Many SMSF trustees are sharpening their focus on capital protection and income generation when selecting investments. Australia’s self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) segment is leaning to cash in light of concerns around current economic conditions. The 2023 Vanguard/Investment Trends SMSF Investor Report, based on a survey of more...
Claiming income protection insurance while suffering from a mental health issue can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be, writes Helen Baker. I’ve helped many clients access their income protection insurance for mental health reasons – people who are going through divorce, post-divorce, widowed, employment issues...
Some Australians found lockdown an opportunity to get better about saving money, but holding on to those habits takes work. With Australia’s economy poised for reopening, it’s important that consumers don’t lose those good budgeting habits they picked up during the pandemic. According to Schroders Global Investor...
If you are saving for a long-term goal like a home deposit, it can feel like you have to miss out on things such as travel to keep your savings on track. That’s not necessarily the case, it is possible to have a fantastic holiday...
The true environmental impact and sustainability of EVs continues to be questioned, so is it ‘greenwashing’? Here’s a comprehensive breakdown. If electric vehicles depend on unsustainable batteries and electricity for charging, are they really any more eco-friendly than a petrol or diesel car? Environmentalists lobby for the transition to...
As the end of financial year fast approaches, here are three main factors to keep in mind. By being prepared, particularly with your admin, having an awareness of what you can claim and considering any capital losses or gains, you will be well positioned to...
Getting more money into superannuation is a proven way of building wealth to spend in retirement. Ongoing contributions from your employer over the course of your working life, and potentially extra contributions made by you, can make a huge difference to your super balance over the...
The ATO’s investments hit list for this financial year, and four tips to get prepared for lodging you income tax return. Around this time each year, the Australian Tax Office (ATO) advises taxpayers what’s in its sights as it begins to prepare for the upcoming tax...
These days, most people hold some form of life insurance in their super account. While this is a welcome safety net, the level of cover held this way is often inadequate. A Rice Warner study back in 2020 found that life cover within superannuation only met...
Commonwealth Bank has reported that the total balance in savings accounts and term deposits has actually risen by 5 percent over January to July 2020. Total household income grew by 11 percent a year between January and August 21 2020. While wages haven’t increased significantly, government benefits...
He is also an accomplished presenter and educator
Co-authoring the popular investment book, Property vs Shares.