If I got sick and couldn’t work for 4 years my family would…
a) rely on help from other family members b) rely on help from the government c) survive on one income or my wife/husband would go back to work or; d) sell the family home to raise some cash This was the difficult situation faced by a client our our practice some years ago. A reality … Continue reading If I got sick and couldn’t work for 4 years my family would…
Life Insurance – Do the Insurers Really Pay?
In 2012 life insurance claims paid by insurers in Australia totalled $4.4billion. I'm pretty sure that those who received life insurance payments weren't expecting to make a claim. None of us do. But consider what would happen to you or your family if you were to suffer cancer, heart attack a major accident or even … Continue reading Life Insurance – Do the Insurers Really Pay?
Budget 2013 Summary – As it Happens
Given all the leaks and pre budget announcements around superannuation there was not a lot of big news. Last year was all about a "budget surplus", this year it is all about " jobs and growth". Key takeouts include: The budget is in an $19.4bn deficit and a budget surplus now put on hold until … Continue reading Budget 2013 Summary – As it Happens
Worried about Retirement? Here is How a Great Adviser Can Help
When planning for retirement there are some typical problems for most people: Don't know how long they have to work for Not sure what lifestyle they can afford to lead on an ongoing basis Stressed because the future in uncertain, they don't know, they're living week to week and panicked that they may have left … Continue reading Worried about Retirement? Here is How a Great Adviser Can Help
Shorten announces Superannuation Changes
Bill Shorten has this morning announced Labor's Superannuation changes. The measures include: - Introduction of council of superannuation custodians to assess future changes - Changes are prospective not retrospective - Tax free of earnings in the fund remain up to $100,000 pa - future earnings above $100k from 1 July 2014 will be taxed at … Continue reading Shorten announces Superannuation Changes
Over 60’s to be Taxed on their Super?
There has been plenty of talk recently about what changes the government may or may not make to superannuation in the upcoming budget. Pressure is mounting on Labor to be seen as "fiscally responsible" and minimise the size of the deficit. Will there be an increase to contributions tax or earnings tax? Is is only … Continue reading Over 60’s to be Taxed on their Super?
Think of Yourself as a Business
I want to share one of the best pieces of advice I have ever been given. When it comes to your personal finances - think of yourself as a business. At least once a year, prepare a personal balance sheet - total up everything you own and everything you owe. Then look at what your … Continue reading Think of Yourself as a Business
What Do (mature) Women Want?
Now I'm not going to pretend I know the answer to that question! Tomorrow is International Women's Day 2013 so there is plenty of discussion around bridging the gender gap. Sageco who specialise in career transitions have identified what they believe mature women want: Identity: Mature women want to be valued and recognised for their work and non-work roles. … Continue reading What Do (mature) Women Want?
Is Social Media more Important than your Financial Future?
According to marketing firm ExactTarget, online Australians Spend 3.6 hours per day on social media. But how long do they spend thinking about what their retirement might hold? Nowhere near as long if the latest Superannuation Sentiment Index Study from Mercer is anything to go by. I am particularly concerned with the finding that "two … Continue reading Is Social Media more Important than your Financial Future?