Offset accounts are a very popular option with home loan borrowers and for very good reason. Let’s start with how they work………… Offset accounts are set up much the same way a traditional savings account and the account holder can literally transact through it as you would with a traditional savings account. But they have…
Read more
Are all Lenders the same ?? The answer to this question is a resounding NO. Not only within the traditional banking sector, but even between the big four themselves, there are differences of approach. These differences can be subtle but some are not so subtle. One obvious example may be a particular bank’s expertise with…
Read more
Over the last few years we saw lenders add premiums to interest rates for Investment Home Loans and then add even higher premiums for Interest Only Loans (also once the most common repayment setting for Investment Home Loans). Hence it’s understandable that borrowers could come to the conclusion that lenders had “gone off” Investment Loans,…
Read more
The Fixed Rate Cliff I am sure that most of you reading this will have also read recently about what the media are describing as a “Fixed Rate Mortgage Cliff”. Well what is it ?? Historically, far more Home Loan borrowers elect to remain on variable rates rather than taking up a fixed rate option.…
Read more
You reap what you sow, or so the saying goes, but do you ever feel like what you put in just doesn’t amount to what you get out? Whether you’re visiting Farm Fantastic as a keen gardener, hobby farmer or agricultural guru, getting the right advice on your accounting, tax and finance matters can see…
Read more
NEW OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD WEALTH The 1 July 2017 super reforms have opened up a fantastic new opportunity to build wealth in super and reduce your tax bill at the same time. That is, it’s now easier to claim a tax deduction on your personal super contributions than ever before.
Giving a child a good education is one of the best things you can do as a parent or grandparent. But what if you weren’t around to help make it happen? Fortunately, you can put plans in place in your Will to make sure your children’s or grandchildren’s inheritance goes towards their education.
Whether you’re looking for a holiday away from the daily grind or a longer adventure as part of your retirement plans exploring this great southern land is a must. From the aqua blue waters of the Great Barrier Reef to the breathtaking burnt red of our rich, dusty centre, caravanning is a great way to…
Read more
Are your purchases costing you more than you expected? Managing debt and finances to meet your day-to-day requirements as well as your long-term goals can be a complex task. Not all debt is bad, but understanding your level of debt, as well as the type of debt incurred, will help you manage it better. Borrowing…
Read more
Are you the ‘better safe than sorry’ or a ‘she’ll be alright’ type when it comes to insurance? Many people view insurance protection as a ‘waste of money’ or ‘an ongoing cost that you don’t get anything back from’? Shockingly, many people are more likely to insure their car than they are their lives.
Here’s a recipe for a basic financial plan: Take one or more income sources and pour into a big pot. Add appropriate amounts of life, income protection and permanent disability insurance. Simmer for a few decades while slowly adding superannuation contributions and a dollop of non-super savings. Stir in some constructive debt, but take care…
Read more
The “downsizer contribution” is proposed to allow individuals to contribute up to $300k of the proceeds from the sale of a residence owned by a person or their spouse to their Super. The property must be located in Australia and have been owned by the individual, their spouse or former spouse for at least a…
Read more
There are many reasons to consider setting up a family trust but it is important to understand what they are and what benefits they can provide before making the move.
Beat the urge to splurge The urge to buy something on impulse can be strong for a lot of reasons – it’s a bargain, you deserve it, or just because it’s right there. However, impulse buying can become a problem if it means you spend more than you earn. Here are our tips on how…
Read more
It is fast approaching the 30th of June so now is the time to run through a checklist of what you need to do prior to the end of the financial year.
To retire comfortably, your employer’s 9.5% contributions to your super may not be enough. By making extra contributions, you will boost the amount of super you have when you stop working. The key though is to start now so you can relax later. Why grow your super? There are lots of good reasons why you…
Read more
More than 300,000 part-pensioners will either suffer a cut in their payments or lose access under new asset test rules coming into effect on 1January 2017. Under the deal struck between the Coalition and the Greens, more than 90 per cent of pensioners will be better off or have no change to their payment.
