Top 10 common GST mistakes in BAS reports

It’s easy to make a mistake when preparing your BAS. The key is to be aware of common pitfalls so you can avoid them.  Thankfully, with online accounting software, preparing your own Business Activity Statement (BAS*) is easier. Even so, the ATO has identified a number of mistakes commonly made in the BAS reporting form. Here are … Read more

Handle your after-auction matters like a pro

There’s a bit to sort out once your auction has wrapped up. We’re here to guide you through the key financial to-do’s after your auction – whether you’ve sold or getting ready for round two after passing in.  What happens with the buyer’s deposit? How it’s paid As the seller, how the deposit gets paid is your call – … Read more

Super lump sum

You may be able to take your superannuation as a lump sum payment when you retire. This is usually tax-free from age 60. How a superannuation lump sum works Depending on your fund’s rules, you may be able to withdraw some or all of your superannuation (super) as a lump sum. If so, you can … Read more

Why investors shouldn’t fear October

By Tony Kaye, Senior Personal Finance Writer, Vanguard Australia After strong gains over most of this year, September proved to be a rocky month for global stock markets. The broader Australian market fell more than 2 per cent over the month, while the United States market suffered a fall of almost 5 per cent. That … Read more

How to claim a tax loss the right way

Generally, you make a tax loss when your business expenses are more than your income. Or more specifically, when your total deductions are more than your total assessable and net exempt income for an income year. If you make a tax loss, you may be able to: claim it in the current year carry it … Read more

Are you making the most of a redraw facility?

A redraw facility allows you to make overpayments on your home loan. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that, if you’re faced with an unexpected expense, you can redraw the extra payments. How a redraw works You can make extra deposits by increasing the amount of your regular payments. You can also deposit the occasional lump … Read more

Low interest rates require a strategic rethink

By Tony Kaye, Senior Personal Finance Writer, Vanguard Australia Australian interest rates aren’t likely to be rising in the near future. That was the continued message from the Reserve Bank of Australia this month when it announced it was keeping the official cash rate at a record low 0.1 per cent for the tenth month … Read more

Credit scores and credit reports

Lenders use your credit score (or credit rating) to decide whether to give you credit or lend you money. Knowing this can help you negotiate better deals, or understand why a lender rejected you. Your credit score is based on personal and financial information about you that’s kept in your credit report. You can access … Read more