We generally need to make earnings from 40 to 50 years in the workforce extend across what could be 80 to 90 years of living. Australians today need to do something our parents and grandparents didn’t even think about – plan for a long life, and a new report shows the benefits of planning for longevity go beyond money matters. The gift of an extra decade Australians enjoy one of …

Putting yourself first when planning for retirement

Putting yourself first when planning for retirement You know when you’re on a plane about to take off and the cabin crew is demonstrating the safety procedures? They always say affix your own oxygen mask before trying to help anybody else attach theirs – children included. Research from the National Seniors Survey for 2017 has found that it is no longer a priority for many older Australians to leave an inheritance for their kids. With growing concerns …

The power of financial planning

  The power of financial planning As father to his two beautiful children, a 21 month-old son and a new baby daughter, Dante De Gori has a whole new perspective on his priorities in life. Here he talks about how he’s preparing for the future and just how important a financial plan is to achieving important goals for him and his family. A different lens on life Two years ago Dante De Gori took on …

Planning is the key to making it financially

Planning is the key to making it financially If you’ve paid off your home, have a healthy stash of super and take an overseas holiday each year, you’ve made it financially. That’s the view of many Australians according to recent research.  A study by comparison site Finder found paying off the mortgage is the financial milestone 74% of Australians value most.  Having enough in super to retire comfortably comes a close second for 59% of …

Planning to avoid financial mistakes

Planning to avoid financial mistakes Selling shares when prices have tumbled or buying a house at the height of a property boom only to dispose of it when the market falls are among the financial set-backs that can happen to anyone on the road to retirement. Everyone makes mistakes during their investment lifetime; the trick is to avoid them when you can and learn from the ones you can’t. Have a plan Failing to plan …