An account-based pension offers regular, flexible and tax-effective income from your superannuation. You can get one when you reach ‘preservation age’ (between 55 and 60). It lasts as long as your super money does, but is not a guaranteed income for life. How an account-based pension works An account-based pension (or allocated pension) is a … Read more
1. Try a working bee What better excuse to have a barbecue than with a working bee? Get family, friends, neighbours and co-workers together to turn mundane jobs into an afternoon of fun (and toil). Get them painting bedrooms, polishing decks or hammering shelves—while you repay them with a drink and a BBQ. 2. Check … Read more
A transaction account is an account you use for day-to-day banking such as paying bills and getting your wages. Transaction accounts are often called ‘everyday accounts’. When you choose a transaction account, compare the account features and choose a no-fee or low-fee account. What to look for in a transaction account Most transaction accounts come … Read more
Your super fund invests your money for you. Most funds let you choose from a range of investment options, from conservative to growth. It’s worth taking the time to check your options and decide what’s right for you. The options you choose can make a big difference to how your super grows. You can find … Read more
According to a report in Bloomberg recently, while Vanguard data show a portfolio with 60 equities/fixed income mix returned an average 9.1% a year from 1926 to 2020, JP Morgan Asset Management recently estimated it will return just 3.7% over the next decade. Why? In a world where 85% of developed-market government bonds are yielding … Read more
As you get closer to retirement, you’ll start to wind down and want to work less without compromising your lifestyle. That’s where a Transition to Retirement Pension (TRP) could work for you. It could help you through the next stage of life when you’re not quite ready to give up working yet. Work less for … Read more
Many business owners start out as sole traders. As a sole trader, you – the business owner – are the business. You have a registered business name, an Australian Business Number (ABN), and if turnover exceeds $75,000 p.a., you are registered for GST, writes Rolf Howard, Managing Partner at Owen Hodge Lawyers. You still only … Read more
Insurance can help cover costs if your pet gets sick or hurt. Make sure you know it will cover your pet’s needs and the full costs before you take out a policy. Types of pet insurance The different types of pet insurance and how they work. Accident-only insurance Covers vet costs if your pet is … Read more
By Robin Bowerman, Head of Corporate Affairs, Vanguard Australia Anyone with a healthy superannuation balance heading into retirement in February 2020 would have felt relatively confident that they were both mentally and financially ready for the next chapter in life. But fast forward a few weeks and that confidence might have been shaken somewhat as … Read more
Rental yield – essentially the rate of rental income returned against the costs of an investment property is a great indicator of a property’s investment potential. But you need to keep things in perspective when you factor it into your decision to purchase property. Calculating rental yield A good first step in examining rental yield’s … Read more
By Balaji Gopal, Head of Personal Investor 1. Evaluate where you’re at financially Before beginning your investment journey, it’s important to sit down and map out your financial position and goals so that you know where you are and exactly what you’re working towards. Start by looking at your savings, income, living expenses and personal … Read more
A personal loan lets you borrow money to pay for something special, like a holiday, car or home renovations. You have to repay it with interest over a fixed term, usually between one and seven years. Getting the best deal on a personal loan can save you thousands in interest and fees. Looking for a … Read more