Borrowing to invest, also known as gearing or leverage, is a risky business. While you get bigger returns when markets go up, it leads to larger losses when markets fall. You still have to repay the investment loan and interest, even if your investment falls in value. Borrowing to invest is a high-risk strategy for … Read more
Navigating complex family relationships and blended families can be challenging at times and particularly when a family member dies. A good estate plan can help to make sure your wishes are carried out when you die. An estate plan, of which a will is the first and most important part, can ensure your estate is … Read more
What is redraw? Let’s say you’ve made a habit of paying more than your minimum scheduled home loan repayments. This means you’ll have money available to take back out – if you want to. This process is known as redraw. You can use this money to pay for sudden expenses, or planned things such as: … Read more
While we all hope for good health, the reality is that some of us may struggle at times with sickness or injury. And that may affect your family’s financial wellbeing. Different types of life insurance or personal insurance can provide an income when you’re unable earn, or a lump sum to protect your loved ones … Read more
Why it’s so important to talk about your finances According to this research1, one in two Australians don’t sit down regularly to look at their finances and one in three say that money is a source of conflict in their relationship. To put conversations about money back on the table, Australians should sit down for … Read more
In the space of 18 months – interest rates have risen regularly – which has seen plenty of positively or neutrally geared investment properties slip into negative territory. After a significant jump in the cash rates, savvy investors are now rethinking their medium to long-term strategies. While some property investors actively choose a negative gearing … Read more
What is creditworthiness? It might be a bit of a mouthful, but the concept of creditworthiness is simple enough to understand. The term refers to a person or company considered suitable to receive credit – mainly due to being reliable in paying money back in the past, as well as having enough funds to stay … Read more
About downsizer contributions If you are 55 or older, you may be able to contribute up to $300,000 from the proceeds of the sale (or part sale) of your home into your superannuation fund. A downsizer contribution is a non-concessional contribution, but it doesn’t count towards the contribution cap. It will not affect your total … Read more
Diversification is an investment strategy that lowers your portfolio’s risk and helps you get more stable returns. You diversify by investing your money across different asset classes — such as shares, property, bonds and private equity. Then you diversify across the different options within each asset class. For example, if you buy shares, you buy … Read more
If you own a rental property or holiday home, work out if your rental arrangements are for an investment or a business. Common rental arrangements Common rental arrangements include where you: rent part of the property (rent out a room) rent the property for part of the year have a domestic arrangement with family members … Read more
Check the income to declare, when to report a loss, and deductions you can claim for managed investment trusts. Types of managed investment trusts Managed investment trusts include: cash management trusts money market trusts mortgage trusts unit trusts managed funds, such as a property trust, share trust, equity trust, growth trust, imputation trust or balanced … Read more
Why invest in property? What makes this such a popular option? You can earn rental income plus benefit from capital growth. What’s different for investors vs. homeowners? Stamp duty If you’re an investor you’ll also pay stamp duty, which varies, depending on your state. This is based on your property’s purchase price and is often … Read more