Month: April 2024

Many women will need to do more to build up their super balances by the time they retire.  There’s a plethora of data showing women, on average, earn less than males and have lower superannuation balances. The federal government’s Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) released its latest gender pay gap update on 27 February, revealing … Read more

When and how you can access your super to start an account-based pension. If our working years can be regarded as the time when we aim to build up our superannuation savings, our retirement years can equally be regarded as the time when we aim to spend them. At least that’s the objective for most … Read more

Understand the rules, costs and risks of setting up an self-managed super fund (SMSF) to invest in residential property. Self-managed super fund property rules You can only buy property through your SMSF if you comply with the rules. The property must: meet the ‘sole purpose test’ of solely providing retirement benefits to fund members not … Read more

With ample time left before 30 June, now could be a good time to catch up on super. The early part of each year is often a good time to review your investing strategy for the calendar year ahead and beyond. And, with less than six months to go before 30 June, it’s also a … Read more

Key points: There are varying tenure types that can impact your rights over a property in a village Make sure to understand all the costs and fees that are associated with taking a placement in a retirement village Legislation and regulations differ depending on the State or Territory you live in Generally, the deciding factor … Read more

Here are some factors to consider before you join finances with a partner.  While you’ve likely imagined what a future with your partner looks like, you may not have considered the financial implications of that future. Think: careers, kids, caring for aging parents, and even where you want to live and travel to. In reality, … Read more

Land banking is a real estate investment scheme that involves buying large blocks of undeveloped land. These schemes are often unregulated and there’s little protection if something goes wrong. In a land banking scheme, property developers usually buy land, divide it into smaller blocks and offer it to investors. As an investor, you either buy … Read more

Consolidating your super means moving all your super into one account. It makes your super easier to manage, and saves on fees. Before you consolidate, pick the best super fund for you. You can transfer your super for free in a few simple steps. If you’re ready to consolidate your super now, go straight to … Read more

During the past couple of years property investors have been less active as interest rate rises began eating into their profits. However, as 2024 begins, it’s clear more investors are returning to the real estate market. According to the ABS lending indicators report for October, new loan commitments for investors increased by 5% in one … Read more

2024 is very much a story of how quickly and how sharply rates will start coming down. Around the world, just like in 2023, financial markets, investors, and borrowers are firmly focused on what will happen to official interest rates. But unlike last year, when rates were on the way up, 2024 is very much … Read more

Living longer means more life to enjoy. If you’re retired, or planning to retire, here are some ways to help make your money go the distance. Claim your government entitlements You may be eligible for government benefits such as: Age Pension Pensioner concessions Health care benefits Tax offsets See Age Pension and government benefits. Keep working, … Read more

Key points: Scientists have found that working memory can be disrupted as early as people enter middle age In 2024, it is estimated there are more than 421,000 Australians living with all forms of dementia More than two-thirds of aged care residents have moderate to severe cognitive impairment Scientists have reported a global breakthrough in brain research through … Read more