Endangered first home buyers in crosshairs

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The September quarter edition of the Adelaide Bank/Real Estate Institute of Australia Housing Affordability Report shows a slight decline in housing affordability nationally with the proportion of median family income... Read more continue reading

Utilising Investment Bonds to maximise your age pension entitlements post 1 January 2017

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Overview From 1 January 2017, there are changes to the assets test taper rates and thresholds; this means many couples and individuals could lose part or all of their age... Read more continue reading

Did you know that the terms of a Will can be changed – or even ignored?

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If the deceased’s Will conflicts with the family’s current circumstances or with the wishes of the beneficiaries they can take steps to change it. There are many reasons why such... Read more continue reading

Seniors need to carefully consider their options under the new Assets Test

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Seniors should consider their situation carefully if they find their Age Pension has been adversely impacted by the new Age Pension Assets Test that comes into effect on January 1,... Read more continue reading

Changes to superannuation – the end of unlimited, tax effective superannuation

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“Now that the Government has finalised legislation for super reforms, there is some certainty over the changes that will come into place on 1st July 2017. “What the legislation shows... Read more continue reading

When is it a viable option to open your own SMSF?

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Starting your own self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) has been a hot topic for over a decade now. In my time as a Financial Planner, I am observing that the age... Read more continue reading

When cash may be the risky option

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Despite term deposit rates scraping the lowest point in many years, the amount of cash on deposit by Australian investors has increased exponentially since the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) and... Read more continue reading

The most important thing you (probably) didn’t know you could do with your Will

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Choosing the person who will take care of your children should you pass away before they are 18 is, for most, one of the most important decisions you will ever... Read more continue reading

Bonds, Bunds & Bubbles – is the 30-year bond cycle over?

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“Yields on 10-year US Treasuries have fallen to 2.4% – a level that was unseen even in the Great Depression. This is ‘return-free risk’, said bond guru Jim Grant. It... Read more continue reading

The path to winding up an SMSF

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Winding up a SMSF may occur for a number of reasons but what needs to be done and what documents need to be prepared? There is a compliance/legal path to... Read more continue reading