Insights

What is a salary sacrifice arrangement? Salary sacrifice is an agreement with your employer to contribute a certain amount of your pre-tax salary or potential bonus into your super. The aim is to potentially reduce your tax and boost your super balance at the same time. The word sacrifice doesn’t really make this strategy sound … Read more

From Proverbs to John Lennon, many people have said it – and the last nine months have been a reminder of its truth: life happens when you are making other plans. While investors were worrying about the recession that sharply rising interest rates would surely lead to, fretting about the cost of living and waiting … Read more

Your superannuation investment grows through: your employer’s compulsory super guarantee contributions (concessional contributions) any voluntary contributions out of your pre-tax income, such as salary sacrifice and personal contributions you’re allowed as an income tax deduction (concessional contributions) any government super contributions you’re eligible for any voluntary contributions you or your spouse make out of after-tax income sources (non-concessional contributions). Your pre-tax income contributions … Read more

Step one: what are your financial pain points? When you start making plans, chances are you’ll both come across financial pain points. In other words, the areas that need some attention and possible alterations. These might include: post-wedding or honeymoon debts different earning capacities different savings goals different spending habits disagreements you’ve had in the … Read more

Key points: The Intergenerational Report 2023 released by Treasury gave Australians insight into the national economy from 2023 until 2062 – 2063 The care and support sector and its workforce were projected to double over the next 40 years The paid workforce participation rate was expected to dip from 66.6 percent to 63.8 percent, due … Read more

One of the biggest challenges first home buyers face at present is saving for a decent deposit. While there are definitely some advantages to buying as a couple compared to on your own, pooling your savings for a deposit can put a strain on even the most solid relationship. So here are some tips to … Read more

It has been a wild ride for the Australian dollar since the Covid-19 pandemic struck and that could mean good news or bad news for your investment portfolio. In March 2020 the Aussie dipped below US58 cents for the first time in a decade. Since then, a high of just over US77 cents in 2021 … Read more

If you find a transaction in your account that you don’t recognise, it could be unauthorised or mistaken. If you think something is wrong, contact your bank as soon as possible. Signs of unauthorised and mistaken transactions An unauthorised transaction is when someone transfers money from your account without your permission. A mistaken transaction is when when you pay … Read more

Preparing to retire is emotional and practical. Making a retirement plan can help you manage your finances, and cope better as your life and priorities change. Make a retirement plan Your retirement plan can be simple or detailed. Include: Timing — when you want to retire. This could change, but it’s good to have a starting … Read more

Iron ore has been the backbone of the Australian economy and many investment portfolios for much of the 21st century. Export of the commodity saw Australia evade recession both in the wake of the Global Financial Crisis back in 2008 and the Covid epidemic. In 2021, resources accounted for 68 per cent of Australia’s export … Read more

What is the First Home Owner Grant? The FHOG was introduced by the Federal Government in 2000 to assist first home buyers with purchasing a home. Since then, the rules around it have repeatedly changed. While the FHOG is a national scheme, it’s funded by the states and territories—and administered by each of them individually. … Read more