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The latest in tax, business, finance and planning - explained in plain English, by people who work with it every day.

Pulse checking your finances

Your financial health is key to the health of your wellbeing, relationships, work and home life. It’s important to have a regular checkup of your financial position to ensure you’re

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Get 2024/25 off to a great start

The beginning of the financial year is a great opportunity to review your financial situation, to make sure you’re on track and on top of changes happening across tax and

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Do you know your Total Superannuation Balance (TSB)? You should!

The Total Superannuation Balance (TSB) was a significant change introduced as part of the Government’s superannuation reform package in 2017. However, unlike other changes, such as the pension transfer balance cap, the TSB has generally been overlooked despite its broad implications. Read more.

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Federal Budget

The 2024 Federal Budget provides cost of living relief through 1 July tax cuts, lower power bills, higher welfare payments and support for small businesses. Read the full budget summary to find out what it means for you.

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Why should I see a financial planner?

According to recent research, over two and half million Australians say they intend to seek help from a financial adviser over the next two years. The pandemic has been a major catalyst, with 44% saying the COVID-19 situation had increased their likelihood of seeking advice.
If you’ve ever wondered what a financial adviser could do for you, here’s a brief introduction

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Your 7-point retirement planning checklist

Your 7-point retirement planning checklist
While there’s no set age or rulebook to retire, you’ll want to make sure your health and finances support you during this transition. Taking into consideration the type of lifestyle you would like to lead will act as a clear indication for how much money you need to set aside or have access to.

Here are some of the aspects to consider

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at home office laptop
What you can claim when working from home

If you’re among the many who are now working from home, you’ve probably realised that having the right home-office set is essential – but it does come at a cost. With the end of the financial year fast approaching, here is an overview of the items you may be able to claim in your tax return.

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Budgeting tips for students
Budgeting tips for students

Surviving on a student budget isn’t easy, but it can be done. Whether you’re studying remotely this year, or returning to campus, we’ve gathered some tips to help you manage your finances.

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Understanding insurance ebook
Insurance through super

Purchasing Life Insurance, Income Protection, and Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance through super maybe tax-effective and also provide you with peace of mind.

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Federal Budget 2025

How could the proposals impact you and your finances? March 2025 This year’s Federal Budget provides cost of living relief through tax cuts, lower power bills, reduced co-payment for medicines

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Contributions, when are they made?

Thanks to the evolving rules and additional tests, the world of superannuation contributions continues to be a source of confusion, resulting in misunderstandings and genuine errors. Whether it’s the work

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How women can future proof their wealth

Planning for retirement is a daunting task but it’s too important not to think about, especially for women. There are small steps women can take today to protect and grow their finances for the future.

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Getting smart about savings

Saving money doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Some people are wired to save – for others it takes a bit more discipline. But developing good savings habits can do so much for both your financial wellbeing and your future security. These 7 tips could see you start to change your ways.

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How much super should you have at your age?

Your super balance will most likely play a big part in how comfortably you live in retirement. See the average super balance for your age group, so you can get an idea of how your super savings compare. Reach out to us if you need advice.

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50/30/20 budgeting strategy

The 50/30/20 budgeting strategy approach enables you to manage your money without making too many sacrifices. It helps you to divvy up your take-home pay into three main areas – needs, wants and savings.
Read more to see if this strategy is right for you –

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Five constraints on medium term investment returns

There are 5 megatrends suggesting higher medium term inflation pressures and lower economic growth than pre-pandemic: a move away from economic rationalist policies; the reversal of globalisation; rising geopolitical tensions; climate change and decarbonisation; and slowing and aging populations. Learn more.

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Boosting confidence in retirement

Do you know how much you can ‘safely’ spend in retirement? This article introduces a retirement income model that can help you calculate the spending level your savings can safely support with a degree of confidence.

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Help your retirement funds last the distance

Retirement is a time that many Australians eagerly anticipate. Learn about key strategies to help boost and preserve your retirement savings, to help you achieve longterm financial security throughout your golden years.

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Elder financial abuse

Elder financial abuse can happen to anyone at any time. Learn how to recognise the signs and equip yourself with the knowledge to minimise the risk of it happening to you.

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The 2023-24 Budget

The budget this year is expected to return to a surplus of $4b thanks to a continuing revenue windfall. Key measures include cost of living support, more spending on aged care and a move to slow NDIS growth. Read the full budget summary to find out what it means for you.

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Getting smart about savings

Saving money doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Some people are wired to save – for others it takes a bit more discipline; but developing good savings habits can do so

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How do share markets work?

Curious about how share markets work?
Do you want to learn more about shares – what they are and how they work?
Get started on your journey to smart investing today – read more

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The RBA hikes rates by another 0.25% – are we there yet?

The RBA hiked again by 0.25% taking the cash rate to 3.35%. In justifying another hike, the RBA noted inflation is at its highest since 1990, the labour market remains tight, wages growth is expected to pick up and its “priority is to return inflation to (the 2-3%) target”.

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Understanding reverse mortgages

Reverse mortgages are home mortgages that work in the opposite way to a normal home mortgage. Check out our latest article to learn more about how it can work for you.

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Are you on track with your finances?

Whatever stage you’re at in life, there are things you can be doing to get on top of your finances to create a better tomorrow. Try these tips aligned to the age and stage of life.

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man, woman and young girl shopping in grocery store with a shopping cart
How to deal with rising inflation

With the rising inflation, Australians are looking for ways to reduce daily expenses and increase their income. In this article we look at some of the best ways that you can offset inflation.

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How to Save for Retirement in your 40s

Retirement can start to feel closer when you’re in your 40s. Fortunately, there’s still plenty of time to make decisions that could have a positive impact on your future financial wellbeing. Find out how.

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Teaching your kids to spend wisely

There are many reasons we fall into the trap of overspending. One reason is we get bombarded with very effective advertising on social media where data scientists and algorithms seem to know what we will be tempted by before we do.
Perhaps we are emotional spenders and buy things because it feels good. Maybe we’re trying to keep up with the Joneses, or perhaps we lose track of how much we’re spending when we pay with plastic or we never set up a budget in the first place. Whatever the reason, the temptation to overspend is real and powerful. Which is why it’s crucial to teach kids to be smart with money, particularly how to spend wisely.

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The RBA starts raising rates

For the first time since November 2010, the RBA has raised its official cash rate – from 0.1% taking it to 0.35%. This was above market expectations for a 0.15% hike and a bit closer to our expectation for a 0.4% move suggesting that the RBA appears to have partly accepted the argument that it had to do something decisive in order to signal its resolve to get inflation back down.

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The 2022 Australian Federal election and investors

The relatively modest difference in economic policies between the Coalition and Labor suggests minimal impact on investment markets if there is a change of government at the forthcoming election. But what happens if neither the Coalition or Labor win enough seats to govern?

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The 2022 – 2023 Federal Budget: What it means for you

The Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has handed down the 2022 Federal Budget. As widely expected, the government announced measures aimed at addressing the rising cost of living, including cash payments, a cut to the fuel excise and tax breaks. Check out the key points here.

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What happens to superannuation when you break up?

Depending on the situation, you might get some of your ex partner’s super, or they may get some of yours. See what you need to know.
A divorce from your husband or wife, or a separation from your de facto, could mean a division of your assets and debts, whether they’re held individually or together, and superannuation is no exception.

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Why being responsible can be rewarding

The days when ‘green’ investors were the ones who cycled to see their adviser and carried home their investment brochures in a hemp bag are long gone (if they ever existed). Responsible Investing is now the preferred approach for a growing number of investors.

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Share market Falls: What investors need to consider

You’ve probably heard a lot about share market falls in recent weeks but what does that mean for you and your investments?
Being more engaged with your super investments could help you make the most if the time you have to grow your wealth for retirement – and navigate share market falls.

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older couple looking at laptop reading article on consolidating superannuation
Here’s why you need to consolidate your super now

New super rules introduced recently mean employees are now ‘stapled’ to their existing superannuation fund, unless they choose otherwise. That’s why it’s more important than ever to consolidate your super and take control of your retirement savings. Here’s what you need to know.

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Budget smarter with the 50/20/30 rule 

Looking at your spending in a new light could make a substantial difference to your financial future. The 50/20/30 budget rule works for one main reason – it’s easy. See how the 50/20/30 rule can help you budget smarter.

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The escalation in Ukraine tensions – implications for investors

The last few days have seen a sharp escalation in the situation between Russia and Ukraine, with Russia recognising the independence of two regions in the Donbas area of eastern Ukraine controlled by Russian separatists and ordering Russian “peacekeeping” troops into the regions. At this stage it’s unclear how big the force will be, whether it will push beyond the areas controlled by the separatists and, if so, how far. Although President Putin continues to deny plans to invade Ukraine, his comments suggest a move into the areas of Donetsk and Luhansk in the Donbas that the rebels do not yet control. As a result, share markets have fallen further with US and global shares falling just below their January lows and Australian shares also under pressure, although so far they have held up a bit better.

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a man concerned about his financial position
How to reduce financial stress

Reducing financial stress The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare recently released a report covering the impacts of COVID-19 on Australians during the first year of the pandemic. The report highlights that many

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Should you merge your finances with your partner?

As a relationship naturally progresses, you might start to plan to move in or purchase a property together. Combining your money can be done in stages and can evolve as your relationship does. To learn more about how to navigate this transition, read on.

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Christmas Gifts that won’t break the Budget

Rather than splurging on perfume, appliances or watches for Christmas, why not try opting for more creative and thoughtful gifts that don’t break the bank. Here are some ways you can spoil your loved ones without maxing out your credit card.

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Being a smart Santa with your gift budget

The act of giving to loved ones is dear to many around Christmas time. However, it’s important not to entangle your good intentions with overspending that could create financial pressure in the new year. Here are some tips on how to shop smarter this Christmas.

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5 steps to better financial goals

Everyone has financial goals. Maybe you want to pay off your mortgage early, stop relying on your credit cards, or go on an amazing overseas holiday (once we’re allowed to

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