By Tony Kaye, Senior Personal Finance Writer, Vanguard Australia When it comes to investing, nothing speaks louder than actual results. The 2021 Vanguard Index Chart shows what investors would have achieved over 30 years from a starting balance of $10,000 invested into different asset types. The dollar returns are based on the measured returns of … Read more
Creating good saving habits takes practice and willpower – especially when there are so many ways to spend your money. But these strategies can help you (or your kids) become a successful saver and reach your goals sooner. Set up your savings plan in five simple steps 1. Look at what’s coming in, and what’s … Read more
How much tax you pay on your super contributions and withdrawals depends on: your total super amount your age the type of contribution or withdrawal you make If you inherit someone’s super after they die, the person’s super fund pays you a super death benefit. You may have to pay tax on some of this … Read more
Key points: Assessment teams will help you find the rights services to suit your care needs or basic help you require at home The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) may be your best option if you need basic help around the home A Home Care Package (HCP) is ideal if you require care services but … Read more
By Tony Kaye, Senior Personal Finance Writer, Vanguard Australia In early 2020, over just a few weeks, global share markets tumbled more than 35 per cent. Sparked by investor panic over the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus, it was one of the biggest-ever market downturns. Yet, by the end of last year, markets had … Read more
Many investors concentrate on building their nest egg during their working lives to pay or help pay for their retirement but fail to give enough attention to planning for a retirement that may last 25 years or longer. A lack of retirement planning makes retirees more financially vulnerable than necessary in numerous ways including the … Read more
JobKeeper payments are taxable, so you need to include them in your tax return. If you’re a sole trader, partnership, company or trust that’s received JobKeeper payments, we’ll contact you or your registered tax agent by early July to let you know: the total amount of JobKeeper payments your entity received since 1 July 2020, … Read more
If you’re aged 60 or over, own your home and need to access money, releasing equity from your home may be an option. There is risk involved and a long-term financial impact. Get independent financial or legal advice before you go ahead. How home equity release works ‘Equity’ is the value of your home, less … Read more
If you stay with the default super fund provided by your employer there’s a chance you’ll miss out on thousands in super. It makes sense to take a close look at your current super fund and consider whether your money could be working harder elsewhere. If you still have many years to go until you … Read more
By Tony Kaye, Senior Personal Finance Writer, Vanguard Australia The Australian Tax Office has started full processing of 2020-21 income tax returns, and its objective was to start paying refunds from mid-July. As an investor it’s important to understand what information you need to record in your next income tax return, particularly in relation to … Read more
Housing affordability is a huge issue. Working out whether to jump onto the property ladder or continue renting can be a confusing decision. We’ll go through some of the pros and cons of both options to help you make an informed decision. Renting: the pros Frees up your savings By choosing the renting life over … Read more
Most people can choose which super fund they’d like their super contributions paid into. You can go with your employer’s fund or choose your own. To find out if you can choose your super fund, check with your employer. Your employer will give you a ‘standard choice form’ when you start a new job. This … Read more