Retirement is a major milestone in life, representing the end of years of hard work and dedication. It’s a time to enjoy the freedom to pursue your passions and interests without being tied to a work schedule. However, to make the most of your retirement years, careful planning and consideration is key, particularly when it…
Planning for retirement is a daunting task but it’s too important not to think about – especially for women. Fortunately, there are some small steps women can take today to protect and grow their finances for the future. It’s probably no surprise to hear that Australian women often retire with less money saved up than…
A new financial year can bring a chance to reset and focus on your investment goals. For many, a new year brings new beginnings and a chance to reset and focus on what matters most. So, a new financial year is a well-timed opportunity for some to reflect on the year that’s been and renew…
If you are feeling a bit like the meat in the sandwich you are not alone. The ‘sandwich generation’ is a growing social phenomenon that impacts people from all walks of life, describing those at a stage of their lives where they are caring for their offspring as well as their elderly parents. The phenomenon…
Having a legally valid will can go a long way to avoiding disputes over the division of your assets. What did the artist Picasso, musicians Bob Marley and Aretha Franklin, and billionaire entrepreneur Howard Hughes have in common? You would be correct if you think they had amassed large fortunes before their deaths. But another…
Maximising super contributions for your spouse is a smart financial move that can benefit both your partner and your family’s long-term financial security. By actively contributing to your spouse’s super account, you not only help them build a more substantial retirement nest egg, but also enjoy potential tax benefits in the process. However, it’s essential…
The money you pay as a lump sum for your residential aged care room will be refunded to your estate – so what do you need to know about when and how your money is refunded? Accommodation payments (called Refundable Accommodation Deposits – RADs for short) are one of the most misunderstood areas of residential…
Financial markets can be like finely tuned racehorses, poised to gallop ahead under ideal conditions but often highly reactive to unexpected events. It’s often said that the markets love certainty. Investors feel more confident when economic conditions are stable and predictable. But certainty in financial conditions is never a sure thing. Uncertainty is always just…
As the end of financial year gets closer, some investors are thinking about the most effective ways to boost their super balance, particularly with an increase in the caps on contributions from 1 July. The concessional contributions cap, which is the maximum in before-tax contributions you can add to your super each year without paying…
We all think things will turn out better for ‘us’ than ‘them’. Such optimism can serve us well in life, but when it comes to money, balancing bias with facts is a much safer option. When it comes to your retirement, there are four main risks that can impact your income: As you don’t know…