Make a will. A will allows you to distribute your estate according to your wishes. You can also avoid the additional costs and delays that may result if you die without a valid will. Choose your executor wisely. Your executor is responsible for ensuring the administration of your estate is dealt with in a timely…
If you’re an empty nester or retiree who owns their own home, chances are you’ve considered whether it makes sense to downsize your home. While there can be financial — and other — benefits in selling up, it’s important to consider whether it’s the right move for you. The pros Downsizing your home can be…
From 1 January 2015 the way account-based pensions will be assessed under the income test for Centrelink purposes is changing. Any account-based pension commenced on or after 1 January 2015 will be treated as a financial asset and deemed under the income test. Account-based pensions commenced prior to 1 January 2015 where the pensioner is…
Brian Parker, discusses why financial markets seem complacent about the geopolitical risks the world is facing. He explains: how there is currently an elevated level of geopolitical risk what the possible investment implications of these risks are, and why the impact on financial markets has been limited so far. Read the full report – Current-geopolitical-risks
Portfolio Specialist Kajanga Kulatunga explains why in the next few years bond yields aren’t likely to bounce back to the levels we saw in the decades before the GFC. He discusses: why investors have come to expect healthy bond yields what factors drove good bond yields for the 20 years leading up to the GFC…
In this edition of Financial Focus – Winter Edition A cost effective strategy for caring for elderly relatives The age pension in Australia: past, present and future Six financial things to organise when you retire Download Financial Focus_winter edition 2014
Superannuation contributions can be divided into two types — concessional (before-tax) and non-concessional (after-tax). Each type of super contribution is subject to a contributions cap. A contributions cap sets a limit on the amount of contributions you can make in any one year. For the 2013/2014 year, there are 2 concessional contributions caps you need…
In recent times, we have had more clients enquire about an SMSF to purchase property and other investments An SMSF is not always appropriate, as there are additional ASIC/ATO responsibilities and costs. However, some of the potential benefits and issues of an SMSF include: • More flexible investment choices, including direct shares and real property…
Brian Parker, Head of the Portfolio Specialists Group at MLC, reviews events in markets during June. Among the topics he discusses are: why central banks’ actions remain critical for financial markets how monetary policy generally remains very loose, with very low interest rates creating a positive environment for share markets whether Australia’s exports and non-mining…
Today is the day to: stop, take stock and tackle your finances head on. Is it always tomorrow, next week, next month or next year that you’re going to get your finances in order? It’s important to get on track as soon as possible. Here are some important things to take into consideration. Prepare for…