Negative gearing – smart strategy or risky business? Property is always a hot topic of conversation whether it’s on the news media or at backyard barbeques, everyone seems to be talking property prices.  Fuelling the conversation is the news that property prices in Melbourne and

What financial records do I need to keep? Ever feel like you’re drowning in a sea of paper? Tame the paperwork today and reap the rewards tomorrow. Life can be complicated enough without all the administrative paperwork that often accompanies it. This is particularly true when i

How to cope with losing independence If you or a loved one is experiencing a loss of independence, you may be able to maintain a sense of control. Few, if any of us, look forward to losing independence. In fact, research reveals that 75% of older people feared losing independence whil

Changes to the assets test have come into effect as of 1 January 2017 and could impact anyone who qualifies for the age pension. If you are currently 65 years of age or more, you must undergo an income test and an assets test in order to determine whether you are eligible to receive a

How super contributions caps work One of the most tax-effective ways to boost your retirement savings is to put additional money into your super – and once you know how the caps on super contributions work, you can take advantage of the available tax concessions. This makes sense as,

Why insurance is important – real benefits for you and your family Insurance is all about protecting what you have now and what you need to have in the event of the unexpected. As you travel through life, the protection you need is likely to change.  The key to selecting the right ins

Market Update United States US equities rose over the month with the S&P 500 recording a gain of 1.9%, achieving a new all-time high, as did the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which surpassed 20,000 for the first time. The market continued to react positively to the plans of newly

What do the Superannuation changes means for you? With changes due to become superannuation law, see what you should be aware of and what it could mean for your future goals. The government’s May 2016 Federal Budget proposals and several subsequent modifications to its plans around su

7 tips for enjoying a financially stress free Christmas It can be hard to manage and keep track of your expenses when Christmas is creeping closer and closer and we are all trying to juggle end of year parties and get-togethers with family and friends. Here is a seven step plan to hel

US Election: Outcome and Implications For the second time in 2016, the global geo-political landscape has shifted dramatically with the election of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States. The victory by Donald Trump looks to have been much more comfortable than almost