Are You and Your Partner Money Compatible? Money can be one of the biggest sources of tension in a relationship. One person might want to save every dollar, while the other believes you work hard to enjoy your money. Neither approach is necessarily right or wrong. But when two people […]
Should you downsize to boost your super? Pros, cons, and tax implications The idea of downsizing can be very appealing to empty-nesters. There will be less cleaning, gardening and maintenance, more time for hobbies and travel, and the icing on the cake comes if you can use the cash surplus you […]
Frequently asked questions about super If the ins and outs of superannuation leave you confused, the answers to these frequently asked questions will help you understand the basics. How much do I need to retire? According to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), a couple requires savings of $690,000 if they wish […]
The retirement rescue plan (Part 2) Not ready for retirement? You’re not alone. An Australian National University survey found that 56% of respondents were concerned about finishing work. If thinking of retirement leaves you feeling more insecure than excited, perhaps your retirement strategy needs rescuing. These easy steps will get […]
Transition to retirement pensions: A step-by-step guide As you progress towards retirement age, the idea of reducing your working hours can be appealing, especially if you can do it without reducing your income. Fortunately, there is a way to do this. It’s called a Transition to Retirement Income Stream (TTRIS), […]
Help! I’m not ready to retire If you don’t feel prepared for retirement, you’re not alone. Retirement preparedness doesn’t just mean having enough money to leave work but includes emotional challenges like your sense of self and what your future might look like. Set yourself up for a rewarding retirement […]
How many bank accounts should you really have There’s no such thing as a perfect number of bank accounts that will suit everyone. But there are good reasons for avoiding the extremes of having only one account struggling to cover all your needs and goals, or on the other hand, having a […]
Blended families and money: How to protect assets fairly About one in 10 families in Australia is a blended or step family, according to census data, and this trend has increased in recent years. Blended families can work well, but it’s best to aim to avoid any potential problems with the division of money and other assets. These may occur […]
Financial red flags when entering a new relationship In the exhilarating early days of a new personal relationship, it can be easy to overlook warning signs that you and your prospective partner may be financially incompatible. This may lead to future stress and legal risk. It’s not a question of always being […]
Income protection insurance: Is it still worth the premiums? Income protection insurance is a financial tool that’s essential for some people, ‘nice to have’ for others, and possibly quite unnecessary for a third group. In other words, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to whether the premium cost justifies the risk. It depends on your circumstances, […]