Estate planning gives you a final say

Estate planning gives you a final say

Planning for what happens when you pass away or become incapacitated is an important way of protecting those you care about, saving them from dealing with a financial and administrative mess when they’re grieving. Your Will gives you a say in how you want your possessions and investments to be distributed. But, importantly, it should … Read more

Upsizing, downsizing and rightsizing: Finding the best fit

Upsizing, downsizing and rightsizing: Finding the best fit

We’ve all heard about downsizing and upsizing, but what about rightsizing? ‘Rightsizing’ is used for when you find the right fit for you. In property terms, this means a property that best suits your circumstances and lifestyle.  What is rightsizing? While upsizing and downsizing are largely focussed on the size and financial commitment of the … Read more

A rear-vision roadmap to greater retirement heights

A rear-vision roadmap to greater retirement heights

Future investment returns are unknown, but past returns are a guide for retirement.  If you’re a member of a superannuation fund, for all intents and purposes you’re a long-term investor. After all, most of us will be receiving regular compulsory Superannuation Guarantee contributions from an employer for at least 40 years, assuming we start work … Read more

From clutter to cash

From clutter to cash

Have you ever looked around your place and wondered how much cash is sitting in those old clothes you never wear, gadgets you never use or other items just gathering dust? Turns out, you might be sitting on a small fortune without even realising it. In fact, according to a report by online sales portal … Read more

Weighing up the Age Pension and the assets test

Weighing up the Age Pension and the assets test

Why having less super isn’t necessarily a financial sweet spot for retirees. Millions of Australians aged 67 and over have just received an Age Pension boost as a result of the Department of Social Services lifting its fortnightly payment rates. The full Age Pension rate for singles has increased by $28.10 per fortnight to $1,144.40 … Read more

The lost super pile keeps growing

The lost super pile keeps growing

There’s almost $18 billion of unclaimed superannuation. Here’s how to find it. When it comes to accumulated retirement savings, many Australians have a strong fear of running out of money before they die. Vanguard’s 2024 How Australia Retires research released in June found that almost one in two Australians do not know whether their money will last … Read more

Save for an emergency fund

Save for an emergency fund

An emergency fund is money you save to cover urgent or unexpected costs. This could be car repairs, unexpected travel or an urgent medical bill. It provides a financial safety net so you don’t have to borrow money if something happens to you or your family. How much you need in an emergency fund Even … Read more

Keeping records of shares and units

Keeping records of shares and units

Records you need to keep When you sell your shares in companies or units in managed funds, most of the records you need will be given to you by the company, the fund manager or your stockbroker. These records generally include: the date of purchase the purchase amount details of any non-assessable payments made to … Read more

November 2024 Newsletter

November 2024 Newsletter

Welcome to our November newsletter In our first article, we will explore bonds. We explain what they are and how they could play a part in your investment portfolio. If retirement is not too far in the distant future, you may be considering what your retirement income options are. Here, we weigh up different retirement … Read more