Time to invest
The sudden interest in interest-only loans
January 31st, 2018
We put interest-only loans under the spotlight to explain the why, when and how this type of loan can be useful. You may be aware that interest-only loans came under the scrutiny of banking watchdog APRA early in 2017. In a bid to take the heat out of the property market and protect consumer interests, […]
Self-managed super – are you protected?
January 31st, 2018
Self-managed super funds (SMSF) have risen in popularity during recent decades as a growing number of Australians opt for greater control over their superannuation, and how it’s invested. However, while SMSFs can offer more direct control over investment strategy, asset selection and portfolio management than some managed superannuation funds, they are not without risks and […]
The dangers of “buy now, pay later”
January 30th, 2018
A raft of “buy now, pay later” options like Afterpay and zipPay are giving consumers the opportunity to take their purchases home immediately, and pay them off over time. But, there are downsides that shoppers must be aware of. Late fees can be costly Afterpay allows shoppers to link purchases to their debit or credit […]
Money for jam – How additional super contributions can make a difference to your retirement
January 30th, 2018
The Australian federal government is increasing its efforts to encourage Australians to save for their retirement, amid growing reliance on the public purse for welfare support, including the Age Pension. According to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), the average super balance at retirement at December 2015, was $292,500 for men, $138,150 for […]
Everyday fees you should not be paying, and how to avoid them
January 30th, 2018
When it comes to saving money it pays to sweat the small stuff. A raft of everyday banking fees could be gouging a hole in your finances. It pays to get serious about bank fees. We explain what to watch out for to put valuable cash back in your pocket each year. Fees can start […]
Downsizing – new government scheme to increase housing turnover
January 30th, 2018
Written by Andrew Jewell. There is a growing number of empty nesters in Australia – households in which children have left the family home (yes, most do leave eventually), leaving parents to reside in a large multi-bedroom home, or even acreage, that their lifestyle often no longer demands. In recent times, empty nester homes have […]
Retirement planning – the importance of a super strategy
October 20th, 2017
In Australia, a person can retire at any age. However, it’s less a question of when and more a question of how – that being, how to fund your retirement. There’s no single approach to retirement and accumulating earnings to fund the desired retirement lifestyle. While some people plan their retirement with investments including a […]
How to save money on food and reduce waste
October 18th, 2017
How to save money on food and reduce waste This is crazy. One in two Australian households say they have no cash to spare at the end of each month – yet we collectively toss out up to $10 billion in food each year. That makes it time to embrace ways to save money on […]