Global markets and your investments

There has been a lot going on in global markets over recent months. It would be wise, and prudent, to keep on top of these global risk factors and their impact on your investments. It can be quite difficult to keep up with what is happening and understand what this means for your investments. Initially

Understanding concessional contributions caps

A concessional contributions cap is the amount you can pay (tax effectively) into your super in any given year. About concessional contributions caps Concessional contributions include the compulsory 9.5% super payments made by your employer, any additional super payments made by your employer (above 9.5%) and any additional payments you salary sacrifice from your salary.

SMSFs and buying property

We will often get enquiries from people asking if it would be a good idea to use their superannuation to invest in property. There certainly is a growing trend for people to set up SMSFs for the purpose of buying a property. If you are considering doing this, we would recommend that you equip

Thinking about a Self Managed Super Fund?

A Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF) is a way of saving for your retirement. They work in a similar way to all other superannuation funds, abiding by the same superannuation and income tax laws. The big difference with a SMSF is that as a member of the fund you are also a Trustee, which means

Greece and the effect on Australian superannuation returns

The events in Greece over the past few weeks have been building like a pressure cooker for many years now. Greece’s failure to meet the International Monetary Fund repayment of 1.6 Billion Euros last week was expected given the recent discussions in Europe, and the calling by the Greek Prime Minister of a national referendum

Interest rates will rise at some point

It would be easy, with the long period of low interest rates that we have experienced, to forget that interest rates will rise at some point in the future. The key to being properly prepared is to be aware that an interest rate rise can occur, and to think through what would happen in your particular circumstance if this did happen.

Are you getting close to retirement age?

If you are within three to five years of retirement it is a good time to review your investment strategy. When you are working, your investment strategy will focus on accumulating and growing wealth in a tax effective manner, and your investment time horizon is generally quite long. As you enter retirement the focus shifts

Boost your super by 30 June!

The 4 things you can do before the end of the financial year to get the most benefit from superannuation laws and to maximise your retirement wealth.

Be prepared for tax time!

The end of the financial year is coming, and so too is that one thing everybody dreads doing – their tax return. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your tax return.