Australian SharesThe December quarter was dominated by falling commodity prices and the impact of this on the Australian economy.Equity Market PerformanceIn terms of equity market performance, resource companies were sell targets with the ASX resource sector dropping 13 per cent over the quarter.Despite dramatic falls in resources the overall Australian equity market still managed to deliver a reasonable gain of 2.94 per cent as investors chased .....
Read more

Should investors be worried about a global equity market correction?The global market has performed well since the GFC, and investors worry that at some point the party must come to an end.In many developed markets, equities have produced solid returns since March 2009, which was the bottom of the market crash during the GFC. This rally can be justified in part, by an improvement in company earnings during the economic recovery. But it was also f.....
Read more

Australia has had a good run, so what is next? Australia has had a good run, with 24 years of uninterrupted growth and only a few rough patches. So are we due for a recession? Or will we glide past the end of the mining investment boom with only a period of subpar growth? The economy has benefited a great deal from mining over the past decade, notably through investment in the construction and expansion of mines, and growing resource exports. Unf.....
Read more

Quality of life is a key factor in deciding when to retire.At the same time, however, it is important not to forget about the financial considerations as well.Choosing when to retire is a very personal and sometimes difficult decision that everyone in the workforce will have to make. It is the kind of decision that will have lasting effects on a person’s future lifestyle, so should be thought out carefully and strategically.But what time is the r.....
Read more

Death benefit pensions above transfer balance capInformation released in the ATO’s Practical Compliance Guideline 2017/6 has clarified much confusion surrounding superannuation reforms and the commutation of a death benefit income stream made before 1 July 2017.When an individual dies, their superannuation and remaining superannuation interests are to be cashed to their beneficiaries or legal representative by their superannuation provider. This .....
Read more

Does your Mortgage have a 3 in front of it ?SPRING MORTGAGE OFFERIf your mortgage doesn’t have a 3 in front of it you should contact us – We have owner occupied loans available from 3.63% (Comparison rate 3.7%). Loans must be greater than $500K.
Read more

Keeping your SMSF compliant while overseas Travelling overseas for an extended period is an exciting adventure. What isn’t so exciting is the prospect of breaking compliance law's relating to your SMSF while enjoying your trip. There are specific conditions that must be met to deem the self-managed super fund ATO compliant. They are as follows: Fund recognised as an Australian fund The SMSF will be recognised as an Australian super fund provided .....
Read more

Biggest reforms in over a decade The biggest super reforms in over a decade commenced from 1 July 2017. Although many of the reforms have restricted super contributions, there have been some positive developments. Here are four changes designed to assist individuals in growing their nest egg: Flexibility for personal super contributions Before 1 July 2017, an individual (mainly self-employed) could only claim a personal super contribution deducti.....
Read more

Estate planning essentialsPlanning your estate is an important part of managing your financial affairs. It allows you to pass on your assets to intended people in your life while minimising adverse tax implications.When planning your estate, consider the following:Having a valid, up-to-date WillFirst and foremost, individuals should have a valid and up-to-date Will. A Will sets out who you wish to receive your assets upon your death, provides fun.....
Read more